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.