Do I need new wheels for a 5'' lift?
 

I'm planning on putting a 5'' lift on my 98 1600 4x4 to clear 35's. someone told me I had to have 17" wheels or a spacer of I want a lift, is that true? I have the stock 16'' wheels.

Nope. Just depends on what tires you want to run. Tire manufacturers will have recommendations for rim WIDTH, for various size tires, but, rim diameter is pretty much irrelevant, so long as you buy tires the appropriate size for your rims. You can't put 17" tires on 16" rims. :D

No you do not. I personally upgraded to 17" rims just bedside they are more tire choices then the 16" rims. How does the 1600 ride never knew they made them :D (I kid)

I would think the advice you received was due to the fact that lifts don't always include proper control arms to reorient the axle which can cause tires to rub on the rear wheel well and/or control arms. This was common back in the day and one way around it was different wheels. But in a perfect world, wheels have nothing to do with a lift. Run what you want. You can fit 315s on the stock wheels but I wouldn't recommend going over 285s.

Oh comon.... That is just the heavy half chevy branding equivalent... :D

OP: you might need larger rims to accommodate 35s if they're really wide, and you might find you need more negative offset to clear the suspension components.

Careful on the offset, most people are going with way too much negative offset. I really don't like the rims hanging the tire partway out of the wheel wells... .
1 looks stoopid,
2 it throws crap all over the side of your truck.
3 it tends to put more stress on the bearings and wears them out faster

Not to mention, in some states, it's illegal to have the tires sticking out......

My dilemma is I need fender flares (rocks hit the side of my truck) but can't because I cut my fevers so I probably won't paint it until I can figure something out lol

Add some metal, make your own flares. :)

Just cut off some rust free fenders and build a TRX concept truck inspired wide body :D

Why use metal when a company makes fiberglass ones :D