largest tires without lift ?

[unreconstructed1]

I know this has probably already been posted, but as always I can't seem to find it. I want some bigger tires on my 97 K2500, but I really don't want to spend 2 grand on a lift kit, since hopefully some time this year she'll be relegated to hauling and towing duties. I'd really like to get some 35's under there, but I really don't think they'll fit. how about a small body lift? do they negatively affect steering or hauling capacity?

[tantrumpipeline]

my 98 half ton had a torsion key and 2in rear bocl kit and 3in body lift cleared 35's fine, no handling problems other than a stiffer ride, and towing/hauling seemed no different, looked decent

[benoit454]

some guys with 1/2 tons clear 35's ON STOCK wheels though, and some need a body lift.

IMO get em and try em, if they don't work crank up your torsion bars some, don't waste money on aftermarket keys they do nothing for these trucks, then if they still don't clear get you a body lift, they have 2 inch and 3 inch.

Anytime you put on larger tires it changes your center of gravity so be aware of it.

If you tow by your bumper, then you are gonna have to leave it frame mounted 2-3 inches below the tailgate. When you raise them the brackets say for looks only do not tow, you can stand on it, but can't tow with it. If you leave it down low it'll be the same as stock, if you use a hitch, nothing changes. If you have a fifth wheel hitch yea things might not work so well. They give you metal blocks to put under the bed so it doesn't get warped or bent up if you haul a heavy load in the bed.

35's without changing your gear ratio is gonna also effect how it takes off from the line, it's gonna be slower and feel down on torque. it will however have lower rpm's on the highway, but it's gonna work harder to get them rolling and more weight to roll. A simple rear end swap and front gear change, or both front and rear gear swaps can fix this.

It's gonna throw off the speedo some I think, the old style do, not sure on the newer models though, it's gonna increase braking distance of course, and it's also gonna put a little bit more stress or strain on your drivetrain, mostly the trans, but again a gear change can minimize it. Brakes could be upgraded with better pads, rotors, or rear disc conversion.

All those things may not be huge, but they are gonna be something that it effects, mostly due to the larger tires. Just some food for thought.


IMO I'd do it and adjust driving habbits accordingly, then post pics because IMO it's gonna look awesome.

I was just looking on another site at an obs truck 88-98 with 39.5's on stock wheels with only a 3 inch body lift and crank with rear blocks. it can be done, I've seen guys with 36's and no lift except crank and block, tons with crank, block and BL, some with 37's some with 36's tons with 35's.

[unreconstructed1]

Well, I've got a frame mounted hitch, so no problems there, and I'm actually wanting to go with a 3.93 gear front and rear anyway, so no problem there. Basically, all I was worried about was the in-bed hauling capacity. I'll probably just get some 16 inch 35x10.50 tires and wheels and try it out. She's already got 32's on it, and it looked like 35's might fit, which was the reason I asked. And don't worry about the pics, I'd post new pics if all I did was change the lugnuts. That ol girl is my baby and I love to show her off anyway.
Posted via Mobile Device

[89chevsj]

i personally like 33's i know i can clear 'em and they fill out the wheel well pretty good.