Wheel & Tire Upgrade for Laramie Sport?

[JBlakeman]

My original Michelins (265 70 R17s) are getting a little worn out and I'm looking to upsize to a larger tire. In my searches I've found little on here with people trying to upgrade thier trucks that have the Sport trim package (plastic ground effects that extend lower than the body).



I'm looking at a 31-33 inch Nitto or Mickey Thompson E-rated tire on a 17x8. 5 or 18x8. 5 American Racing ATX teflon wheel. I'm leaning towards the Nittos on 18's preferrably.



Possible Scenarios:



If I keep the stock ride height, what size combo can I go to without worrying about rubbing or taking the plastic off in a hard turn?



If I install a leveling kit (2-inch), what can I expect or can I completely install without issue?



If I go with a full suspension lift (4. 5 inch or 5 inch) would this be overkill or just fit the bill?



Suggesstion's please... .





Jon

 

[JBlakeman]

No suggestions from anyone..... I take it no one has a Sport trimmed truck with aftermarket wheels and / or tires?

 

[C. Harlan]

I have a set of 18's sitting in the back of Black Betty I have been trying to sell. . I know you can put 285's on them, and they are almost straight on the sidewall, and look good... If you are interested, I will take some pics and give you a heck of a deal to take them off my hands and clear out the bed of my truck!!!



-Chris-

 

[Dave04]

If he doesn't want the wheels. I might. Get me some pics.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Well if this turns into a craigslist ad for wheels I have some 18x8. 5" Weld Monsoons, 5. 25" backspace. I'm thinking about going ahead and putting them on my '96. I originally got them for a 2wd truck but decided they stuck out a bit far for a 2wd but would be fine on a 4x4. I have 5, the pattern on two "spin" clockwise and 3 "spin" counterclockwise:
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JBlakeman, in order to keep from totally hijacking your thread you shouldn't have rubbing with at least 295s with stock ride height if you are staying with 31-32" tires. For my '96 if I put my Welds on I am going with 285/60/18"

 

[Forrest Nearing]

keep the stock wheels, put some 285's on it

 

[jjdiesel]

285's load range E

Are there any 285's out there in a 17" with load range E?

 

[RankRam]

Yes, Toyo A/T's

 

[JBlakeman]

Amercian Racing ATX 18x8.5 ATX 3976 Wheels

Thanks for some feedback. I'm set on replacing the stock wheels. Don't really care for the Dodge stock wheels and looking for something a little bigger. The wheel I've chosen is ATX AR-3976 18x8. 5 black teflon coated with 5. 5 backspacing. Can I still fit a LT305 size tire on this wheel with no issues or is 285 my limit?



Thanks again... .



Jon

 

[TMax]

Am I the ONLY person in the world with Cooper Zeon LTZ's? I think they are the best tire I have ever had. I tried the Nittos and they were ok and the same with BFG AT's. These Coopers look awesome and they are e-rated in the size I have. I also have 20" rims which on my mega look about right. Anyone else had experience with the Zeons?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

TMax I appreciate you sharing your experience because I was kinda eyeing those tires, but had no idea if they were a good tire or not. How do they do in the handling/cornering department? What is the weight rating (in pounds) and tire pressure you run? Got some pics?

Vaughn

 

[TMax]

Vaughn,

I am afraid I am somewhat techno-ignorant and I haven't figured out how to post pictures yet. As for the tires, I really can't say enough good about them. 3195# per tire andd they are "E" rated in the 305/55/20 size that I run. They are quiet compared to other ATs I have had and they wear like iron. I have 10K on them and see no signs of wear. I also run 60lbs in the fronts and 50 in the rears. They also float better in the sand at the dunes... . at least I haven't gotten stuck pulling the TH like I did with my Nittos. I think they are a VERY solid tire and they handle superbly... as far as I can tell on a heavy truck.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Thanks TMax. Were they pretty spendy?

 

[TMax]

I think they were $10 cheaper than the Nittos. I think I spent about $260 per corner at Discount Tire.