tire size to lift hieght ratio? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Senator350 · 02-20-2005, 02:05 PM

i'm running 6" suspension lift to clear 35" tires on my 70 k10 (converted to 1ton)

any of you guys running 44" tires might be able to help. i want to run 52" tires

but don't really know how much lift i'll need.

any suggestions???

uncle_handsome · 02-20-2005, 02:09 PM

Half the difference in diameter works out to 8.5", so I'd guess 8" minimum...

Mudder · 02-20-2005, 02:42 PM

You'll probably need a lot more than 8 inches for 52's or even 49's. I would plan on spending some very big bucks and doing things the right way if you're gonna tackle this.

LONGHAIR · 02-20-2005, 03:20 PM

To go that tall you run off of the "normal" lift range.
It takes at least 12" to run 44s and 15" is better.
52s would require so much lift that you would probably not be able to connect the front driveshaft w/o some very serious modification. Meaning either "top loader" axles or at least a divorced transfer case to get it further back and down some too.

Senator350 · 02-22-2005, 11:36 AM

i'm planning on a divorced case and to cut the differentials front and back to rotate them up for proper cv joint angles and rewelding them. i am thinking about 16" or 17"+ of lift, boiling down to 4" shackle flipped rear, 1" longer shackles and a custom 12" spring lift.

will i have to move the front shckle locations for so much spring lift?

the dovorced case is a perfect idea with the addition of a cv joint on my rear shaft i won't need to lengthen in with this lift combo.

any thoughts on a 1" body lift? i know most people are against body lifts (mee too!) but 1" will let me weld on a prerunner style step bar without cutting the body. what do you think?

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 12:11 PM

do you plan on going 4wheelin with this lift your talkin about ? and a 1 inch body lift would be ok . i also dont like body lifts either

big70chevy · 02-22-2005, 01:16 PM

I have a 12" suspension and a 3" body on mine to get it above the 44's. Since there is not a lift over 8"s offered for these year trucks you will need to have one custom made. And believe me, you are talking some serious $$$$. Even with the lift I have in my truck, I'm worrying about the tires front tires hitting once I get the big block down in it. Won't know until that day comes though. If you are very serious about the 52's, I know you can get a 16" set of springs made. Then again, there goes the pocket book. That would be the way to go though. Contact National Spring.

Good Luck!!!!!!!

Senator350 · 02-22-2005, 05:27 PM

i've got a local spring shop that handles everything from toyotas to firetrucks. i highly recomend them Watkins spring in albany new york. they can do just about what ever it takes.

i'm running a sbc with a lot of weight relocation to the bed. i don't really want to cut but if i figure out the lift wrong that's what's going to happen, maybe even tub like the dragsters do. thanks for the help guys

*1FaastC10* · 02-22-2005, 09:43 PM

if you're going with 52s. get yourself a set of rockwells. 1 ton axles may have a hard time supporting 52s, your 1/2 ton axles will laugh as you attempt to bolt the tires to their flanges, and fall apart shortly thereafter.

Senator350 · 02-23-2005, 10:28 AM

you must have missed when i wrote 70 k10 (converted to 1ton) i have a ff14bolt and 60 up front 410 copmlete 1350 HD shafts, i haven't really thought of rockwells, i know they're

but i think they are a little overkill. you don't think beefed 1ton axles will handle an extra 50 or 70 lbs of rotating mass? what do you think will be the weakness?

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-23-2005, 10:56 AM

probably not soo much as weight as the leverage caused by the taller tire. What are you going to re-gear too?

Destructo · 02-23-2005, 12:07 PM

rockwells overkill with 52s? Nah, I don't think so haha.

I imagine 14B and D60 won't live up to 52s very long even with chromemoly shafts and all that good stuff. But then again I don't build to run in the mud, I build to run in the rocks, which that truck won't be doing since it will be WAY too tall to be running any trails haha.

Senator350 · 02-23-2005, 10:52 PM

jims70gmc, i'm not going to regear. the sm465 np205 combo are enough for me, it's not seeing any highway time so i don't need any speed over 30 or 40 mphs. the small block revs high enough that i don't see a need to regear, if anything i'll dual case and clock instead of divorcing.

as far as the leverage of taller tires i think the 20" rims will allow so little backspacing that it would likely even out.

destructo, why can't i run trails with it? fear of body damage? not me!! it's a longbed so i'm all ready familiar with wheeling with limitations. and besides, i don't mind rolling my truck... right over yours!!

52" will laugh at whatever rocks your struggling to stay on top of dude!

Gyva · 02-23-2005, 11:23 PM

I run 40 inch ground hawgs with a 6 inch superlift and 3 inch body, and I got bushwacker cut out fender flares. I have a 350/350 combo and I regeared my axles (gm 10 up front and Dana 60 posi rear, ya its half 3/4 ton half 1/2 ton) anyways I regeared them to 4.56 and even with only 40 inch hawgs I wish I would have went with 5.13 or lower. My get up and go is fair and I got a brand spankin new 350 in there, in the mud (2 wheel drive) my truck still bogs down starving for more gear or power.... so to have a set of 52's with no regearing is Crazy in my book... dude go with 6.something gears....... 52 is alot of tire.....

Mike...

Super 71 · 02-23-2005, 11:25 PM

I have 24'' of lift and its not to tall for my 52s and you might whant a bigger axle than a 1 ton if you plan on going off road at all becuase you will snap them like tooth picks.Already tride that! The 52s are almost twice as heavy as a 44. 350# each. Plan on $100 a inch per axle so 18''=$3600.00 + all the other stuff your going to need.

bouncytruck · 02-24-2005, 12:40 AM

Why would you need 52" tires? Wouldn't it be better to run less lift and a lot of trimming?

Either way, I want to see pictures!

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-24-2005, 12:43 AM

Quote:

jims70gmc, i'm not going to regear. the sm465 np205 combo are enough for me, it's not seeing any highway time so i don't need any speed over 30 or 40 mphs. the small block revs high enough that i don't see a need to regear, if anything i'll dual case and clock instead of divorcing.

Reving high enough won't be the problem. I'm running SM465/NP205 w/ 35" tires and 4.56 gears and a mildly built 350. With the 4.10s you'll have your transfercase in 4 lo most of the time just to keep the engine rpms up. I just assumed you'd drop to 5.13s or lower. the 2.5 ton military axles have 6.71 gears.

72gord · 02-24-2005, 01:18 AM

I'm with Bouncy, I want to see some pictures of the 10 inch plus lifted trucks with the big rubber on them!!

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-24-2005, 02:08 AM

What tires are yopu looking to get?
Any of these?

low 84 · 02-24-2005, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator350

jims70gmc, i'm not going to regear. the sm465 np205 combo are enough for me, it's not seeing any highway time so i don't need any speed over 30 or 40 mphs. the small block revs high enough that i don't see a need to regear, if anything i'll dual case and clock instead of divorcing.

as far as the leverage of taller tires i think the 20" rims will allow so little backspacing that it would likely even out.

destructo, why can't i run trails with it? fear of body damage? not me!! it's a longbed so i'm all ready familiar with wheeling with limitations. and besides, i don't mind rolling my truck... right over yours!!

52" will laugh at whatever rocks your struggling to stay on top of dude!

you didn't own anybody but yourself. you don't have a concept of what it takes to build a rock crawler. first of all you want a low center of gravity, with as much lift as you are going to run with 52's your cog will be way too high to rockcrawl, well unless you want to end up on your roof. 52 inch tires with 4.10 gears isn't going to give you enough torque multiplication to crawl over anything worth mentioning. springs with as much lift as you want will be so stiff your truck won't flex worth a crap. most rock crawling rigs run 6 inches of lift or less with around 40 inch tires, 4.56/4.88/5.13 gear, flexy suspensions, and lots of fender trimming for clearence

what your describing building wouldn't be worth anything in the rocks. mabey in the mud but you need some hp for that

*1FaastC10* · 02-24-2005, 03:01 AM

Ryan... you just described my truck! lol 6" lift, flexy suspension. 40s, 4.56s. i havent trimmed the fenders yet, but things are looking that way. right now the build is in a holding pattern.

i'd venture to say that Chad's truck, although stock, would give the monstrosity you're talking about building a real good run for the money.

Destructo · 02-24-2005, 03:34 AM

4.10 gears, SM465, NP205, your gonna have to run in low range just on the street to move the truck! Nevermind what happens off-road!

Its gonna take that rig like a minute to get to 60mph if it will even reach 60mph.

Oh yeah, and I bet my stock suspension truck with 33x12.5" tires would probably out-wheel your truck on the trails

Super 71 · 02-24-2005, 04:08 AM

Is this truck for the rocks or the mud?

Destructo · 02-24-2005, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super 71

Is this truck for the rocks or the mud?

I think its a safe bet it aint for the rocks with the amount of lift hes talking about, lol.

*1FaastC10* · 02-24-2005, 06:15 AM

although he's talking like it will go anywhere. talk about a rude awakening.

02-20-2005, 02:05 PM	#1
Senator350 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 522	tire size to lift hieght ratio? i'm running 6" suspension lift to clear 35" tires on my 70 k10 (converted to 1ton) any of you guys running 44" tires might be able to help. i want to run 52" tires but don't really know how much lift i'll need. any suggestions??? __________________ RN U OVR

02-22-2005, 11:36 AM	#5
Senator350 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 522	i'm planning on a divorced case and to cut the differentials front and back to rotate them up for proper cv joint angles and rewelding them. i am thinking about 16" or 17"+ of lift, boiling down to 4" shackle flipped rear, 1" longer shackles and a custom 12" spring lift. will i have to move the front shckle locations for so much spring lift? the dovorced case is a perfect idea with the addition of a cv joint on my rear shaft i won't need to lengthen in with this lift combo. any thoughts on a 1" body lift? i know most people are against body lifts (mee too!) but 1" will let me weld on a prerunner style step bar without cutting the body. what do you think? __________________ RN U OVR Last edited by Senator350; 02-22-2005 at 11:38 AM.

02-22-2005, 01:16 PM	#7
big70chevy Tristan's monster truck!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Milan, IN Posts: 87	I have a 12" suspension and a 3" body on mine to get it above the 44's. Since there is not a lift over 8"s offered for these year trucks you will need to have one custom made. And believe me, you are talking some serious $$$$. Even with the lift I have in my truck, I'm worrying about the tires front tires hitting once I get the big block down in it. Won't know until that day comes though. If you are very serious about the 52's, I know you can get a 16" set of springs made. Then again, there goes the pocket book. That would be the way to go though. Contact National Spring. Good Luck!!!!!!! __________________ 1970 K20, 15" lift, 44" Boggers, 14" Weld Scorpios, 5.13 gears. 1993 K1500 ext. cab Z-71 1984 GMC C30 dump

02-22-2005, 05:27 PM	#8
Senator350 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 522	i've got a local spring shop that handles everything from toyotas to firetrucks. i highly recomend them Watkins spring in albany new york. they can do just about what ever it takes. i'm running a sbc with a lot of weight relocation to the bed. i don't really want to cut but if i figure out the lift wrong that's what's going to happen, maybe even tub like the dragsters do. thanks for the help guys __________________ RN U OVR

02-23-2005, 10:28 AM	#10
Senator350 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 522	you must have missed when i wrote 70 k10 (converted to 1ton) i have a ff14bolt and 60 up front 410 copmlete 1350 HD shafts, i haven't really thought of rockwells, i know they're but i think they are a little overkill. you don't think beefed 1ton axles will handle an extra 50 or 70 lbs of rotating mass? what do you think will be the weakness? __________________ RN U OVR

02-20-2005, 02:09 PM	#2
uncle_handsome Uncle H. is this cartoon Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mississauga, SC (I wish! lol!) Ontario Posts: 797	Half the difference in diameter works out to 8.5", so I'd guess 8" minimum...

02-20-2005, 02:42 PM	#3
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	You'll probably need a lot more than 8 inches for 52's or even 49's. I would plan on spending some very big bucks and doing things the right way if you're gonna tackle this.

02-20-2005, 03:20 PM	#4
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	To go that tall you run off of the "normal" lift range. It takes at least 12" to run 44s and 15" is better. 52s would require so much lift that you would probably not be able to connect the front driveshaft w/o some very serious modification. Meaning either "top loader" axles or at least a divorced transfer case to get it further back and down some too.

02-22-2005, 12:11 PM	#6
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	do you plan on going 4wheelin with this lift your talkin about ? and a 1 inch body lift would be ok . i also dont like body lifts either

02-22-2005, 09:43 PM	#9
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	if you're going with 52s. get yourself a set of rockwells. 1 ton axles may have a hard time supporting 52s, your 1/2 ton axles will laugh as you attempt to bolt the tires to their flanges, and fall apart shortly thereafter.

02-23-2005, 10:56 AM	#11
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	probably not soo much as weight as the leverage caused by the taller tire. What are you going to re-gear too? __________________ 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

02-23-2005, 12:07 PM	#12
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	rockwells overkill with 52s? Nah, I don't think so haha. I imagine 14B and D60 won't live up to 52s very long even with chromemoly shafts and all that good stuff. But then again I don't build to run in the mud, I build to run in the rocks, which that truck won't be doing since it will be WAY too tall to be running any trails haha. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

02-23-2005, 10:52 PM	#13
Senator350 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 522	jims70gmc, i'm not going to regear. the sm465 np205 combo are enough for me, it's not seeing any highway time so i don't need any speed over 30 or 40 mphs. the small block revs high enough that i don't see a need to regear, if anything i'll dual case and clock instead of divorcing. as far as the leverage of taller tires i think the 20" rims will allow so little backspacing that it would likely even out. destructo, why can't i run trails with it? fear of body damage? not me!! it's a longbed so i'm all ready familiar with wheeling with limitations. and besides, i don't mind rolling my truck... right over yours!! 52" will laugh at whatever rocks your struggling to stay on top of dude! __________________ RN U OVR

02-23-2005, 11:23 PM	#14
Gyva Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mountain Home Idaho Posts: 544	I run 40 inch ground hawgs with a 6 inch superlift and 3 inch body, and I got bushwacker cut out fender flares. I have a 350/350 combo and I regeared my axles (gm 10 up front and Dana 60 posi rear, ya its half 3/4 ton half 1/2 ton) anyways I regeared them to 4.56 and even with only 40 inch hawgs I wish I would have went with 5.13 or lower. My get up and go is fair and I got a brand spankin new 350 in there, in the mud (2 wheel drive) my truck still bogs down starving for more gear or power.... so to have a set of 52's with no regearing is Crazy in my book... dude go with 6.something gears....... 52 is alot of tire..... Mike...

02-23-2005, 11:25 PM	#15
Super 71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North East Indiana Posts: 49	I have 24'' of lift and its not to tall for my 52s and you might whant a bigger axle than a 1 ton if you plan on going off road at all becuase you will snap them like tooth picks.Already tride that! The 52s are almost twice as heavy as a 44. 350# each. Plan on $100 a inch per axle so 18''=$3600.00 + all the other stuff your going to need.



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02-24-2005, 12:40 AM	#16
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Why would you need 52" tires? Wouldn't it be better to run less lift and a lot of trimming? Either way, I want to see pictures! __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

02-24-2005, 01:18 AM	#18
72gord Never enough time!! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: sw Wisconsin Posts: 602	I'm with Bouncy, I want to see some pictures of the 10 inch plus lifted trucks with the big rubber on them!!

02-24-2005, 02:08 AM	#19
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	What tires are yopu looking to get? Any of these? Attached Images __________________ 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

02-24-2005, 03:01 AM	#21
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	Ryan... you just described my truck! lol 6" lift, flexy suspension. 40s, 4.56s. i havent trimmed the fenders yet, but things are looking that way. right now the build is in a holding pattern. i'd venture to say that Chad's truck, although stock, would give the monstrosity you're talking about building a real good run for the money. Last edited by 1FaastC10; 02-24-2005 at 03:16 AM.

02-24-2005, 03:34 AM	#22
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	4.10 gears, SM465, NP205, your gonna have to run in low range just on the street to move the truck! Nevermind what happens off-road! Its gonna take that rig like a minute to get to 60mph if it will even reach 60mph. Oh yeah, and I bet my stock suspension truck with 33x12.5" tires would probably out-wheel your truck on the trails __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

02-24-2005, 04:08 AM	#23
Super 71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North East Indiana Posts: 49	Is this truck for the rocks or the mud?

02-24-2005, 06:15 AM	#25
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	although he's talking like it will go anywhere. talk about a rude awakening.

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