Smaller wheels bigger tires

[rhinoboss]

I went through this thread, and it seems I am going the opposite direction of everyone else. OEM is LT275/65R18

Originally, I was thinking of going with 15" rims for a tire of 33.4" - 275/85 R15. However, I think that might be too much of a jump
Now I am thinking, 17" rims for 255/80 R17 with a tire size of 33.1 (Edit) - I guess I would need a .5"-wheel spacer for this.

I personally like more tire than rim. I am not a tire technician, so I do not know all the ins and outs. Can anyone shed some light?

 

[rhinoboss]

Or I guess 275/70R17

 

[Gearhead SS]

I don't think 15" wheels will clear the brake calipers. 285/70R18 will fit with a 20mm offset wheel so you should be able to fit a 285/75R17 or a 275/75R17 depending on wheel offset.

 

[scotman623]

17 inch wheels will be the smallest you can fit without major modifications.. I stuck with 18 when I went aftermarket.. On the 17 inch you will need atleast a 3/8 inch spacer to clear the calipers..

 

[COTB]

I've had steelies on several 4x4s in my past. Love to see that same thing with my current truck. I know people like big wheels and lo-pro tires, but if I could get 18" steelies and 33 or 35" tires, I'd be stoked.

Any links to those steelies? Is anyone else already running them?

 

[rhinoboss]

I've had steelies on several 4x4s in my past. Love to see that same thing with my current truck. I know people like big wheels and lo-pro tires, but if I could get 18" steelies and 33 or 35" tires, I'd be stoked.

Any links to those steelies? Is anyone else already running them?

This is what I am thinking also

 

[PHXPHOTOG]

I went through this thread, and it seems I am going the opposite direction of everyone else. OEM is LT275/65R18

Originally, I was thinking of going with 15" rims for a tire of 33.4" - 275/85 R15. However, I think that might be too much of a jump
Now I am thinking, 17" rims for 255/80 R17 with a tire size of 33.1 (Edit) - I guess I would need a .5"-wheel spacer for this.

I personally like more tire than rim. I am not a tire technician, so I do not know all the ins and outs. Can anyone shed some light?

The functionality of sidewalls is very important. When off road the more sidewall the better. They protect your truck from becoming a rattle trap on washboard roads by absorbing vibration and bumps. Especially if aired down. Tire flex comes from the side walls and is necessary. Airing down to soften the sidewalls also improves traction when off road by increasing the size of the footprint of the rubber on the ground. Airing down is not always necessary but big sidewalls are if you are off road at all. Bottom line, they are part of your suspension system and good for the truck.

I saw a Trail Boss with 22 inch wheels and wide racing tires with a 2 inch sidewall. They belong on Corvettes. But some idiot thought it was a cool mod for a Trail Boss. I don't care if anyone 4wheels there truck or not. We are individuals that do what we please and that is what it's all about. But why buy a 60,000 dollar 4wd truck, cut its balls off, and say look at me, ain't I cool!

Steve

 

[Jmzvet]

Agree. I’m not ashamed to say my truck is set up to look like it could drive from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas but it spends 99% of it’s time on pavement

 

[rhinoboss]

I found these articles pretty interesting. Especially since I do a bunch of towing and just about max out the payload and towing capabilities. Also, I do find myself off road more than expected. My Duratracs are so loud now with 30k miles on them it actual hurts my ears. They are loud.

https://fourwheeltrends.com/is-it-b...ms-and-big-tires-or-big-rims-and-small-tires/

Will 35-Inch Tires Fit a Chevy Trail Boss? - Four Wheel Trends

The Chevy Trail Boss is an innovative off-road truck known for its class-leading power and toughness.

fourwheeltrends.com

 

[Gearhead SS]

I found these articles pretty interesting. Especially since I do a bunch of towing and just about max out the payload and towing capabilities. Also, I do find myself off road more than expected. My Duratracs are so loud now with 30k miles on them it actual hurts my ears. They are loud.

https://fourwheeltrends.com/is-it-b...ms-and-big-tires-or-big-rims-and-small-tires/

Will 35-Inch Tires Fit a Chevy Trail Boss? - Four Wheel Trends

The Chevy Trail Boss is an innovative off-road truck known for its class-leading power and toughness.

fourwheeltrends.com

I'm not sure what to make of that article. The author seems to be confused. He mentions the stock wheels on a Trail Boss are 15" which is way wrong. Then when you see the recommended sizes and tires, they're not even truck tires.

 

[rhinoboss]

I'm not sure what to make of that article. The author seems to be confused. He mentions the stock wheels on a Trail Boss are 15" which is way wrong. Then when you see the recommended sizes and tires, they're not even truck tires.

Yea, I noticed that. I was trying to find a place I could email the author.

 

[rhinoboss]

I found this online configuration tool which has a shop local to me.

Mickey Thompson - Classic III Black M/T Classic Series Matte Black 17x9 -12 Offset
Mickey Thompson - Baja Boss A/T LT295/70R17 (33.3")

Everywhere I look it seems I can only go down to 17" rims.

 

[COTB]

Everywhere I look it seems I can only go down to 17" rims.

That may have something to do with brake clearance. Too small, and the wheels interfere with the rotors or calipers.

Thanks for the info about the wheels.