Tire sizing

[bspence997]

Hello all, I have a 98 suburban 2500 4×4 that's stock. I am going to put a 2-3" suspension kit on and need to figure out what size tire will fit. I've been cruising Facebook looking for tire deals. Will 35/12.50's be too large? Should I go with 285's?

I'm no mechanic and know very little about vehicles other than how to run them into the ground.

Thanks

 

[Scooterwrench]

Just keep in mind the larger the tire,the more load they put on the engine unless you drop the gear ratio. Then there is tire clearance issues. I think you'll be alright with 35's height wise but the 12-1/2" width may rub when making turns. I'm sure there is someone here that has run that combo that will weigh in.

 

[RichLo]

2-3" suspension lift means t-bar crank and blocks. Plenty of debate about that in here as it is so I wont get into that. Just know that you'll be going through ball joints every 10k miles, you'll lose off-road capabilities, and you'll have a rougher ride than you have now on the street.

As for tires, 35x12.5 will definitely rub without trimming. 33x12.5 would be close if you like wide tires, 35x10.5 or 9.5 would be close if you like tall tires.

 

[GreenZ98]

I've ran 35x12.50s on oem wheels for years on both my 98 and 06 with the t-bars up about 3/4s and the edge of the plastic valence trimmed. It will scrub on the t-bar and frame slightly when at full lock in reverse. Aftermarket wheels that are wider or have offset probably aren't gonna work out. Other than a hit in mpg and slight ride quality decrease no issues. Never had any accelerated front end wear problems like some seem to experience even with both being at 300k miles. 285s are a good option to, a 285/75 would probably be just right.

 

[Keeper]

What gears do you have? GT4 (3.73) or GT5 (4.10)?

If it's a torsion bar crank kit and stock wheels, 285/75r16 on stock wheels is the biggest tire to run imo. Ride height on tire is at 32" and width is just over 11". My experience is also increased wear on ball joints from the crank, but they will fit with no crank also, although with a bit of rubbing.

The 255/85r16 is also doable with no crank, 33"x10" but precious few options in tires and rubbing at extremes.

The standard 265/75r16 is 31x10.

The 235/85r16 is a 31"x9". Not only nice for duallys, but also nice for those of us who like tires with a high tight look.

The 12.5 wide options in the 33-35" range are pushing the stock 16x6.5 rim, but seem to hold up according to others. They have bulging sidewalls imo. I have no experience with them as I have only put them on 16x9 rims on lifted trucks with a 3 1/2-4 lift. I would prefer something in the 35x11 range, but... I can't find a decent A/T in that size. Although, Nitto has a nice 35x11.5 in their Recon Grappler A/T but it is only a load range D, so I'm stuck with 315/75r16 at 34x12.5"

YMMV... lol

 

[bspence997]

Thanks for the replies. I don't know the gear ratio. I had a 96 sierra with a 3" body lift and 35/12.50s and they seemed fine unless tightly turning. I also had a leveled out 95 Silverado with 285s and they did well.

I'm gonna use this suburban as a hunting rig and wanted a little more clearance through mud holes so I thought a suspension kit would help. I'm not too worried about the ride quality but I don't want it to be too rough. Just looking for some insight from folks who know more about this stuff than me.

Once again, thanks for all the info!

 

[b454rat]

There’s a guy on YouTube that put 35s on stock rims on a slightly lifted Tahoe. Lifted meaning slightly cranked the t-bars…wheels the wee outta it…