How Big of Tires can I Get?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

beagler · 12-14-2004, 03:51 PM

I got a 2wd 1/2 ton gmc (I know this is a 4wd board) I figured you guys could help me with my problem I'm going to be putting 1 ton springs on it so the ride height will be at 34" in the front and 34" in the back (to the top of the wheel well) I was wanting to get some 33's on it or bigger but I don't think I can so I was looking at 31's would I still have enough room left? Also could you tell me how to tell what size I could get on it. I really had my eye on some 33" Super Swamper TSL/ThornBird's REALLY REALLY wanted some 35's but I'm thinking I'll have to settle for 31's

hopefully I don't have to go smaller

. Also what kind of shocks would you guys recommed? I was looking at some skjacker nitro shocks. I was told that I could get a bigger lift with air shocks but would that also make it ride rougher? I want nice stuff I plan on haveing the truck for awhile and possibley for life

so I want quality parts. Money isn't really a Issue it just puts a damper on how soon I get them.

vtblazer · 12-14-2004, 06:07 PM

Leaf or coil springs?
If leafs just install a lift.
33's fit a stock 4x4 without any lift if on 8" or less width rims w/4" back spacing.
If you can get your 2wd up to the same bumper height as a 4x4 33's should be fine. If you "really-really" want to run 35's consider a body lift.

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-14-2004, 06:25 PM

Randy70C-10 had 31s on his 1/2 ton GMC. You could probably get 32s on 8" wide rims to fit.

beagler · 12-14-2004, 06:32 PM

okay thanks guys. also what is the ride height for a 4wd? anyone on here ever done a 2wd to 4wd conversion? if so what kind of parts would I be needed what snags did yall run into? I think my wheels are 9.5 not sure though.

vtblazer · 12-14-2004, 06:48 PM

Best way to get a 4-wheel drive is to just get a 4-wheel drive.
There's lots of frames out there.
It's been discussed quite a bit, use the search and you might find a thread about it.
Is your truck a lwb or a swb?

beagler · 12-14-2004, 07:46 PM

Yeah I would really like to buy a 4wd but money won't premit that for a long time to come so I thought I might convert my frame. I didn't really want to have to do a frame swap but I guess I could try. but that comes to the problem trying to find a frame close to me cause I don't want to pay for the delivery

Prerunner1982 · 12-15-2004, 06:02 PM

ok.. i run 32x11.50s on 8" wide rims.. on a "stock" (just HD coils on front) 82 1/2 ton.

as far as lift kits are concerned, they are just lift coils, control arms and spacers.. rear is just blocks or springs..

lift coils cause wearing issues on tires and tierods/ball joints.

nobody currently makes a lift spindle for anything older than 88. AIM use to, but we all know to stay away from them..

if you want bigger tires you can hack your fenders or run "glass flares.. though i havent found anyone who make flared bedsides for a longbed.. only short and blazers.

beagler · 12-15-2004, 06:23 PM

Prerunner 1982 what is your ride height? to the wheel top of the wheel well? Your coils are just aftermarket half tons? I know about the spacers and everything but I thought like you said that they cause more wear I just wanted enough to get some 31's on it which the way you talk I could easyly do with those 1 ton coils. thanks to all who have replyed.

8t5Silverado · 12-15-2004, 07:37 PM

I've got Moog Heavy Duty coils in front and I could easily run 31's (maybe even 32's).

My truck also came with HD rear springs, so it pretty much sits level now.

Prerunner1982 · 12-16-2004, 12:28 PM

ground to fender = just shy of 34"

granted.. very few tires are really the size they say they are.

beagler · 12-16-2004, 02:17 PM

okay sweet thanks guys. Mine will be sitting 34" front and back so I can deffinatly get the 31's on it and still have some room.

kamikazegmc · 12-17-2004, 05:38 AM

i was wondering how does your truck ride?

beagler · 12-17-2004, 10:40 AM

who's? mine? It rides great cept when you get a load in it but that cause it needs new shocks all the way around it. but those are in the near future.

Prerunner1982 · 12-17-2004, 11:20 AM

mine rides real nice, the extra side wall give a bit of cusion...

*1FaastC10* · 12-17-2004, 05:08 PM

Thornturds are gay. the only reason they still make them is because of the showtruck crowd. they arent good in any type of terrain.

beagler · 12-17-2004, 06:57 PM

I'm not going for a off-road truck so those should be fine for me then? what would you reccomend?

Prerunner1982 · 12-18-2004, 05:54 PM

if not going to see off road, any general all terrain tire should be fine, the more agressive it is, the quicker it will usually wear.

beagler · 12-18-2004, 08:24 PM

yeah I know that I just liked the look of those tires and I figured sense I aint doing any off rodin with the they be okay. Now I just gotta get me some cash flow so I can buy them lol

*1FaastC10* · 12-18-2004, 09:57 PM

guess i should've worded that a lil different. they arent good on any type of terrain, or paved surface.

beagler · 12-20-2004, 09:08 AM

A buddy got them on his trucka dn they do fine on the pavement. but It don't matter because those are what I want so I'll most likely be buying them considering I'm schelling out the cash.

*1FaastC10* · 12-20-2004, 04:56 PM

you are correct, it is your money, spend it as you wish. i'd almost put money on it that in 6 months you'll be saying "damn, i wish i would've listened"

beagler · 12-21-2004, 05:07 PM

Do you have a suggestion on what I should buy? I understand that they aren't good but I'm not goin for traction I just want the look. If you ahve a better suggestion as to what I should buy then please let me know. a buddy has thornbirds on his truck and they seem to do fine. If there is a better tire for the same price or cheaper then yet again please let me know.

*1FaastC10* · 12-21-2004, 09:36 PM

BFG Mud Terrains, or just about any radial mud terrain type tire. the Thornbirds are bias ply, and a much softer compound. they will wear about 4x as fast as a mud terrain. a few that come to mind are Bridgestont Deuller M/Ts, Dunlop Radial Mud Rovers, and Kuhmo Venture M/Ts. i have not heard a whole lot good about Pro Comp tires, although they do periodically run a "buy 3 get 1 free" deal.

12-14-2004, 03:51 PM	#1
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	How Big of Tires can I Get?? I got a 2wd 1/2 ton gmc (I know this is a 4wd board) I figured you guys could help me with my problem I'm going to be putting 1 ton springs on it so the ride height will be at 34" in the front and 34" in the back (to the top of the wheel well) I was wanting to get some 33's on it or bigger but I don't think I can so I was looking at 31's would I still have enough room left? Also could you tell me how to tell what size I could get on it. I really had my eye on some 33" Super Swamper TSL/ThornBird's REALLY REALLY wanted some 35's but I'm thinking I'll have to settle for 31's hopefully I don't have to go smaller . Also what kind of shocks would you guys recommed? I was looking at some skjacker nitro shocks. I was told that I could get a bigger lift with air shocks but would that also make it ride rougher? I want nice stuff I plan on haveing the truck for awhile and possibley for life so I want quality parts. Money isn't really a Issue it just puts a damper on how soon I get them. __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-14-2004, 06:25 PM	#3
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Randy70C-10 had 31s on his 1/2 ton GMC. You could probably get 32s on 8" wide rims to fit. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

12-14-2004, 06:32 PM	#4
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	okay thanks guys. also what is the ride height for a 4wd? anyone on here ever done a 2wd to 4wd conversion? if so what kind of parts would I be needed what snags did yall run into? I think my wheels are 9.5 not sure though. __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-14-2004, 07:46 PM	#6
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	Yeah I would really like to buy a 4wd but money won't premit that for a long time to come so I thought I might convert my frame. I didn't really want to have to do a frame swap but I guess I could try. but that comes to the problem trying to find a frame close to me cause I don't want to pay for the delivery __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-15-2004, 06:02 PM	#7
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	ok.. i run 32x11.50s on 8" wide rims.. on a "stock" (just HD coils on front) 82 1/2 ton. as far as lift kits are concerned, they are just lift coils, control arms and spacers.. rear is just blocks or springs.. lift coils cause wearing issues on tires and tierods/ball joints. nobody currently makes a lift spindle for anything older than 88. AIM use to, but we all know to stay away from them.. if you want bigger tires you can hack your fenders or run "glass flares.. though i havent found anyone who make flared bedsides for a longbed.. only short and blazers. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

12-14-2004, 06:07 PM	#2
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Leaf or coil springs? If leafs just install a lift. 33's fit a stock 4x4 without any lift if on 8" or less width rims w/4" back spacing. If you can get your 2wd up to the same bumper height as a 4x4 33's should be fine. If you "really-really" want to run 35's consider a body lift.

12-14-2004, 06:48 PM	#5
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Best way to get a 4-wheel drive is to just get a 4-wheel drive. There's lots of frames out there. It's been discussed quite a bit, use the search and you might find a thread about it. Is your truck a lwb or a swb?

12-15-2004, 06:23 PM	#8
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	Prerunner 1982 what is your ride height? to the wheel top of the wheel well? Your coils are just aftermarket half tons? I know about the spacers and everything but I thought like you said that they cause more wear I just wanted enough to get some 31's on it which the way you talk I could easyly do with those 1 ton coils. thanks to all who have replyed. __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-15-2004, 07:37 PM	#9
8t5Silverado Mudslides 'r my specialty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: STL Posts: 1,106	I've got Moog Heavy Duty coils in front and I could easily run 31's (maybe even 32's). My truck also came with HD rear springs, so it pretty much sits level now. __________________ Always on the lookout for old cars and parts...(20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/500339

12-16-2004, 12:28 PM	#10
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	ground to fender = just shy of 34" granted.. very few tires are really the size they say they are. Attached Images __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

12-16-2004, 02:17 PM	#11
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	okay sweet thanks guys. Mine will be sitting 34" front and back so I can deffinatly get the 31's on it and still have some room. __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-17-2004, 05:38 AM	#12
kamikazegmc Registered Smarta$$ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: vancouver, wa Posts: 214	i was wondering how does your truck ride? __________________ 63 GMC custom going to be slammed

12-17-2004, 10:40 AM	#13
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	who's? mine? It rides great cept when you get a load in it but that cause it needs new shocks all the way around it. but those are in the near future. __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-17-2004, 11:20 AM	#14
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	mine rides real nice, the extra side wall give a bit of cusion...

12-17-2004, 05:08 PM	#15
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	Thornturds are gay. the only reason they still make them is because of the showtruck crowd. they arent good in any type of terrain.



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12-17-2004, 06:57 PM	#16
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	I'm not going for a off-road truck so those should be fine for me then? what would you reccomend? __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-18-2004, 05:54 PM	#17
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	if not going to see off road, any general all terrain tire should be fine, the more agressive it is, the quicker it will usually wear.

12-18-2004, 08:24 PM	#18
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	yeah I know that I just liked the look of those tires and I figured sense I aint doing any off rodin with the they be okay. Now I just gotta get me some cash flow so I can buy them lol __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-18-2004, 09:57 PM	#19
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	guess i should've worded that a lil different. they arent good on any type of terrain, or paved surface.

12-20-2004, 09:08 AM	#20
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	A buddy got them on his trucka dn they do fine on the pavement. but It don't matter because those are what I want so I'll most likely be buying them considering I'm schelling out the cash. __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-20-2004, 04:56 PM	#21
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	you are correct, it is your money, spend it as you wish. i'd almost put money on it that in 6 months you'll be saying "damn, i wish i would've listened"

12-21-2004, 05:07 PM	#22
beagler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 190	Do you have a suggestion on what I should buy? I understand that they aren't good but I'm not goin for traction I just want the look. If you ahve a better suggestion as to what I should buy then please let me know. a buddy has thornbirds on his truck and they seem to do fine. If there is a better tire for the same price or cheaper then yet again please let me know. __________________ '71 GMC 350 bored, cam'd, straight pipes LOOKING FOR A 4x4 redz 1970 K5 "Time has stopped for our classic trucks, and as such maintain nostalgia and simplicity of the vehicles and of an era passed."

12-21-2004, 09:36 PM	#23
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	BFG Mud Terrains, or just about any radial mud terrain type tire. the Thornbirds are bias ply, and a much softer compound. they will wear about 4x as fast as a mud terrain. a few that come to mind are Bridgestont Deuller M/Ts, Dunlop Radial Mud Rovers, and Kuhmo Venture M/Ts. i have not heard a whole lot good about Pro Comp tires, although they do periodically run a "buy 3 get 1 free" deal.

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