Posted this on the Wheel/Tire forum but got no replies there, so I thought I'd try here...

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I've got a 98 Dodge 2500 quad cab 4x4 long bed and it's time for new shoes. It has the stock 16 by 6.5 steel wheels and a tired set of 265/75/16s. The tires are way too narrow and the truck - even though I think it's stock - sits really high. Like I have 12 inches clearance from the top of the tire to the fender openings front and back. With those skinny rims, I'm assuming there's not much more rubber I can fit.

I was looking at wheels and prices. American Racing and US wheels make some nice looking 16 x 8, 16.5 x 9.75 and 17 x 9 wheels. I'd like to run 33's or 35's for more traction and mild off-roading.

Here are the questions:

1. How much backspacing do I need to run to clear suspension components? Stock wheels seem to have about 3" backspacing but I haven't taken one off to measure yet. Aftermarket wheels run 4" to 5" backspacing. Will a 4" or 5" backspaced rim still clear?

2. How big a tire and how wide a profile can I run? I was thinking about a 12.50 x 33 or 13.50 x 35.

Trying to avoid buying everything and having it not fit.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks...Steve.



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i've got a 95 4x4 long bed and i know what your talking about how high it sits up everyone always ask me if i have a lift on it but im running 16 inch rims 9 inches wide and the tires i have are 33 285/75 hankook dynapro MT's hope this helps

 

Thanks for the information. Just two quick questions:

1. What backspacing are you running?

2. Do you get any rubbing with teh 9 in rims?

Thanks again...Steve.

 

if you have to put something extra on to get backspacing then i am running no backspacing.. and no i have no rubbing but i do have a 3 inch leveling kit

 

...how many inches from the inside rim the center of the wheel (where it sits against the drum or rotor) is. On 8 to 10 inch wide rims, most use 4 to 5 inches of backspacing.

A lot of backspacing pushes the rims in. Little backspacing pushes them out. Just wondering what you were running. If you can tell me what rims you have, I might be able to find out.

Thanks...Steve.

 

oh ok. im running 16's american racing bullet holes they are 9 inches wide

 

get a set of 315/75/16 or 33x12.5-16 and put them on a 8-9 inch rim with at least 4.5 backspace. This will be the max tire size but will look good. (the 315's are a little over an inch bigger) The dodges have a ton of clearance from the top of the tire to the fender. They just get tight between the tire and the front bumper. Especially when turning

 

16x8-4.5 inches of backspacing.

You will fit a 285/75/R16 or a 305/70/R16 with no fit issues at all and the height will fit easily and not cause you any issues off road.

A 315/75/R16 or any combo of a 35inch tire may fit but will hit the inner fenderwell and rub the control arms without a leveling kit.If you would do any off roading the hit would be worse and I would not reccomend it,but,its your truck.

 

i would recommend getting 16in rims because their is better tire size selection more sizes for 16in rims