Hi. Newbie here. I just bought my dad's '98 2WD Dakota (ext. cab, V6) because it's been such a good truck since he's owned it (~2005) and it's the perfect size, IMO. I read the forum FAQ's and, in there, it's claimed that 31-inch tires will fit on a stock 2nd gen Dakota (stock 2WD tires are 235/75/15 which is 28.9 inch). Just wondering if anyone has (or knows of) pics of a stock 2WD with 31-inch diameter tires on it. The truck, as is, looks and runs great, but the stock rims/tires are a bit small for my taste. I like when the wheels "fill the wheel wells" so to speak. Thanks,

-Tim

 

Might try this thread....

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...and-after.html

 

Thanks. I saw a few in there that were at least close to what I want.

 

They may " fit " but they may rub at the front when you turn or hit a bump.
There is a pick here -> https://www.dakota-durango.com/forum...ad.php?t=74230
Just a little experience to think about. i once did a 2 inch lift on a Jeep XJ and put 31's on the stock rims.
The front was fine but the inside tire walls of the rear wheels pressed into the ends of the rear sway bar. i
I had to trim a half inch off the ends of the rear sway bar to keep the tires from hitting it.
Now,, that might not be the case with the Dakota, especially with stock suspension. but if you are thinking about lifting it and using the stock rims with 31's you might want to check your clearances on the rear sway bar ends. It should be fine with a shackle lift but if you are thinking about doing a axle flip on the 2wd,, you could run into the above problem.

 

My 2003 ext cab 2WD has 265/70R16 tires on it which are 30.6 inches in diameter. They "look" like the right size for the truck. I've not noticed any problems with rubbing anywhere during the two weeks or so I drove the truck. I don't think there would be an issue with having another half inch diameter on there. Really, the only negative with my suspension is the turning radius isn't what I want it to be. Sorry, no pics. As soon as I bought the truck I loaned it to my mother while I rehab her truck, and she lives about 100 miles away.

Something to consider, the V6 doesn't have that much power to begin with and putting larger diameter, heavier tires on will reduce acceleration. You can get it back by putting a lower gear ratio (higher numerically) in the rear diff. No idea what it costs for a Dodge rear, but I just had 4.11s put into my 2015 Tahoe for 1100 bucks. Danged thing has some new style 12 bolt (not the same as the 12 bolt GM sold for years) that they started using in 2014 in it that's not really supported by the aftermarket so it was likely a little higher price than a more common rear in it. Your speedometer will likely be off as well.

 

As far as I know there were no alterations to stock and these are 31x10.5/15

 

This isn't exactly what I originally asked about, but it's close. I "upgraded" to the 16-inch rims (from a 2003 model) and put 265/70R-16 tires on it. They have a diameter of 30.6 inches and they fit great with no lift kit and absolutely no rubbing.

This is a 100% stock 1998 Dakota SLT 2WD. Stock tires were 235/75R-15 (28.9 inches diameter). They look SOOOO much nicer than the stock '98 ones, IMO.
My speedometer is ~6% low, however.

 

More pics:

 

A decent tire store should be able to correct your speedometer for you. On yours, it's plug in the scan tool, press a few buttons, and you are done. Call around, see what they have to say.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I hadn't even thought of that.