Hey all. Looks like I found the right place to ask some questions about my Dakota. First, a little about my pickup. I bought a brand new 2001 Dodge Dakota SLT 4.7 off the lot in October of 2000. It has served me good (I tow Jeeps all over with it). It now has just under 40k miles and it is time to replace the lousy (I've never liked them) GY Eagle LS tires that are on it. Being kinda brand loyal, I've always liked BFG's for my tires. Well, come to find out, BFG doesn't make a 255/65/R16. What they DO make is a 285/60/R16 Radial T/A whick looked freaking HUGE for my truck. But the price is right. I'm afraid that they are going to rub though. That is alot of rubber. I've also found a BFG Radial T/A in a 265/60/R16, but I'm not sure how those would work either. DIfferent width and profile from the origional.

So, a couple of questions. What size tire can I put on my Dak and NOT worry about it rubbing. Also, what other brand of tires does everyone use for their trucks. I'd like to keep the same size as origional, but I don't want stupid looking tires either. I'd prefer raised white letter as well. It is looking like BFG isn't going to do me this time, so I need some suggestions for other tires that you all have tried. How are Daytons or Michellins? I'd just as soon steer clear of Uniroyals.. :-)

Nice to meet you all and I'll be posting more often as I have more questions about my Dakota..

Dondo

 

Welcome to the forum.


You dont want a mean looking dak?? I got 31x11.5 on mine. As for looks i dont think any small tires look good on trucks, but maybe you would consider a 30?

 

welcome!

the 285's shouldnt give you any problems.

 

if you have the 16x8 rims the 285's will rub the best size is the 265/60/R16 if you are set on the BFG Radial T/A's I had them on my 03 with 16x8 stock rims and they looked nice and just cleared the inside of the front fenders just shy of rubbing the insides when turning hard, 285's would of rubbed big time.

 

I just replaced the stock GY Eagle LS tires on my Dak just this last week. I had the same 255/65R16s on mine and I agree, Eagle LS tires are crap. The 255s are listed as OEM "Optional" tires for the Daks. Original OEM size is 245/70R16, which is much more common and much cheaper than the 255s.

I just use my Dak for normal driving and price is a big consideration for me. So for now, I just replaced the 255s with the OEM-sized 245s using Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s, instead of going bigger and badder.

The new tires have great feel and are very quiet. I'll post up again when I get some more miles, wet, and snow driving on them on how they perform.

 

BFG makes the All-Terrain T/A in size 265/70R16, which is the "factory optional" size for the 2000-2004 QC. That'll probably be my replacement set in another 5000 or 10000 miles. They should fit fine inside your wheel wells, but your speedo may or may not be accurate.

 

I have 16x8 rims and i have 31's and im not close to rubbing.