A question for the Redneck Truck guys

29aholic · Mar 4, 2016

Without going with different wheels how big of tire can I run on my 82 4WD Chevy? It has about a 2" factory lift. I would like to run 33.5x?x? or even 35x?x?

My main reason for this is some of the bottom parts of my pasture are pretty much a bog with no real way to get around it. Plus I am a Redneck

snowman · Mar 4, 2016

29aholic,

It depends on the width of both the rim and the tire. There is a range of rim widths suitable for each tire width. It is possible to use a tire wider than recommended for one's rims, but not wise. It usually will adversely affect handling and safety to some extent. The stock rims on my F250 were 7" wide as I recall, and in order to use the 285-75s I wanted, I needed to get 8" rims(and a 285-75-16 runs from around 32-3/4" to 33-1/4" in diameter).

It looks like you have stock-width rims on yours; try to find out what the actual width is before tire shopping. I rather doubt that you will be able to use 35s with those; you MIGHT be able to use 33s(but I kind of doubt that also).

Best wishes,
Andy

P.S. I should mention that tires of a given diameter can of course vary somewhat in width also. One 33" can be narrower than another, permitting a narrower rim also. I would review the TireRack website, look at some tires you like, then check the page on each tire containing the tire's specifications. This will provide the information you need to determine what rim width you will need. Hope this helps somewhat. If you have any questions, I or someone else will be glad to help.

DWFAN · Mar 4, 2016

If I'm not mistaken tires have minimum rim size on them.

DW

29aholic · Mar 4, 2016

Andy,
Thanks. I think these stock wheels are a little wider being the "wagon Wheel" style versus the normal steel factory wheels

snowman · Mar 4, 2016

29aholic said:
Andy,
Thanks. I think these stock wheels are a little wider being the "wagon Wheel" style versus the normal steel factory wheels

In that case you might be all set, except maybe for 35s, which are pretty big tires.

There are at least a couple other factors to keep in mind. One of course is fender well clearance, especially in front where oversize tires could possibly clip the bumper or back of the well when turning. This is somewhat dependent on the lift height, as well as fender well width of course. Unfortunately I don't recall how I worked that out; I think I just eyeballed it. I have a 3" lift, and my 285-75-16s are about as large both in diameter and tread width as will comfortably clear the fender well and bumper. One thing I've seen done in these situations is to shim the bumper so as to move it forward to allow the front of the tire to clear when turning. Or one can cut off the bottom edge of the bumper which comes closest to the tire when you turn.

A second thing to keep in mind, and more so the bigger the tire, is the effect on acceleration and braking. The larger diameter the tire, the more power is needed to accelerate the truck, and the more braking power is necessary to stop it. This isn't so noticeable with a size or two larger tire, but with 35s you'll definitely notice it. It doesn't mean you can't use them, it's just something you allow for. In your case I would guess that the boggy soil would cause the engine to work a good bit harder to get through.

One more item and I'll quit for now: As I recall, generally speaking you want a wider tire in muddy/soft conditions, which is your situation. Getting through snow is my concern, and narrower tires are generally better for this.

Well, if I've made some errors, you can be sure some folks will come along and correct them. The above is just my recollection of things -but that has been 12 years ago or so.

Let us know when you arrive at a satisfactory solution.
Andy

snowman · Mar 4, 2016

I just reviewed your picture again and realized that your front fenders extend backward toward the tire beyond the bumper. Consequently my solutions involving cutting or shimming the bumper won't work in your case -scratch them.

Andy

CO_Kid · Mar 4, 2016

You also have to remember that putting bigger tires on your truck makes your speedometer show slower than you are actually going.

model70hunter · Mar 4, 2016

The most import issue from a former redneck who has put dem der big tars on Jeeps and Truck is, AXLE RATIO. You can't bend physics.

The Speedometer being off is right and so is slower acceleration and braking hampered. I have trimmed wheel wells. No biggie esp on Chey as it may already be rusting anyway.

For starters I have put 31.5's on Jeeps with a 3.73 axle ratio and used a cammed built race V-8. The extra power did not notice the tires.

I used the same tire on a 318 Dodge 4 WD and lost power.

I put 33's on a 6 cylinder Jeep and It did not have the power to do much. I gave the jeep to my son, he is going to put stock sizes back on it.

Open your glove box door, on the bottom it will give you your differential code from the factory. I read it is most likely a 3.42 or 3.73 for most 1/2 tons in 82-82.
CODES:
GQ1 -- AXLE REAR, STD RATIO
GT4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.73 RATIO
GT5 -- AXLE REAR, 4.10 RATIO
GU4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.08 RATIO
GU5 -- AXLE REAR, 3.23 RATIO
GU6 -- AXLE REAR, 3.42 RATIO
G80 -- AXLE REAR, LIMITED SLIP (POSITRACTION)

HC4 -- AXLE REAR, 4.56 RATIO

Read this one for max tire size vs differential ratio. It basically says if one has stock tires and goes to 33" tires one needs 4.10 or 4.56 axles.

Choosing The Right Ratio - Four Wheeler Magazine

Will 33's work on your truck with standard axles? Probably, is it a 305 CI Chev V-8? It will struggle. It also is rough on the tranny, sort of like starting out in 2nd gear.

With all of the stuff said I have used bigger tires and was not happy with performance but made do.

And if your truck has lots of miles the tranny might heat, slip and fail sooner.

vonn · Mar 4, 2016

In my experience the right off road tire is more important than the size. My old F150 with one size over can go places only an idiot (me) would try. Deep mud stops anything short of a mud buggy. I use Super Swampers that are true off road tires and they go all over some nasty country with no problems but they are noisy and rough on the road. Winches lead to over confidence.

model70hunter · Mar 4, 2016

vonn said:
In my experience the right off road tire is more important than the size. My old F150 with one size over can go places only an idiot (me) would try. Deep mud stops anything short of a mud buggy. I use Super Swampers that are true off road tires and they go all over some nasty country with no problems but they are noisy and rough on the road. Winches lead to over confidence.

Yes most will handle one size over with out issue. Tread pattern and width is pretty important too. I had several sets of the old Tru Track tires that had the deep u lugs. Traction was never a problem. The other thing is having a posi type rear end. One gets 3 usable tires with it.

And we always used to say a 4 WD just gets one stuck farther in the woods.

Chuck24 · Mar 4, 2016

You're gonna hafta put some drop in your curb feelers!

DoubleAdobe · Mar 4, 2016

Man, talk about some click bait title,lol. Got me like stinky old cheese wadded up on a treble hook.
You got some good advice though.

CZU · Mar 5, 2016

I ran 31.5's on my 84 chev 6 cyl 250 for years. Didn't have any problems.

29aholic · Mar 5, 2016

Thanks for the replies so far.
Some more specs, some might be repetitive
15"x8" wheels
3:08 Gears
Goodwrench 350 crate motor. Not a thumper and I have a 454 on the hook
2"-3" factory lift. I am going to add an extra leaf when I put the big block in, possibly sooner.

This truck now rarely sees asphalt other than running from farm to farm, but I don't particularly want an off road only tire.

I am also not going to be doing any what I would call aggressive off roading. No rock climbing, etc.

I am looking at 33's by 12.5
The new Wrangler MR/T's with Kevlar are looking good.

dswancutt · Mar 5, 2016

29aholic said:
Andy,
Thanks. I think these stock wheels are a little wider being the "wagon Wheel" style versus the normal steel factory wheels

Are they factory wagon wheel with the 4x4 on the rear center cap? What transmission are you running.

snowman · Mar 5, 2016

Great! Your rims are wide enough.

Aren't 454s kind of hard to find?

Andy

dswancutt · Mar 5, 2016

Factory steel with hubcaps are 15x6, factory rally's or wagon wheel are 15x8.
If it where me, I would go 31.5x15 and spring for a locker in the rear end. The mechanic who does my heavy mechanical work generally advises the farmers around here to put a locker in the rear end. I know he did that with his 84 4x4 diesel and he says it will go anywhere he wants to.
You are going to be right on the ragged edge of rubbing with 33 and a 2 lift.

29aholic · Mar 5, 2016

dswancutt said:
Factory steel with hubcaps are 15x6, factory rally's or wagon wheel are 15x8.
If it where me, I would go 31.5x15 and spring for a locker in the rear end. The mechanic who does my heavy mechanical work generally advises the farmers around here to put a locker in the rear end. I know he did that with his 84 4x4 diesel and he says it will go anywhere he wants to.
You are going to be right on the ragged edge of rubbing with 33 and a 2 lift.

This was an old farm truck and the rear end was completely toast. I had it completely rebuilt by a guy that builds rear ends for drag cars. The only original part is the housing.

I am probably going to go a tad taller on lift. Right now I am guessing at what it is, but it is at least 2"-3"

29aholic · Mar 5, 2016

snowman said:
Great! Your rims are wide enough.

Aren't 454s kind of hard to find?

Andy

Yeah normally, but I found one in an RV someone abandoned on my buddy's farm. It was running when they parked it.

I was telling a guy at the parts store I was going to replace the 350 with the 454. He asked me what I wanted for the 350, I said "what have you got?" He said "How about another 454?". Now I have two of them.

JcMack · Mar 5, 2016

I'm liken your plate in front. Best I can do is the First National without getting shot at. I wish I could afford a second truck like yours. What camo pattern will you paint it.

A question for the Redneck Truck guys

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