So, I have a set of nearly new 33x12.5x15 mud terrain type tires that are left over from a lifted '77 GMC I used to own. How can I fit these on my 1999 Ram SLT 4x4 5.9, auto. I am considering a mild lift, but as a last resort. I dont' want to go too big as I regularly haul my Harley and things like that in the box, and want to keep the ramp's angle low for loading/unloading.

I just saw a guy locally selling a new set of aftermarket 15x10 ford rims for a good price, will these work on this truck? My understanding is they're the same bolt pattern as the Ram. I don't want the tires to stick out too much from the fenders, and don't really have the budget for flares at the moment. Any advice about clearances, caliper clearance, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

P.S. I tried searching for the answer, but most of the results were pretty vague. So before I spend my hard-earned money I figured I'd just come out and ask...

 

You can buy just a leveling kit it about 60 to 70 bucks lifts the front about 2in and allowing to fit 33 i did the sam with my truck. It pretty easliy to install just need some jack stands and some how how. The ford f-150 has the same bolt pattern and i use to have 15 in rims on my truck it was close to the calpers but never hit. Another thing you have to look at is the offset if i right i thing the stock offset is 4 1/2 or 5 so you want to stay in that range. hope this helps

 

I'm pretty handy and have lifted a few Jeeps and solid axle GM trucks... Will 33s on the 10" rim stick out really far? I know I got hassled from the cops with my old Jeep when the offset rims/tires stuck out too far, until I put extended flares on...

 

I would have to say YES my 8" stick out about 1".

 

Most 10" wide wheels stick out quite a bit from the fenders (like at least a few inches). You would be much better off with an 8" wide wheel.


I will guarantee the tires will rub with just turning (no articulation required) with 33's and 10" wide wheels with no lift. If you get a set of 8" wide wheels with a decent amount of backspacing you will possibly be able to clear them. But, your best bet is an 1.5-2" coil spacer... then you wont have any problems clearing them.

 

Thanks for the responses, where would the 10" rub? On the inner fender? I would rather get the 8" rims, but the only reason I'm considering the 10" is the guy has a brand new set of black steel rims for $200 obo. Cheapest I can find 8" for is about $400 after shipping on eBay.

 

It'll deffinetly rub on the control arms. You won't have much of a turning radius. My 285/75/16s (33x11.5) with 7 inch wide rims rub the control arms if I max out the steering.

 

Also, with the leveler, is it going to look 'ok'? I googled it and didn't find any good pics. I was thinking about maybe just lifting the whole truck 2-3" being as how my shocks need to be replaced anyway. Will the leveling kit effect the way the truck tows? Handles? Thanks again!

 

The tires wont come near the control arms with 10" wide wheels due to how far they stick out. The stockers do with a 33-35" tire because they are so skinny and have a lot of back spacing.


To the OP, you will get rubbing on the rear portion of the front fender when turning sharp. You may also get some rubbing on the front bumper as well, it just depends.

 

Leveling the front looks great ... makes it look like a 4x4 should. Spacers don't effect handling unless you're REALLY sensitive to any change. Towing ... no difference.

You can do it with spacers or stiffer springs ... springs will greatly effect ride quality ... much firmer. That's what I'm gonna do.