Hi everyone, new to the forum. been reading it for about a week now, and decided to join. I recently purchased a 1997 1500 ext. cab 4x4 with a pro comp 3" lift and 3" body lift. stock 360 with exhaust, and auto trans with 3.50 gear ratios. I am torn between putting on 33" tires or 35", due to the gear ratios and 1/2 ton brakes, steering, axles, ratios, and stress on the tranny. Any input as to 1/2 ton trucks with larger tires on it? I am leaning towards 33"s right now, as the truck is also my daily driver and family rig. I have more questions, but I will ask a little at a time. I like the feedback I have read on here, you guys and girls seem to be very knowledgable and experienced.

Thank You

Redone4x4

 

Welcome to DF!

i'd go with the 33's, but if you've already got 6" of lift, 35's would look better. the drawback is climbing in and out everyday, tall gets old after a while.

 

35's will definetly be a lot of tire for 3.55 gears (escpecially if you tow or haul loads), unless you live in flat lands. I live in the mountains, and have 4:10's for my 33's. If I were you, I would take off the 3" body lift, and run 33's with the 3" suspension lift. Stock gears will still won't be enough, but better then with 35's for sure.

 

You could run 33s with 3.55 gear ratio but your power will suck some and fuel mileage will go down (compared to if you are running a smaller tire now). I ran 33s with the 3.55 ratio and wasn't impressed with the power. So I went with 32s which is equal to the stock height tire.

 

Your going to need your entire family to push it around if you put true 35's on it, with 3.50 gearing 33's are pushing it. I am running 35's with 4.56's and it's a pretty good setup but before I regeared [I had 3.50's] I was running around 1500 rpm at 75 mph and it took the better part of the freeway to reach that speed let alone the time it took! [smile] Your gas mileage will suffer also unless you gear it for the tires.

 

I would go with 35 and regear to 4.56's. it will feel like it got alot of power too

 

Thank you all for the responses. The educated input has helped me make a decision. I will probably go with 33's for now, as it is my daily driver, I raise two daughters, don't want to spend the time/money, etc.... At least 4.10s with 35's would be nice, but 33's will work for now to get me through the winter and stuff. I am going to put up another post regarding an overdrive issue im already having with it.... if any of you have previous experience I would appreciate the input. I pretty much figured 35's with 3.50's would look great, but would feel like a 4 cylinder and probably burn out the tranny faster. thanks again everyone...