Stock wheel width? Tire size questions..

[arveetek]

I'm wanting to upgrade the wheels and tires on my Tahoe. I currently have the factory 6-lug aluminum rims with 265/75R16 tires, and want to go to a slightly larger and wider tire. I'm thinking 285/75R16 should fit nicely.

Does anyone know if the stock wheels are 16x7 or 16x8? I think they might be 7" wide...

I'm leaning towards 10" wide wheels with the 285's, to give the truck a wider stance and have the tires sticking out more.

Any suggestions?

Casey

[More Power]

Casey, I believe the wheels have a 6-1/2" rim width, which is more or less standard for most of GM's 1/2 to 3/4 ton 16" wheels.

If you go wider, I'd want to stick with the same backspacing ratio as that used by the factory wheels to help maintain the steering geometry. ;)

Jim

[DmaxMaverick]

For the 285's, you'll want a 16x8, with a 4-1/2 to 4-5/8" backspace (4-5/8" optimal). A 16x10 is OK, but the sidewalls will stick out. I think they look funny. They also take more consideration with the backspacing, and may require some fender/bumper mod. Check the "truck stuff pics" link in my sig. There's some pics of my 2001 with Centerline 16x8 wheels and 285's.

[arveetek]

Here's a couple of pics of a customer's Tahoe that I think looks really awesome. It's a gasser, but I love the tire/wheel package, the stance, the fender flares, the paint scheme....etc, etc...:

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Ultimate_Tahoe_2.JPG

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Ultimate_Tahoe_1.JPG

These are probably 10" wide wheels, right? This is probably the look that you don't like, right Maverick? I actually do like the way they look.

I guess what I'm getting at is that this is look I'm going for. :D

Casey

[DmaxMaverick]

I don't think they look "bad". The ones I've seen just looked funny to me. Could have been the wheel brand. The wheels in the pics don't look bad, in any way. The do seem a bit deeper than mine, by they are a different wheel. The Centerline Extreme Duty wheels (what's on mine) have a significantly thicker disc, at over an inch, compared to the OEM PYO wheels and aftermarkets, which are 1/2" - 5/8". They should have a MFG stamp on the inside, showing the actual size and backspace, or at least a product number you can look up. It probably doesn't matter, as long as you like the look, the backspacing is right, and the tires wear well.

[arveetek]

They should have a MFG stamp on the inside, showing the actual size and backspace, or at least a product number you can look up.

Yeah, that's the problem...

I snapped the pic back this summer....haven't seen the truck since.

Maybe he'll come back in again.

Casey

[DmaxMaverick]

After looking at it again, I'm not convinced the wheels in your pics are 10". They look deeper, but the sidewalls appear like mine. Very different from the 10" wheels I've seen in person (the pics could appear different). Could be the backspace is less on those wheels, in addition to a thinner disc, creating an illusion of wider wheels. I dunno. The bottom line is it only matters to you. If you like them and they work, there's really nothing else to consider.