285s on factory wheels on an 03 GMC?

[SparkyTX]

I know the tire question has been beat to death. And everyone has an opinion, but I have a specific question that searching did not answer.

After my last offroad trip and pulling someone out of a trail, I tore my stock 245s up pretty good (chunks out of the tread). When I replace the tires, I would like to go with 265s or even 285s to improve the look of the truck and provide offroad performance without severely compromising towing capabilities. But I also like my factory wheels. Add in the deep front air dam/trim styling on the GMC's and I am concerned.

Can I run 285s on factory wheels under an 03 GMC without too much cranking on the torsion bars? Does anyone have this setup with pics? If so, how many turns did you have to apply? Is there any rubbing?

TIA!

[SparkyTX]

All thte talk about puny tires and NO ONE on here is running this setup?!?

[blowinsmoke]

Sparky - I run 265 BFG AT KO on the stock rims.. -I also pull a 32ft 5er so I didn't want to push it but there are a few on here running 285's.. I felt happier about 265's - It looks better but not as chunky as I'd hoped for.. I needed function before looks though..

blwn

[jtegland]

Sparky,

Let me know if you find a 265 that doesn't call for at least a 7" wide rim in the specs. I've been looking for something bigger to put on the stock rims too, but so far everying I have been interested in calls for a wider rim in the specs.

John

[MAV]

Here's my truck with 285's on OEM wheels. No issues. Zero cranks on the bars. The tires do crown just a little because they require a minimum 7.5" wheel.
http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL227/437876/777914/31865840.jpg
http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL227/437876/777914/31865771.jpg

[billnourse]

Brian,

I had this same question so I called Michelin at their 800 number and was told that 265's were ok. I didn't ask about the 285's because I wasn't interested in that size tire anyway. I don't know about other brands either, as I was wanting the Michelins so I could get from 3042 lbs weight per tire to 3400 lbs.

If you are interested in Michelins, the 800 number is 1-800-847-3435

Regards,

Bill

[HD-Nate]

Sparky,

See

[FisHn2DMax]

Sparky TX,

I went with 285's on my 03 GMC. You can get away with 265's on stock rims, but with the 285's there's just way too much tire crowning in my opinion. I sold my factory PYO's wheels on E-bay for $400 and went with new 8" chrome rims. I did have to crank the torsions about 3 turns and do a slight air damn shave ( 1" ) on the bottom wheel well side. If you crank the torsions, make sure you do a front end alignment.

Overall, I love how the 285's look on the 03 GMC's !!! If you want to keep the factory rims, and do not want change anything, go with the 265's.

Good Luck! :D

[fredw]

i also run the 285 bfg, i have a little rub on the front mudflap turning left and crossing the sidewalk, to the garage, that is the only time, i have not raised my bars at all tongue.gif

[jtegland]

I just noticed BFG has a 275/70/16 which is less than an inch taller than the stock 245's I haven't got it yet, but it should fit real nice on a set of 16 x 8 rims.

John

[peachin]

Can I run 265's on the rear and stock tires on the front - any problem?

[DURA-MAX3]

Peachin, you can run different size tires as long as it is not a 4-wheel drive...Also your anti-lock brakes will not perform correctly because the computer has to know the tire size...