Gents-

I did all I could not to ask this, but with $2k on the line I need some help.

I'd like to spruce up my stock 98 ram 1500 5.9 4X4 with new wheels and tires.
I DO NOT have a lift kit
I have spent 3 days reading everything I can find and there is no definitive source on what will fit and won't. Since you can't return used tires-I'd like some advice-

I want to put on 18x9 rims
5 inch back spacing


with these tires
295/70/R18 with an overall diameter of 34.25 inches.


Will they fit without rubbing or adding components?

Also just as important-will this setup change my drive ability in a negative way?

Thank you in advance

Dave

 

What gears in the axles? If you still have the 3.55's, I would be real tempted not to go any larger than 33's...... You *might* be able to get away with them without any lift, but, first time you off-road with it, I bet that rub..... Even two-inch leveling spacers would likely solve that too though.

 

With that size tire, I highly suspect you will rub on something without lifting the truck some. I'm running the late model (2001) aluminum 16x8 wheels with 285-75-16 tires (31" tall) and nothing rubs, however, that's about the tallest tire I've found I can run without rubbing somewhere without mods.

Is there any way you can borrow one wheel/tire and try it to see how it may end up before buying a set of 4?

 

The 285's are 32.8 inches diameter. They might just as well be 33's.

 

Appreciate the info fellas

Should I avoid going from a 16 inch rim to an 18?
Or is the overall diameter the only concern?

 

Overall diameter is what you need to worry about. That, and width.... wider tires are going to be more like to interfere with other parts. Not really a good scene.

 

This is what a truck with a 2" lift and 285/75/16" tires looks like (below, and the avatar picture). As mentioned previously, 285/75/16" tires are almost 33" tall (33" x 11.5"), and a simple 2" lift will clear them easily. As a general rule, 16" tires (and 16" rims) are going to be way less expensive than 18" (or 19" or 20" or 22") tires and rims, and you'll probably have more of a selection with 16" tires/rims. It would be great if you had the factory 3.92 gears, but these tires are doable with factory 3.55 gears (although I swapped out to 4.10 gears after I got these tires and am glad I did).

A 2" lift up front can be simply done with spring spacers, or even better, just purchase a pair of 2" taller springs (I went with 2" Skyjacker springs). Some folks may tell you to use springs from a 2500 truck - you may get the lift, but they'll be a very stiff ride. For the rear, an add-a-leaf for a 2" lift is inexpensive and will help out your old springs. With a 2" lift, you can keep your factory track bar up front. And you want to lift both front and rear.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Skyjacker/825/D20/10002/-1 (this will at least give you the part number - shop around)
https://www.suspensionconnection.com/329005.html (coil spring spacer example - metal)
https://www.suspensionconnection.com/kc09101-d4l.html (coil spring spacer example - polyurethane)
http://www.streetperformance.com/par...034-r1530.html (I prefer a long add-a-leaf vs. a short leaf, but either one will work - this is what I put on my truck)
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/sus...html?c=360&i=0 (2" rear block and U-bolts)

Complete kits for 2" front/rear examples (of course shop around for the best price):
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/lif...html?c=326&i=0 ($285 replacement front springs, rear add-a-leaf)
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/lif...html?c=326&i=0 (front spacer and add-a-leaf)

2.5" lift kit (spacer front, lift block rear, shocks and hardware)
http://www.roughcountry.com/dodge-su...-kit-362h.html $195 - great if you're on a budget - probably the best "bang for the buck"(especially if you've only got a few bucks to play with)

And you can quite easily get 16x8" rims/285/75/16" tires and a simple 2" lift under your $2000 budget.
255/85/16" tires are a 33" x 10.5" tire, and would work with factory 16x7" rims, but you might rub on the lower control arms on full turns. 255 tires are out there, but choices are limited compared to a 285 tire.

Example of a 255 tire (four tires for $700 - these same tires in a 285 were just a few more dollars each): http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

Factor in rims of your choice. I would suggest sticking with a "timeless", classic, or subdued rim pattern vs. something that's expensive, gaudy and "in-style today, but will look very dated tomorrow" kind of rims.

 

Great info-really appreciate you taking the time and the links!!

 

You're welcome; just trying to help. A lot of us have been down this road. Let us know what route you go, and post pictures!

I forgot to mention shocks. You should be able to re-use your original shocks with just a 2" lift, but I would strongly recommend swapping them out when doing the lift (at least do the front). You'll have to remove them anyways if you swap out the coils, or if you add a spacer to the front springs. While you have the old shocks out, you might as well put in new ones as removing the shock is a a pain (especially if you decide to do it later). The rear shocks are easy to get to and swap out.

I was on a budget too, so I got a set of inexpensive Rough Country shocks for a mildly lifted Dodge (I don't even think they're gas shocks, and I don't even think they sell them anymore). They work; I'm not complaining. However, most inexpensive shocks like I bought (from whatever company you get them from - even Rancho 5000 shocks) come painted in a very thinly applied white paint. They will start rusting in a year. So before I put mine on, I scuffed up the paint and spray painted them with a gray/silver metallic can of spray paint. Years later they still look like new.

One of these days I'd like to get some Bilstein 5100-series shocks for the truck (but it isn't a priority right now).