Tire/Wheel/lift question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

unreconstructed1 · 12-21-2010, 09:45 PM

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?

Redcap · 12-21-2010, 10:08 PM

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

**Stocker** · 12-21-2010, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcap

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

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.

unreconstructed1 · 12-21-2010, 11:21 PM

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

Wildstreak · 12-22-2010, 01:39 AM

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...

unreconstructed1 · 12-22-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildstreak

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...

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.

Wildstreak · 12-22-2010, 11:31 PM

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

**Stocker** · 12-23-2010, 12:50 AM

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?

**special-K** · 12-23-2010, 08:12 AM

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.

Altec · 12-23-2010, 03:06 PM

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

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.

swamp rat · 12-23-2010, 05:02 PM

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

**Stocker** · 12-23-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp rat

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

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

Altec · 12-23-2010, 07:13 PM

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

MTCK · 12-23-2010, 08:37 PM

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.

unreconstructed1 · 12-23-2010, 11:40 PM

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

Redcap · 12-24-2010, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unreconstructed1

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

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

swamp rat · 12-24-2010, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unreconstructed1

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

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

95 S_Trucker · 12-24-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp rat

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

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

MTCK · 12-24-2010, 02:48 PM

Yeah but if he gets a 67-72, problem(s) solved!
Posted via Mobile Device

unreconstructed1 · 12-24-2010, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTCK

Yeah but if he gets a 67-72, problem(s) solved!
Posted via Mobile Device

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.

**special-K** · 12-24-2010, 10:33 PM

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

swamp rat · 12-24-2010, 11:10 PM

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

12-21-2010, 09:45 PM	#1
unreconstructed1 nec absolutum Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 223	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? __________________ "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."~ Thomas Jefferson 1967 GMC C1500 LWB 250/3 on the tree- 1969 Chevy C/10 SWB 350/TH350 1996 Chevy Silverado LWB 350/4L60E 1997 Chevy K2500 350/4L80E

12-21-2010, 10:08 PM	#2
Redcap Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lewis County, WA Posts: 1,523	Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question. I would use a 10 inch wide wheel with those and definitely a suspension lift. Body lifts suck.

12-21-2010, 11:21 PM	#4
unreconstructed1 nec absolutum Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 223	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. __________________ "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."~ Thomas Jefferson 1967 GMC C1500 LWB 250/3 on the tree- 1969 Chevy C/10 SWB 350/TH350 1996 Chevy Silverado LWB 350/4L60E 1997 Chevy K2500 350/4L80E

12-22-2010, 01:39 AM	#5
Wildstreak "something witty here" Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salmo, B.C, Canada Posts: 966	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... __________________ 57 chevy 4x4 70 swb fleetside 4x4 68 burb 2wd: 71 burb 2wd: 350 4spd 71 lwb fleetside 4x4: 350/sm465/205/3.07 eaton posi rear 72 lwb fleetside Cheyenne 454/th400 1991 GMC V3500 CC 4x4 Last edited by Wildstreak; 12-22-2010 at 01:41 AM.

12-22-2010, 11:31 PM	#7
Wildstreak "something witty here" Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salmo, B.C, Canada Posts: 966	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??? __________________ 57 chevy 4x4 70 swb fleetside 4x4 68 burb 2wd: 71 burb 2wd: 350 4spd 71 lwb fleetside 4x4: 350/sm465/205/3.07 eaton posi rear 72 lwb fleetside Cheyenne 454/th400 1991 GMC V3500 CC 4x4 Last edited by Wildstreak; 12-22-2010 at 11:50 PM.

12-23-2010, 12:50 AM	#8
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,722	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? __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

12-23-2010, 08:12 AM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	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. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-23-2010, 03:06 PM	#10
Altec Getcha Pull Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: MD Posts: 691	Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question. I like 10" wheels for 12.5's. Easy to fit, and don't wear funny. 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. __________________ '81 K10 454/SM465 '86 S10 Blazer '95 H-D Softail '96 Integra

12-23-2010, 05:02 PM	#11
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	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 __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's Last edited by swamp rat; 12-23-2010 at 11:10 PM.

12-23-2010, 07:13 PM	#13
Altec Getcha Pull Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: MD Posts: 691	Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question. Proper wheel width for a 12.5 tires is 8"-10". Same for 315/75's. __________________ '81 K10 454/SM465 '86 S10 Blazer '95 H-D Softail '96 Integra

12-23-2010, 08:37 PM	#14
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	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. __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

12-23-2010, 11:40 PM	#15
unreconstructed1 nec absolutum Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 223	Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question. Well, I guess I'll be saving up the 1500 dollars for a suspension lift... __________________ "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."~ Thomas Jefferson 1967 GMC C1500 LWB 250/3 on the tree- 1969 Chevy C/10 SWB 350/TH350 1996 Chevy Silverado LWB 350/4L60E 1997 Chevy K2500 350/4L80E

12-24-2010, 02:48 PM	#19
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question. Yeah but if he gets a 67-72, problem(s) solved! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

12-24-2010, 10:33 PM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	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. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-24-2010, 11:10 PM	#22
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Tire/Wheel/lift question. Woops sorry guys, sometimes that happens when ya read a thread thru the course of a couple days. __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's



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