Pondering Tire Size

[mrk5]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think ive decided on as big as i can afford and make them fit. I had originally planned to make this a dual purpose rig so I could still drive it on the street, but today I found an unmolested 91 Blazer that I bought for 2600 in almost cherry condition. So now I can go fairly extreme with my 79. Thanks again for all you guys input.

I think this is the right game plan. If you have any thoughts of wanting bigger tires, then get them now. Tires are a pretty big $$$$ investment, so you don't want to regret your decision within monthes of laying out all that cash.

You could properly set up your bumpstops to limit the amount of trimming you need. This will also increase the life of your springs. The idea is to keep them from too much negative arch. And bumpstops didn't hurt my suspension travel. I did RTI testing before and after to verify.

I ran 37" with 2.5-3" of lift for quite a while. Here's some good video to illustrate:



I even had B_to_C's 40's on my truck for a while with 2.5-3" of lift. It would have definitely required more trimming, though.

 

[buefchris]

Fenders are cheap! Cut'um and go big!

 

[Bonshee1971]

The 79 has 10 and 12 bolts now with 4.10's. Its not going to be a rockcrawler by any means. I live in the panhandle of texas, not much rock up here, lots of mud and river though. Will the 10 and 12 bolts that I have now survive some mud and occasional rock climbing(if I can find some) if I go with like 38's?

 

[obijuan]

with texas terrain and driving smart you can make them axles last. but if youve got a heavy foot and sticky rocks youll break something. but with 38s youre pressing the max of those axles. lockers will just aggravate the breakage on rocks. but with mud only, i bet youll be just fine.

 

[Mikey von]

odoa - great looking trim job. Wanna come do mine???

What did you use to trim?

My 35's with a 4" lift rub in the front on little bumps or with the wheels turned hard.

 

[NorCalKid]

When you can find 3/4 ton axles for so cheep why bother worrying about the 1/2 ton stuff. As long as you are buying wheels get some 8 lugs and get it over with.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

When you can find 3/4 ton axles for so cheep why bother worrying about the 1/2 ton stuff. As long as you are buying wheels get some 8 lugs and get it over with.

What he said.


35's = small cutting

37's = big cutting

 

[odoa3]

odoa - great looking trim job. Wanna come do mine???

What did you use to trim?

My 35's with a 4" lift rub in the front on little bumps or with the wheels turned hard.

I used an air cut off wheel. We took our time, measured, taped, redid the measurements to be sure. Then we ended up making a cardboard template to make sure both sides were the same. It was tough to make the first cut!

 

[mini_mull]

I've liked my Pro Comp Muds so far (may '07). Good manners on the street, and they'll finally get some decent offroad time as quail season is about to open. I like the siping for rain and ice and they have good voids for mud. They're pretty quiet for a mud as well. I also loved my BFG A/Ts I've ran on many vehicles, but they stink for mud.

You didn't really give too many details on what you plan to use it for. What % street, mud, trails, rocks, any towing? This all makes a huge difference.

 

[mrk5]

Then we ended up making a cardboard template to make sure both sides were the same.

Worried about someone seeing both sides of the truck at the same time?

Just teasin' ya!

 

[Bonshee1971]

I had originally planned on using it about 50% on and off(muddin, etc...). Then I picked up the 91, now I plan on using the 79 as a full time fun buggy. So now Im not real worried about cuttin it up since its not goin on the street anyway. I think I might do like you guys suggested and go with 3/4 ton axles and big tires. Was also thinking about some tube doors and front and rear winch bumpers.

 

[jonathanjay743]

mrk5 you should put your video on Youtube. It would be cool to have more K5 exposure there. When I get some video of mine I'll put mine up.

 

[mrk5]

I'll check that out, thanks! I've just been uploading them to Photobucket, but YouTube does seem to be the big place for video.

 

[odoa3]

Worried about someone seeing both sides of the truck at the same time?

Just teasin' ya!

If they hadn't been, I am sure some of my buddies would have never let me live it down. Actually, one of my goals when I started was to do all the mods right the first time, no bootie fab on my truck!

 

[NorCalKid]

sounds like a good plan. I recomend DIY for the bumpers he has some pretty sweet setups and can make whatever you want dor a reasonable price too