What size wheels and tires

[Nynex]

Hey everyone. I'm sorry if I didn't search enough... But after reading for a couple of hours I'm still unsure of what route to go.

I have my lift parts coming in the mail. They'll consist of Markmc's front 3" lift/upper bushing, and z71 rear springs (part #15234633). As well as Markmc's wheel spacers that go to 6x5.5" stud spacing.

So I believe I am safe with 32"x11.5" tires? Should I stay at 16" rims or go to 17"?

The truck is on the beach a lot, so I'm leaning toward 16" to give me more sidewall for airing down purposes. But 17" is tempting for just the looks of a little bit bigger rim.

What width rims? What backspacing/offset?

I'd like to keep the rims as tight under the truck as possible.

Thanks!

[M_C_U_02]

Your lift should clear 32" tires, maybe very minor trimming and definitely a good call on the 6x5.5" adapters as they are gonna open up a ton of wheel options or you. There seems to be a lot more options for 17s as far as offsets and backspacing go IMO.
There is a link in wheels/tires that does talk about our stock backspace and offset:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=26

Here's a pic of 1.5" spacers with stock wheels (16x7, +50 offset, 6" backspace) and stock tires (245/70-16, 29.5"x7"). This set up lands you basically even with the wheel well.

The wheel spacer effectively moves the center hub plane over creating 7.5" of available 'backspace' at this point. HOWEVER, anything over 30.5" tall will NOT clear the upper ball joint. I'm stating this because as far as the ultimate plan of 32"x11.5" I don't think you will be able to stuff 11.5" of tread width under there and not extend past the wheel well. I think that width would require at least a 8.5-9" rim too. (Stock is 7" with 6"bs... 9" rim would probably be 2-3" out past the pic above).
Fender flares are always an option.

Anyway, if I've totally confused you, here's a link on "WHEEL BACKSPACING AND OFFSET - WHEEL ETIQUETTE":
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/wheel ... etiquette/

[navigator]

The 16" rims should allow you to air down a little more but running 17" rims will allow you to do the EXT brake upgrade to larger brake rotors etc.
I'm running 16" rims and 33's and the stock brakes seem fine though I know it wouldn't hurt to upgrade.
I also run a couple trips per year on the beach here and usually only air down to 25lbs or so and it works well. I keep the higher pressure because I don't have a compressor yet and I can drive a decent amount on the highway to air up, or even drive home in many cases.
I also tend to think about the other vehicles I drive as well.
I can swap wheels/tires with my K1500 but not my Suburban because it has larger brakes and requires 17" wheels.
I didn't have the Suburban or the K1500 when I bought the wheels for the TB and they were a good buy at the time.
All things being equal, if it were me I would likely go the route of the 17" wheels and do the brake upgrade.
All we can do is help you gather information, you'll have to figure out what works best for you.

[Nynex]

Thanks for the replies. I don't mind them sticking out past the wheel wells a little, but don't want anything crazy. So I guess an 11.5" wide tire is to much.

And I see your point on 17" rims navigator.

I was looking at HawkeyeC35's build thread. He says he's running 17"x8.5" rims with a 25mm offset and the same wheel spacers I have. As well as LT255/75 R17 tires.

Do you guys think I can go with the same size rims and tires with the lift I'm installing?

[M_C_U_02]

Yes, you are basically running the same lift.... tires are around 32x7.5". .... or if you want to go an inch wider, 265/70-17.

[Nynex]

Yes, you are basically running the same lift.... tires are around 32x7.5". .... or if you want to go an inch wider, 265/70-17.

I thought 255/75-17 are about 32x10"?

[Nynex]

I just placed this order. I hope it works out OK. The rims are 25mm offset.

[Jrgunn5150]

I have a 255/75r17 on stock wheels with front spacers only. It rubs a slight bit on the rear inner fender when it want's to.

[Nynex]

Haha... I just changed my order. I talked to a friend of mine and he talked me out of the Mud Terrains, even though I was getting a sick deal on them. I do a lot of driving on the beach, and he's experienced the mud terrains on the beach as well as the all terrains. His experience has been that the all terrains are much better on the beach, and on the road. And that's what I'll be doing.

So I went with the BF Goodrich all-terrain T/A KO2 LT265/70R-17

So a little wider and a little shorter. Better on the beach, better on the road, and should be better for my 3:42 gear ratio?

[Jrgunn5150]

I guess I'm weird, but I think Bogger's are awesome in the sand. As a matter of fact, there have been several test's done concluding two thing's, a taller, skinnier tire provides more forward traction than a shorter fatter one, and mud terrains trump all terrains in every category offroad lol.

So, what's your end goal here? 99% on Road, but offroad capable? Or the best off road rig you can build?

[Nynex]

I guess I'm weird, but I think Bogger's are awesome in the sand. As a matter of fact, there have been several test's done concluding two thing's, a taller, skinnier tire provides more forward traction than a shorter fatter one, and mud terrains trump all terrains in every category offroad lol.

Beach driving around here has nothing to do with traction and all to do with airing down, surface area, and "floating" on top of the sand. But I hear you. The tire I went with is a 1/2" shorter (so a 1/4" less on each side) and like a half an inch wider. Splitting hairs here bro.

So, what's your end goal here? 99% on Road, but offroad capable? Or the best off road rig you can build?

The truck is my daily driver, and my fishing buggy. I fish a lot, and the main goal was to get more ground clearance for the ruts on the sand. So I think I made the correct choice for what the truck will be used for. I'm happy I went with the All Terrain T/A as just recently I was driving 100 miles a day for work, and that could happen again any day.

[Jrgunn5150]

I'm familiar with beach driving lol, I'm sure you'll be happy with your AT's, most people are.