11secondhorse

iTrader: (2)

ok so i was thinking of doing the terra grappler in 305/50/20 and decided to do the key/spacer lift and run the 305/55/20. well the rim i wanted was a 8.5" and i HAVE seen people with these exact tires on an 8.5" rim but when you look it up it says 9"+ rim when the 50 says 8.5 i know the tire is a little different when it goes up to the 33" but need to know if its safe to still run on a 8.5? the wheels i want are 20x8.5 or 20x10

viciousknid

iTrader: (8)

I chickened out of putting a 305 on my 8.5's. People have done it but there are factors that come to play that would cause them to be unsafe.
Usage, Weight of vehicle, Air Pressure. Hell probably even the offset.

Too bad they don't come in a 295.

InchUp

iTrader: (2)

Back to 20's now? Can I get you to stick with the 305/50's? You're in for a surprise with the 10-ply 305/55 tires. The simple reason for the lack of rim options for the 305/55 is because it's a stiff tire and can't be stretched to fit many narrow rims like the 6-ply 305/50.

You'll have no problems whatsoever now clearing the 305/50's. You wont have to re-gear the axles to 4.10's to bring the speedo, shift points and power back compared to your 3.73's. 32's are about the most I'd run on stock 3.73's and a pretty much stock V8. Also, you wont have to get the 10" wide rim. Your ride will be smoother, quieter and the tires will last longer provided normal care is taken (rotations, air pressure checks, rebalances ect ect) plus you wont have as much unsprung weight to carry around leading to early kidney failure from the rough ride. Gas mileage wont be as bad for two reasons: 1) the 305/50's are lighter, and 2) they're smaller in diameter. The 305/50's will be less expensive to buy as well as the 8.5" wide rim compared to 305/55 and 20x10" combo. Plus just a bit ago I remember reading from you that you didn't want much tire, if any, sticking past the fender well lips. The 10" wide wheels certainly would.

On a side note, if you touched your torsion bars, do yourself a favor and get an alignment now if you don't plan to get the new tires/wheels soon. Or if you do get the 20's and tires, get the alignment the day after.

11secondhorse

iTrader: (2)

well since we last talked ive been reading alot of threads and asking alot of questions (z71tahoe-suburban.com is awesome too!) the more trucks im seeing lifted a little with 33s the more im liking it lol. and i was like hell whats the difference, spend $1700 on 18s and terras or get 20s with 33s for like $500 more. i am leaning towards a key/spacer lift (about 2") and get 33s. then replace the shocks with something decent shortly down the road. i realized the 305/55 could possibly need a 9" and the wheels i had pretty much decided on are only 8.5/10 but ive had several people tell me they are running those exact wheels/tires and love em with no issues. i cant do 20x10, that is TOO much width. itll stick out too much and give me more rubbing issues.

11secondhorse

iTrader: (2)

if i do the keys/spacers a 32" tire would look kinda small i think

00Silverado

My friend has 305/55s on a 20x8.5 and that truck I showed you is running them on 20x8.5s too. It is possible to run them, though not recommended since it will cause uneven tire wear. You'll have to run them at a lower psi so you won't be wearing out the middle of the tread. I see people running 15.5s on 10" wide wheels, 13.5s on 7" wide wheels, etc. If you want, you can run a 285/55/20. I ran 285/75/16s and had no problems with them either Crank your bars, no need for keys unless yours are maxed already.

InchUp

iTrader: (2)

I can recognize a phase when I see one, and only because I've been through countless phases myself. With no emotions attached, my outward look at your situation can put the "awesomeness" of the lifted trucks on 33's aside. I've ridden in both scenarios you have in front of you and that's why I can back the 305/50' suggestions with full confidence that you wont be disappointed. I've ridden in the Sierra with 305/50R20 Terra Grapplers and it was a 5.3L 4wd Z71. Even though the 5.3L has plenty of 'oomph', it really did lack especially in acceleration. Much of that was due to the weight of the 20's, but are yours going to be any lighter? Maybe...but his weren't chrome. Polished aluminum. I've spent probably 10 hours of riding passenger seat in that truck, plus another hour or so of actual drive time.

On the other hand I've had upwards of 100 hours or more of passenger time and countless hours of driver time in the truck with 285/65R18 10 ply Nitto's. They get the job done for sure, hauling tree spades, pontoon boats, car trailers and occasionally pull stumps from the ground. It's definitely a work truck, and when not loaded down with something, the ride is so rough we usually get out every 2 hours on long road trips to walk around. It's just the nature of the beast when it comes to E-rated tires. Just from moving from 275/65R18 BFG P-rated tires to the 285/65R18 Nitto's cost 3mpg average. The truck is down from 19mpg to about 15-16 and we count gallons per mile when hauling the tree spade.

Anyways, I really think just a torsion bar crank of an inch or so will look great with the right 20x8.5's and 305/50R20's. There's not much more I can say to try to persuade you. I've spent more time with you than I do my own customers. But hey that's what forums are for.

11secondhorse

iTrader: (2)

inchup - i totally appreciate all your help in my best interests! im just covering ALL bases before dropping 3k and wishing i did it differently. i ordered keys/spacers and dont want it to look stupid without enough tire. also ive seen the same truck with a 3" body lift and i like it, not 100% sure i want to do it but down the road who knows. it would look retarded with a 32" tire if i did the BL kit. i havent ordered wheels and tires yet because i am still researching. but i dont want it to ride like ****, i could stand a slight stiffening but if it rides as bad a lowered mustang or trans am then no way thats why i have muscle cars lol.