Okay, this might sound a little nutty, but I’ve been researching new tires/rims for my 2000 Ram 1500 (no lift) and this is what I’ve come up with regarding tire sizes.

285/75/16: (32.5” wide, 11” high)
305/70/16: (33” wide, 12.5” high)
295/75/16: (34” wide, 12.5” high)

So using the reasoning that the 295/75/16 might not rub without a lift (key here is MIGHT not rub and only on full wheel turns), wouldn’t it make sense to buy the 305/70/16 to insure no tire rub?

Also, would an offset rim remove the tire rub?

Any comments?

Anyone, Bueller, Bueller?[sm=smiley17.gif]

 

Depends on tire brand. Different brands have different actual dimensions. With a stock 1/2 ton and stock wheels, you MIGHT get away with one of those, but I seriously doubt it. Most 285's are very tight on a 1/2 ton. And an offset rim won't help you much either. One with less backspacing (moves the tires outward) puts the tire into the fender, which is what's happening on the 285's on my 3/4 ton. One with more backspacing (moves the tires inboard) will make them rub on the control arms.

Considering I rub in my 3/4 ton (sits 2-1/2" taller than a 1/2 ton) with 285's on aftermarket wheels, you'll be lucky to get any of those sizes to fit a 1/2 ton with any wheels and not have rubbing.

And here's your theoretical tire sizes for the ones you listed, you're a hair off on some of your numbers-

285/75/16: 32.83” tall, 11.22” wide
305/70/16: 32.81" tall, 12.01” wide
295/75/16: 33.42" tall, 11.61” wide

 

Thanks for the info. I'm trying to be a cheapskate and get some rubber to fill out the wheelwells while saving some money to do other upgrades to the truck. I got the sizings from another website, can't remember where.

Guess I'll have to do a 2-3" lift as well.

More price shopping[sm=headbang.gif]

Damn.

 

Most 285's will fit a 1/2 ton on stock wheels with little to no rubbing. The other ones you mentioned are highly doubtful. Aftermarket wheels will cause a lot of rubbing also.

If you get a set of 3/4 ton front springs from a junkyard you'll gain about 2-1/2" of lift in the front, and you can get a 2" add-a-leaf set for the rear for about $40. This is an easy and cheap 2-1/2" lift. You'll need to replace your rear u-bolts if you do that, that'll be another $35 or so. Small price for the clearance you gain.

 

Sounds like a good idea, I'll look into it. Appreciate the info/help.

 

Hi All,

I thought I knew all about tire size and how to measure them. Take for example 275/75/16. I was taught the 275 was the width, the 75 was the distance/height between the wheel and tread and the 16, of course, was the wheel size.

My truck came from the factory with 245/75/16s but now has 275/75/16s on it. It seems to be going a little faster at 65 mph than my Wife's car (which has the exact same size tire as factory).

Was I taught wrong or have things changed in the last 20 years?

 

Any replies or was this a stupid question/thought?

 

265/75R16...

265 is the width of the tire at its widest point in millimeters
75 is the ratio of the height of the tire x width (i.e. this tire is 75% as tall as it is wide)
R is radial
16 is the wheel

The aspect ratio is generally the most misunderstood measurement. For what it's worth, my 2000 Ram 1500 Quadcab has 265/75R16's on it and I think they are just the right size. Not so big that they rub but they fill the wheel well nicely.

 

Thaks 2Kramquad,

I really appreciated the tire lesson. What do you recommend as the best hiway tire with occasional off-road use? Something quiet yet with traction when I need it. I'm lookng at $150 a tire with a soft ride for the wife and traction to go off road. Any suggestions? My truck is a lot like yours.

No jack up mods etc. Just she wants a smoother ride.

Thanks,