I need to make room for 38's

[88trailblazer]

If all goes well, i'll be picking up a set of 38.5x14.50r15 TSL/SX's mounted on 15x12 Centerline wheels for $800. Not sure about the offset yet, but he thinks they are at 4".

These are the tires in question and a bad pic with the rims.


Now my K10 has what i think is a 4 inch lift (springs & blocks) with clean fenders and no body lift. It also has the ORD crossover steering on the D44. (before you say it, i have a light foot, an OX locker and cromoly axles + it's a mud truck cuz that's all we've got)

This is how the truck sits with 35x12.50r15's and 3.75 back spacing right now.

What would i have to do to fit these tires under my truck with a limited "twins on the way" budget?

1. Body lift = it had a 3 inch and i took it off cuz i hated it. Would consider the 1 inch ORD kit though.

2. Full supension lift = lots-o-money

3. Zero Rates = looks like the tie-rod would hit the leaf spring

4. Sawzall = It would REALLY hurt, but still an option. And i would have to get a different winch bumper. Would i have to cut the rear fenders too?

 

[carpeonnel]

zero rates and a sawzall. When I put my zero rates in the front I ran into the same problem with the draglink. put a 1" spacer under the steering arm and you will need to get 4" studs though for the knuckle (i think I had $50 bucks in the studs and spacer). You can find them just about everywhere online and ebay.

Why would you have to get a different front bumper? you may or may not have to trim your rears. Being you're just mudding they're probably not gonna flex enough to hit the fenders but you may have to

Nice looking rig BTW

 

[88trailblazer]

Thanks! You see why i'd hate to cut her up.

I'm thinking that it will look odd with the bumper lower than the fender if i trim the front portion of the front fenders.

With the spacer, aren't there problems with shearing studs? I had this happen already with my old 10-bolt and the raised steering arm studs.

I asked about the rear bumper because before i cut up a rust and dent free SWB bed, i'll sell it and use the money to build a flat bed.

 

[carpeonnel]

I've heard of it, but I've never seen it except with a rig that was running like a 3" spacer under the steering arm. I don't think a 1" spacer will hurt anything. Are you running crossover? I know that if you go highsteer it'll put even more stress on the knuckles and a spacer might be bad then, but maybe somebody here with more knowledge/experince can chime in

 

[carpeonnel]

as far as cutting up the fenders on your truck, just read the post I put in my sig . I think supersize75K5 said it best

 

[88trailblazer]

I didn't see that before. It's true, but knowing how i am, once i start cutting it's just going to snowball from there. Trimming here, thrimming there. Then six months later i have an empty account, a tubed/bobbed flat bed and cage and i'm sleeping on the couch for the next year.

 

[muddermilitia]

1" ORD bl, 1" zero-rates (DIY is cheaper than ORD) and some sawzall work. Also use the zero-rate to move the front axle forward, that will help with fender clearence

 

[90'K5]

Well, its an epidemic so better make sure you have a comfy couch before you begin

 

[cegusman]

1" ORD bl, 1" zero-rates (DIY is cheaper than ORD) and some sawzall work. Also use the zero-rate to move the front axle forward, that will help with fender clearence

x2 Here is my truck with 4" lift, 1" ord bl, 1" zero rates and some fender trimming with 38.5 sx's

The front I could have gotten away with less trimming and the rear was untouched other than the fang where the bumper runs.

 

[BILTIT]

This is mine with 38.5x16TSL's on 15x10 rims 4.25BS

I have 6'' susp lift.

The front tires rubbed without even going to full lock just sitting still. I trimmed and still rubbed when it flexed. I have the same 38.5x14.5 SX's now but have not put them on yet (15x10 rim though). The narrower 14.5 SX should be abit bietter than the old 16 wide TSL's but i am still skeptical.

 

[BILTIT]

Two more.

 

[BILTIT]

I hope to have the SX's on soon and could get some pics and let you know how it works out.

 

[NorCalKid]

I would get a set of zero rates or ez-inches or whatever to move the front axle forward and gain an extra inch of clearance. For the rear I would just leave it as is maybe trim the rear fang off if it rubs to much.

Here is mine 4" springs and 38.5x16x16.5" tsl's on stock h1's with liberal chopping

 

[Duntz00]

here is mine with a 6" lift and 38x12.50x15's on 15x10's

 

[88trailblazer]

Well, i just got back from buying the tires and rims. These tires have like 95% tread left on them. I don't think they've ever been offroad. I'll install them on Friday. Then i should have a better idea of what to do.

 

[88trailblazer]

Who makes a raised crossover steering arm? I want to add the zero rates and body lift, but i'll have an issue with the tie-rod. I also rather not use a spacer.

 

[Duntz00]

WFO and Sky make a raised steering arm

 

[Col_Sanders]

Nice Alex! I was looking at a set on Chucks myself but wouldnt have any way to get the damn things down here. The Blazer was full (doesnt take much) the wife would have killed me.

 

[88trailblazer]

Nice Alex! I was looking at a set on Chucks myself but wouldnt have any way to get the damn things down here. The Blazer was full (doesnt take much) the wife would have killed me.

Let me know if you find a set in my area. I could check them out or hold them for you. I actually got these from chuckstrucks

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Who makes a raised crossover steering arm? I want to add the zero rates and body lift, but i'll have an issue with the tie-rod. I also rather not use a spacer.

Yeah definetly go with the Sky raised steering arm. The spacers aren't a real good idea. I know a couple of the AZ guys had issues with shearing the studs before the tall arms came out.

As previously mentioned moving the axle forward will gain you the most clearance with suspension movement.

I have ~6" of lift and my fenders are cut mildly (to the inner fender) and i still rub my 37x12.50 on 10" wide wheels.

It's just the nature of our fenders. You HAVE to trim to fit big tires without rubbing. Just for reference I have 33x14.50 on 12" wide wheels on my crew cab with a 6" Suspension. My fenders aren't cut at all, but the lower part of the opening are all messed up from my tires rubbing. Thats with 33's driven on the street mainly. Wide tires make it even more of a challenge.

Here is my V3500

I think you are really going to have to cut some up front. If you don't you crinkle them with the tires anyway. Take your time and it will look good. Search around on here there are tons of cut fenders that look relatively stock.

Just my .02 with facts