CK5 - The Full-Size GM Off Road Community

Hi everyone, I recently bought a 2002 3500 dually and would like to put bigger skins on it. What are you guys running and how big can i safely go on the stock 16x6.5" rims?

it's got 4.10 gears and it's a 4x4 with 215/85/16's

thanks.

Ford duallies usually run 235/85R16. I wonder if the Michelin's XL 9.00R16 (~35") would be dually compatible /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

Another option is to round up some 19.5" wheels from a P30 step van (yes, some are 8-lug.) They let you go up to ~36" road tires with E load rating and beyond.

I'd say that 265/75's (31") would fit no problem, while 285/75's (32x11.5) would probably fit, might rub a small bit. 255/85's (33x10.5 or so) would probably fit as well. All of these being on the stock wheels. Wider wheels will cause rubbing. I know that on the SRW trucks guys are fitting 305's and 315's with minor trimming. What motor/trans you got?

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I'd say that 265/75's (31") would fit no problem, while 285/75's (32x11.5) would probably fit, might rub a small bit. 255/85's (33x10.5 or so) would probably fit as well. All of these being on the stock wheels. Wider wheels will cause rubbing. I know that on the SRW trucks guys are fitting 305's and 315's with minor trimming. What motor/trans you got?

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It's got an 8100/allison combo and I think that means the truck comes from the factory with 2" of body lift to clear the tall tranny. At least I can say it has a lot of room in the wheel wells. It seems like the limiting factor is the skinny rims, anybody know where I can get a good deal on some aluminum 16x8's? 33x10 would be ok i guess but i'd like 35's.

Here's a pic of my truck before I cranked up the torsion bars 1-1/2 inches:

http://www.esox.us/www/2002_3500.jpg

I doubt you could fit a 265 or 285 tire on the rear because the two duals would most likely be rubbing each other......that's typically the limiting factor on duallys without going to custom rims.

Also, if you went with 16x8 rims on the duals (most likely would have to be custom built) you would be much wider overall. Going from 16x6.5 to 16x8 would give you 3" on each side just from the rim width, plus the duals would have to be spaced further apart to keep the wider tires from rubbing. I have seen show trucks with big duals on the back and several of them had to narrow the rear axle and move spring perches to make it work and still stay within the maximum vehicle width.

I too would avoid the wider wheels and stick with 16x6.5's or maybe 16x7's. Should be pretty easy to find alloys in that size. I would try some 255/85R16's. The narrow width should fit well, and they will measure around 33". The HD's body does sit 2" higher than the LD trucks, but having dual rear tires is going to be your problem.

That's a good looking truck... Did you keep your 'charger or blazer?

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I too would avoid the wider wheels and stick with 16x6.5's or maybe 16x7's. Should be pretty easy to find alloys in that size. I would try some 255/85R16's. The narrow width should fit well, and they will measure around 33". The HD's body does sit 2" higher than the LD trucks, but having dual rear tires is going to be your problem.

That's a good looking truck... Did you keep your 'charger or blazer?

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Yea, 16x7 is what I meant not 16x8.

Sounds like I'll go with the 255/85/16's, those are what I was looking at before but I was just wondering if anyone knew of any bigger ones that would fit.

As for the old trucks, I sold the RC and traded the blaze on the 3500. I just bought a 71 cutlass convertible so i'll be busy with that for a while but I will buy another blazer, they are so fun to drive.

thanks for the help guys...

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Ford duallies usually run 235/85R16. I wonder if the Michelin's XL 9.00R16 (~35") would be dually compatible /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

Another option is to round up some 19.5" wheels from a P30 step van (yes, some are 8-lug.) They let you go up to ~36" road tires with E load rating and beyond.

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Thanks for the idea's, I hadn't even thought of going that route. It's a street hauler though so I am looking for something a little more tame than the Michelin's, and the P30 rims I think would look odd but thanks again, cool idea.

Hey Nolan, thanks for the help on the tires. Did you get the 14 bolt installed yet?

Naw, been too busy with work and school, plus the axle under the truck now is doing just fine. One of these days... About the tires, I know Cooper makes the ST and STT in the 255 size, I've run the STT's and they are a damn good tire. I think Wild Country makes something in that size too, but I'm not positive.

I run 235 85 16 Michlin's on my Burb. That is the factory size. E rated tires are skinny. That size would work fine on Dually 6.5 wide rims. It's just a hair over 31.

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and the P30 rims I think would look odd but...

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I've seen them used on a 95 K3500 dually. They were painted silver (argent?) just like the stockers, and had the stock chrome center-cap. It made the truck look like a 91-99 3500HD (1.5-ton). /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

What if he ran 4 33" skinnies like 255/85 or so and then ran 305/70s in front?