I know, I know, another tire question....

[lelske]

Im sorry to continue with this type of post, I have searched several times, but have never found this exact issue addressed....

I have a '99 silverado, extended cab-long box. It's a 4x4 with the z71 package.
I still have the stock rims, and am keeping them, however, my stock tire size was 245/75/16.

Here is my situation...my truck has never sat with the rear end up higher than the front (I bought it almost new). It has always sat almost completely level. There isnt an awful lot of room in the tire wells (it certainly doesnt look like the mid 90s style Dodge Ram 4x4s did). I would like to give the truck a little larger, higher look, but in reading the answers to some of the other threads, it seems to me that 285/75/16 could fit most of the other trucks here...however I just am not sure if that is the same answer for my situation. Im in WI, so I get a decent amount of snow in the winter, and do my share of off-roading, so I think that getting it a little higher would always be swell.

I am concerned about that size being too large....if it were, where would the problems lie? When I try to make too tight of a turn? If it were loaded down too much and somehow the tire would rub against the top of the wheel well? I dont know if torqueing (sp??) the torsion bars would do any good, as the front is already level with the rear (not to mention that I dont know how).
So any opinions you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys and gals.

[jeverett]

Well my man, there are several options here. You could just upgrade to a 265/75/16 tire, which came factory on my Z71, or if you think you have enough room, add some 285's. The 285's will be a bit wider, and can scrub the lower bumper valance sometimes, or rub the inner fenderwell at full turn, but usually you'll be ok. There is, however, a size tire that will let you get the height you're looking for, and retain the stock width. I think it's a 255/85/16. As far as cranking the torsion bars, there's nothing to it, and if you interested in doing it at all, just post up and myself, or someone will be glad to tell you how.

[kenny-1907]

Jeverett is right about the tire size , they are 255/85/16 BFG MT's (33.3" tall when new) , i have them on my 2000 silverado Ls 4x4 and they fit fine. what i like about them is that they are alot narrower than the 285's so it helps with the gas mileage a bit as well as makes driving in moderatly deep snow easier than the wider 285's as well. I did not have to crank up my torsion bars for the 255's to fit although i did to level out my truck. I think it started in 2000 where chev/gm trucks started coming with a 2" spacer block between the leaf pack and the rear differential , which makes them sit higher in the ass end. I hope this helps you out lelske