94 SLT Club Cab....really like the truck, but sits too low for me. Other than body or suspension lifts, I am thinking the best way to get a little bit higher ride is for me to change out the wheels, or tires, or both. Currently have 225/70/15, understand that 235/75/15 will work, but not sure what this will get me.

Cananyone tell me what they have done without lift kits, and how I can decide what wheels will fit my Dakota. I know everyone has a different lug pattern to some extent, but don't know much about how to see who has what. I am hoping to buy some used wheels, so need to know before I go so to speak.

Thanks, these are nice trucks and I am hoping to avoid the urge to sell it for something else.

 

The 225/70/15 is 27.4in tall.The 235/75/15 28.9in. So that meens it is 1.5in taller. Divide it by 2 and that gives you .75in taller than you used to be.That is better, but I would say if you could fit more go for it. Check out this site they have a calculator that will convert metric sizes into inch. http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearmetric.htm
But remember each tire sits differently. Like for example the BFGR AT and MUD 35's acculy sit 34 in. off the ground. The 33's is 32 in. So fiqure out what size you want and before you buy look at it and messure it. You will be glad you did if you can still go bigger.

 

I put some 31inch 10.5 R15 all terrain on my dakota 91 and runs fine. I know a few other guys how have done the same. The wheels then stick out the side so gives it a nice look. Get them on e-bay for a good price .

 

I put 2" lift blocks in the back and cranked the torsion bars as far as they could go up front. Then I got some wheels off a Durango and bolted them up with 30x9.5" tires. I probably could have fit 31's, and I know guys who have, but on the occasional time this thing goes offroad it's not worth the risk oftire contact for the extra 1/2" of clearance. Our wheelwells are fairly deep, but ridiculously narrow.

 

Ditto Davester, did the same on my 4x4. Raised it slightly, but tire fills the wheel well better, and doesnt rub turning.I think it rides a little better as well as looks better. Not sure if they will work on a 2 wd.

 

What is the best way to find out beforehand, what will fit without rubbing on turns, etc. Davester mentioned 31x10.5x15 which would be great, but I have a 2wd so not sure what I can do. I have found some 17" wheels from a later model Dakota. Chance these will be a better option?

 

31x10.5x15 will fit fine if your truck is 4wd, I have them on my '95, they rub very slightly only at full lock

 

31's will definetely rub on a 2wd. At this point I'd say it's time to trade up for a 4x4...

 

I just put 235/75/r15 on my 1996 Dak 2wd 5speed.. It raised it up I'd say 1.5" to 2". Looks WAY better than the 225/70/r15's I had before. Fills the wheel wells nicely.I'd post a pic but my digicam seems to hate me at the moment. It it a bit smoother ride over bumps, but the main thing I have noticed is that on windy days on the highway it feels a little squirrley. Also when the steering wheel is at its stop every now and then they will scrub. They don't scrub all the time just every once and a while and not harshly. Overall I wouldn't worry, i think it has been a BIG improvement.

 

I had 30x9.5x15 on my 95' 4x4 and they fit perfectly. No rubbing ever, even fully loaded. When it came time for replacements I couldn't afford the 31's I wanted so I went back to stock size 215's. Man it feels like I'm getting into and out of a mini cooper this thing is so low. Waiting for a good sale on the 31's so I can have my Truck back again...LOL.

I'm not sure how different the front suspension is from 2wd to 4wd (besides the obvious missing differnetial) but I can't imagine that the 30's would be too tall. Stick to the 9.5 width and you should be ok. Anyone else agree with that?