Common Lift/Tire Combo's for OBS/NBS Trucks & SUVs

[geno96Z71]

Greek,
I'm assuming your rig is a 4x4, in which case you can go with the 285/75R16's on stock rims and it should be no problem. I have 285/75R16 BFG A/T's on stock rims on my '96 Z-71 and they fill the wheel well nicely. My truck is stock height, and doesn't appear to have the torsion bars cranked. The only thing that bothers me about the setup is the backspacing on my stock rims (wheels tucked in abit too much)- gonna get some 16 x 8 589 Eagles and fix that soon.

Geno

[Greek]

Originally Posted by geno96Z71

Greek,
I'm assuming your rig is a 4x4, in which case you can go with the 285/75R16's on stock rims and it should be no problem. I have 285/75R16 BFG A/T's on stock rims on my '96 Z-71 and they fill the wheel well nicely. My truck is stock height, and doesn't appear to have the torsion bars cranked. The only thing that bothers me about the setup is the backspacing on my stock rims (wheels tucked in abit too much)- gonna get some 16 x 8 589 Eagles and fix that soon.

Geno

Hey Geno,

My truck's actually a 2WD (unfortunately) and the front sits a couple of inches lower than the rear is why I want to even it out. I've heard that 285's will be just right and I'm thinking about some 16X8's like yourself...

[geno96Z71]

Greek,
I've heard that even the 2 x 4 HD's actually sit a little higher than the regular 1500's, but I would be surprised if you could get away with 285's. I don't think you've got torsion bars on your truck (4 x 4's do though)- pretty sure it's A-arms w/ a coil spring. Fabtech 3" spindle kit is the least expensive way to get those 285's on, but you'll need 16 x 8 rims w/ 4 3/4" backspacing (stock rims won't work).

Geno

[Greek]

Originally Posted by geno96Z71

Greek,
I've heard that even the 2 x 4 HD's actually sit a little higher than the regular 1500's, but I would be surprised if you could get away with 285's. I don't think you've got torsion bars on your truck (4 x 4's do though)- pretty sure it's A-arms w/ a coil spring. Fabtech 3" spindle kit is the least expensive way to get those 285's on, but you'll need 16 x 8 rims w/ 4 3/4" backspacing (stock rims won't work).

Geno

Thanks for the info. Geno. Yes, the HD's sit a couple inches higher than the reg. 1500's but I didn't know that about the front suspension. I read somewhere though I could be wrong, that they did have torsion bars. I haven't been under my truck yet but I'm going to now to see if there are torsion bars, if not, I have to spend the cash on the spindle kit I guess, that's if I decide to keep it now, lol.

Thanks again...Jimmy

[geno96Z71]

Greek,
It cool to have a 4x4 , but in reality I don't use 4wd much (not many logging trails in South Pas) and I bought the truck for work. But it is nice to know it's there when and if I need it- and I do plan to wheel it eventually.

Fabtech's 3" spindle kit is around $400 and you have to spend another $1300+ for wheels/tires, but then you've got the look without the liabilities of a 4x4. Fabtech also has bigger 2wd lift kits if you ever feel the need to be lifted.

Geno

[Greek]

Originally Posted by geno96Z71

Greek,
It cool to have a 4x4 , but in reality I don't use 4wd much (not many logging trails in South Pas) and I bought the truck for work. But it is nice to know it's there when and if I need it- and I do plan to wheel it eventually.

Fabtech's 3" spindle kit is around $400 and you have to spend another $1300+ for wheels/tires, but then you've got the look without the liabilities of a 4x4. Fabtech also has bigger 2wd lift kits if you ever feel the need to be lifted.

Geno

I'm in Pas. pretty freq. myself but I wouldn't go there for any offroading, lol. I go hunting quite a bit and have never had the need to use 4X4 but just in case as you mentioned, it would be nice to know it's there. I've got someone possibly interested in my truck and I'm considering it. I think I'm going to list it in here as well.

Yeah, Fabtech has some really nice kits for the 2WD so if I keep it, I might go that route.

Thanks bro...Jimmy

[geno96Z71]

Greek,
What are you considering as a replacement? I would step up to a 4x4 3/** Duramax ECLB in a heartbeat if I could afford it. But I got a good deal on my rig when I bought it and it is a Vortec, so I think I can live with it and have fun souping it up too. Keep us posted on the outcome (if you get a 4x4).

Cheers,
Geno

[taz104]

Wish I would have ran across this post 3 days ago...

I just got new rims and tires @ Discount Tire and he said the biggest I could go with 3" BL was 285/75/R16...he said was 33"...staying with 16" rims. If I knew I could go 295 or 305, I would have...

Wish there was time in the day to read every post... FSC has always held a wealth of information.

Thanks to all!

[Greek]

Originally Posted by geno96Z71

Greek,
What are you considering as a replacement? I would step up to a 4x4 3/** Duramax ECLB in a heartbeat if I could afford it. But I got a good deal on my rig when I bought it and it is a Vortec, so I think I can live with it and have fun souping it up too. Keep us posted on the outcome (if you get a 4x4).

Cheers,
Geno

For a replacement I can't afford anything fancy at the moment as I'm working on my house but something decent. Maybe a 99-02 1500 5.3 4X4 or Z71 extended cab. Might have someone that wants to trade me their '00 Z71 for my truck but we'll see. I'll keep you posted...

Later...Jimmy

[Greek]

Originally Posted by taz104

Wish I would have ran across this post 3 days ago...

I just got new rims and tires @ Discount Tire and he said the biggest I could go with 3" BL was 285/75/R16...he said was 33"...staying with 16" rims. If I knew I could go 295 or 305, I would have...

Wish there was time in the day to read every post... FSC has always held a wealth of information.

Thanks to all!

Yup, offroad shop told me the same thing until I read this thread, good info. in here...

[geno96Z71]

Taz,
I just bought the same tires from Discount Tire too- saw a pile of 305/70R16 A/T's there but stuck to the 285's to save on the mpg's. But I admit that they would look better, especially with the 3" b/l. But if you really need to go bigger I'm sure you could find a buyer- the 285's are a popular size.

Greek- I like the 99-02 ECSB Z71's too- better engine (5.3), 4 doors, 4wheel disc brakes, etc. But I'm still thankful I have the truck I have- I'm sure there are plenty of guys out there who would really be happy w/ a OBS 4x4. Judging but the popularity of the OBS trucks, I'm sure I could find a taker when I decide to upgrade too.

Geno

[4.8Silv4x4]

Nice list, answered several questions immediatly.

[taz104]

Originally Posted by geno96Z71

Taz,
I just bought the same tires from Discount Tire too- saw a pile of 305/70R16 A/T's there but stuck to the 285's to save on the mpg's. But I admit that they would look better, especially with the 3" b/l. But if you really need to go bigger I'm sure you could find a buyer- the 285's are a popular size.

Yeah, but I bought rims too.... Cost about $100 to mount tires. Cost me over $900 for the rims/tires set.

Just have to wait til I need new ones...

[geno96Z71]

What kind of rims did you go with? I'm thinking about going with a set of 16 x 8 1069 Extreme alloys- any thoughts on this? Gonna be a long wait (depending on your mileage) on those BFG A/T's- they wear well.

Geno

[taz104]

Actually went with "Dominator" brand A/T 285's. Bit less expensive than BFG's....better fit in the budget. Pretty happy with them so far!!!

[geno96Z71]

Taz,
I should have figured that one out- a set of BFG A/T's on basic new aluminum rims usually will set you back at least $1200. The A/T's weren't cheap, but I can't think of any other tire that wears like it. I've already put 800 mi. on the new rubber and it still looks brand new.

Geno

[taz104]

Got it for $915 out the door. That's including the same 50k mile warranty that comes with the BFG's, which as you said would have ran a bit over $1200, plus tax...7.75% here in Cali.
The set I went with was the most bang for the buck, with the same warranty and Discount Tire guarantee. Can't beat it.

[lfindley]

I've got a 6" suspension and 315/75/16 but i want to go bigger. Should I get a body lift or is there any thing elese i could do to lift it.

[taz104]

Originally Posted by lfindley

I've got a 6" suspension and 315/75/16 but i want to go bigger. Should I get a body lift or is there any thing elese i could do to lift it.

BL is your cheapest option...takes about a weekend to do it yourself the first time if you have everything you need. Took me 3 days cause I had to get new body bushings.
Could get a bigger suspension lift if money is not a question...

[Greek]

Originally Posted by taz104

BL is your cheapest option...takes about a weekend to do it yourself the first time if you have everything you need. Took me 3 days cause I had to get new body bushings.
Could get a bigger suspension lift if money is not a question...

Would you happen to have a check list of tools needed to do this? I have a 6" Fabtech kit on the way and thinking about doing a 3" bodylift. I would be doing this probably with the help of a friend for the first time and although I'm pretty mechanically inclined, I've never done any of this kind of work before.

Thanks...