Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

a couple of quick questions:

I've got a 97 K2500, and I would like to put a set of 315/75 R16s on it. those wheels come out to 35's (34.6 to be precise) with a section width of 12.4 inches. would I use 12 inch wide wheels or 12.5s?

second question: what size lift would I need to put under my truck to accommodate those tires?

and last: would it be better to use a body lift, or a suspension lift?

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

I would use a 10 inch wide wheel with those and definitely a suspension lift. Body lifts suck.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Agreed on both counts.

I checked TireRack's recommendations on a few 315/75-16s, and they showed rim width of 8" to 10".

I would get 10" wheels.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

thanks for the quick reply guys. I wasn't really sure where to go to check the recommendations for the wheel size.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Im pretty sure that tire size is equal to a 31.5's. I just bought a set of 265/75r16 and theyre said to be that height. I also understood that a 265/85R16 was 33''.

If you want 35's youll want lift for sure, at least 4'' lift. I like all spring rather than a block in the rear...

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

the 75 isn't a measurement, it's a percentage. that's the reason that a 265/75 R16 is a 31 (the same thing I have on my trck right now) while a 315/ 75 is a 35.

it means that the wheel is 75% as tall as they are wide.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

AH I see, I think lol. I thought that 315 was the width measurement and the 75 was the side wall depth???

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

The first number (315, for instance) is the nominal section width of the tire in millimeters.

The second number is the aspect ratio; that is, the (sidewall) height-to-width ratio of the tire. If it is 75, the sidewall height is nominally 236mm (75% of 315mm).

That make sense? :)

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Is yours an 8-lug? 315/75s are 12.50/35s,6" lift is recommended for 88-98s,and 8" rims will do you best. Those trucks came with inset wheels (more offset) like front wheel drive cars. Bigger tires tend to stick out pretty far from the fenders. 4" and up lifts cost a lot on these trucks and all they do is space the suspension down off the frame...still stock suspension. I decided to go with adjusting the torsion bars up and using 285/75 Swamper SSRs and saved a couple thousand dollars. On 6-lug 1500/2500s you can change out torsion bars and get it up a good bit. I believe Rancho still makes that kit. There are also knuckle/spindle lifts made for the lighter duties.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

I like 10" wheels for 12.5's. Easy to fit, and don't wear funny.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...t/100_5987.jpg

6" lift will clear for days. 4" will clear with trimming.

Suspension lift. A lot of stuff needs to be modified with body lifts. Plus, seeing the frame sucks... I really don't know much about brands. I helped a friend install a six inch Tuff Country lift on his '06. It wasn't a bad looking kit. But it was a block lift in the back.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Just for reference don't know if it will help ya. My wheels are 16.5X9.75 Tires are 33X12.5X16.5. It does not look like the sidewalls are not to far inward at the rim

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Same size I have.... those are the correct rims for that size tire. :)

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Proper wheel width for a 12.5 tires is 8"-10". Same for 315/75's.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

As stated above, 6" lift is ideal, 8-10" rim and more backspacing than most older trucks have. If you aren't going to wheel much I think you could get by with a 4". I ran 285's on my 98 with no lift and a slight bit of rubbing at full crank. No body lift, they are a PITA. If you want to trim without the hack job look, I like bushwacker cut out flares personally.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Well, I guess I'll be saving up the 1500 dollars for a suspension lift...

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Or sell the truck and get something a little older with a straight axle, then use whatever money you have left over for improvements.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

On sale now..
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...on/166114.html

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

that kit is for a 67-72, a 97 has ifs

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Yeah but if he gets a 67-72, problem(s) solved!
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Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

well, I've got a 67 and a 69, but they're both 2WD. and selling the 97 is out of the question because I love that truck.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

I like 10" rims w/12.50 tires except with IFS GMs because they stick out a mile in the front.

Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question.
 

Woops sorry guys, sometimes that happens when ya read a thread thru the course of a couple days. :)