Tire Size?

[bullet2110]

I have a 2003 D/A Crewcab. I would like to replace the small stock tires with some real tires. Is 285 the biggest you can put on stock wheels without rubbing something? I would ike to raise the truck without changing the suspension, because it rides so good now. Can you put 17" wheels on it and still get the speedo set right?

Thanks fellas.......Mark

[RapidMax]

This whole tire size thing just really frustrates me. I think the stock 245/75's just look dinky -- I've read of them here referred to as "roller skate wheels."

When I bought my '03 CC I had every intention of upgrading to AT LEAST 285/75's. I've seen dealers selling conversions with 265/75's and heard (here) of some selling with 285/75's.

My manual specifically says that I can only replace with the same size (245/75) for warranty issues. There's also that frequently referenced service bulletin about looking at tire size before doing warranty work for a variety of issues (e.g. drivability).

I'm so torqued off. Despite thinking these are the coolest trucks around, I would have bought a different brand truck if I would have know this would be such an issue. I'm still thinking about going with 285/75's on 16x8 rims and swapping if needed, but I really hate to take the risk of voiding aspects of the warranty.

I really don't care about speedo concerns, but the warranty on a $45K truck is a big deal.

Anyway, there's LOTS of stuff on this forum posted about tire sizes (what works, what doesn't) if you search for it.

[ 02-26-2003: Message edited by: RapidMax ]</p>

[JimWilson]

285's fit just fine. AAMOF, I've seen pics from people who have put 295's on the stock rims, and with a few cable-ties pulling back parts of the wheelwell liner they were fine. Personally I think that's pushing it a little too far. 285's should be fine though.

[Barc]

You guys should consider 255/85-16 tires - they are a 33" tire and with them being narrower there is no problems with rubbing. People have been asking me when I got a new truck - all I did was put different tires on - I have some pics on my camera - I just need to set up a new place for people to see them - Picturetrail gave me the boot - If you want me to email them to you I can do that too! :cool:

[RapidMax]

I'd love to buy 255/85's. The truck would look great for less than $500. Unfortunately, they still "void" the warranty, plus they consume my stock rims so I can't easily trade back if necessary (e.g. taking into the dealer with a smoked tranny). Sure, I could buy new rims for them, but if I'm gonna do that I might as well get the 285's or maybe even BIGGER :D

[FisHn2DMax]

RapidMax,

I went with the 285's and I talked with a few different dealer GM service managers before I did it. The only warranty fear you need worry about is if the GM regional rep needs to get involved. Most service managers understand the need to put larger tires on these trucks and half of them have done it their own HD's. If you do lose a tranny, and the local service manager is specially requested to advise the GM Tech support what size tires are on it, they'll usually call you and give you the option to swap tires before they respond. They can't nor should one expect them to lie! However, they did say it's rare day that GM asks about tire size or the regional rep inspects the truck for tire size. Also keep in mind, that it is incumbent on GM to prove that the larger tires actually caused the failure. They have to honor all warranty claims, unless they can specially prove the tires size caused the failure!

Find a few good local GM Service managers, talk with them about your concerns and then go for 285's! If should need smaller tires and rims, keep your pyo OEM's around or buy some used ones when or if it's ever needed.

Good Luck :D

[TN farmer]

I have 305/70/16 tires on my stock wheels and I think they look good, but I probally will go with a different size next time. I did not have to trim the air dam because it will not make contact if you level the truck using the torsion bars. I believe 285 or 295's would fit the stock rims better and will go to one of those next time.

Barc,

I would like to see the pics you have of 255/85's on your truck. My e-mail is rthornton2002@hotmail.com