What's the biggest tire for '05 Z71 w/o lift

[fad2blk99]

Probably gets asked a lot but I can't find anything in my searches...

What's the biggest tire I can fit on my '05 1500 Z71 Crew Cab w/o any serious lift. I'll crank the torsion bars up an inch or two but that as high as I wanna lift it. I'd like to get 305/70/17s on it. Do you guys think thats possible. I'm not affraid to trim the corners of my bumper or air dam a little bit (key phrase... "a little bit").

 

[80' 427]

305 should fit but they will rub on the bumper or on the bottom back of the front fender when turning through a dip. I would put on 285 75 16s for less section width but the same height. They will rub less.

 

[kwissman]

A 305/70/17 will not clear. I have 305/70/16s on my 2000 with a 3" bl and they still rub on the inner fenders.

 

[fad2blk99]

305 should fit but they will rub on the bumper or on the bottom back of the front fender when turning through a dip. I would put on 285 75 16s for less section width but the same height. They will rub less.

I am running 17" wheels...

It's a P-I-T-A to find tires to fit 17s...
I think my only options are:
305/70s (if they fit); 295/70s; or 285/70s
Haven't found anything good in a 75 series yet...

Is anyone else running around 2" of lift w/ 33"+ size tires?

 

[fad2blk99]

Anyone else out there in a newer Chevy w/ 17" wheels and oversize tires????

 

[gmc4cw]

they will not fit. I run 305/70R16 on a 8" wide rim. I have a 3" body lift and the bars cranked. the driver side front rubs on the inner fender liner where the parking brake cable pushes it out. On stock wheels you might fit a 285 with cranking the bars.

 

[SkysTheLimit]

My dad just had some larger tires put on an 04 2500HD. I believe they're 265/70 and I'm not sure rim. probably 16. They were actually larger than what GM would allow so the dealership wouldn't re calibrate the speedo for him.

My guess is without some sort of mod, you're boned.

 

[Tabb]

Crank the torsion bars all the way up and 285's will fit. you might have to trim the inner corners of the plastic air dam on the bottom of the bumper.

 

[fad2blk99]

I didn't think I'd have trouble w/ the 285s...???...
My t-bars bars are all ready cranked out about as far as stock keys are gonna get (not sure if the previous owner did that or if that's the way '05 Z71s come). The truck sits almost completely level right now.

Do you think I'll need the Ford keys to fit 385/70/17s???

 

[Cajun4x4]

i installed shocks for a guy on GMFS with stock 17s and 305/70s with ford keys and he only rubs at full lock when he hits a bump...

 

[muddybuddy]

and 42's

theres a guy on pirate running no lift and 42's, but his is a '92 i believe.

 

[gmc4cw]

Do you think I'll need the Ford keys to fit 385/70/17s???

You are going to need a little more then ford keys to fit 385's.

the problem with cranking your bars or adding ford keys is they stiffen the ride and wear the bars out a lot quicker. You are also put the axle shafts at a higher angle. I don't like bodylifts, but they don't look that bad on the newer trucks. for $200 and a couple hours you will fit 305's and maitain a close to factory ride.

 

[gmc4cw]

this is my 2000 with 305/70R16 on an 8" wheel. I also have the bars cranked up at least 2". stock wheels are too narrow for a 305. I put a 2500 bumper on so I didn't have to have the tow hooks hanging way out or have to cut my air dam around the frame. my tires are bald but you can see how close it comes to the front airdam and the inner liner in the back. they rub when they are new and I turn all the way to the left.

 

[muddybuddy]

i installed shocks for a guy on GMFS with stock 17s and 305/70s with ford keys and he only rubs at full lock when he hits a bump...

that looks really good!!!

 

[darenofears]

can you fit 245/70 s with 16x7 wheel on an 02 blazer


and that is a nice looking truck

 

[fad2blk99]

Thanks for the help... you guys are awesome!!!

Both of those are good looking trucks! Thanks for the pics!

I think I'm gonna run 285/70/17 BFG M/Ts.

 

[fad2blk99]

You are going to need a little more then ford keys to fit 385's.

...oops ... need to work on my typing... or maybe that was just wishful thinking

I'm with ya on the 2" body lift thing... besides, there really isn't many options for a three-to-four inch suspension lift for these things.

Thanks for your input.

 

[supersize75k5]

the ride only changes do to the shock and the bump stop, all can be fixed, people even sell brackets to move the shock.

 

[gmc4cw]

a torsion bar is an uncoiled spring. cranking the bars is not the same as adding a block to leaf springs or coils. it is putting more force through the spring. the ride gets stiffer and the torsion bar will wear out faster.

 

[supersize75k5]

it may indeed be stiffer, the torsion bars bolts are a factory adjustment point, it what they are there for,


crank them and then go add some quality shocks and toss the factory ones in the trash...you will still have a better ride then before even after turning them up.