Newbie tire question

[showen04]

I recently bought a 99 GMC Sierra Z-71. I was wondering what the max tire size I could put on the truck without lifting it. Also are there any recommendations for rim manufacturer/size that will look good on my truck. I just want to make my truck look a little more aggresive without spending the big bucks to lift it. Thanks

[danochev]

I have run 265-78-16 inch on my 1995 chev 4x4. Also 285s. Could go with 10.50 x15 inch also. Most tire dealers will discuss this with you. Dont be afraid to ask questions. And request they check your tire clearance before you leave.

[ILIKECARS]

Please Believe Me.....look On The Placard On The End Of The Drivers Door. Find The Recommended Tire Size That Gm Shows On The Placard. Then Ask Your Tire Dealer What Tread Designs Are Available That Stay Within The Overall Diameter Of This Size. If You Go To A Larger Diameter Size The Performance Of Your Truck Plus The Fuel Economy Will Suffer Greatly. Do You Wanna Buy More Gas?????????? If You Have Plenty Of Money To Spend On Fuel Go As Big As Your Money Will Allow. Please Proceed With Caution..

[chevyguy]

stock tires with an agressive trad. or lift it with a suspension lift to get some clearance. the idiots on other places will toell you 305 will fit and they will if you stay in a straight line and never hit a bump.

[showen04]

can i run 285's with no lift or will there be rubbing through turns?

[2verpsters]

Yes, 285/75-16's will fit with no problems other than a little less power and a little worse MPG. I have run this size tire in BFG All-Terrains on the stock rims for both 98 and older body style trucks and the newer body style up to the change in 2007. The only thing that I didn't like is the stock rim size for this size tire. This size tire roughly translates into a 10-11 inch tread width. GM's new 16 inch rims are all 6.5 inches wide. I believe the general rule of thumb is your rim width should be within 2-3 inches of your tread width. The tires fit with no issues and I put many miles on both trucks, however, the tires tend to bow up in the middle, they don't sit flat on the rim. I didn't run the tires at full PSI, kept them around 35-40 PSI for normal driving, unless I was hauling a heavy load, and never had any wear or handling problems. Rotated them on a regular basis also. Made the trucks look great, filled up the wheel well much better than the 245 stockers. If you want my 2 cents worth, do it, you won't be disapointed.

[mudseeker]

don't always trust the tire shops to lead you in the right direction. i was looking at new rims and tires for my truck a couple weeks ago and the guy at the counter told me i could put 15 inch rims on my truck. i thanked him for his time and walked out after that comment. he also said i wouldn't need to adjust the speedo if i was to put a 285 tire on. 265 is the recommended optional tire size for this truck.

[showen04]

Thanks for the replys. I think i may put some 285s on the stockers unless I can find a good deal on some nice rims.