I keep seeing different replies to tire questions so I thought I would just see what I get for myself

I'm wondering what it would take to fit a set of 305/70R18's (Dick Cepek FC2's) on a stock 2008 4x4. I'm considering adding a readylift level at the same time if needed, but I wanted to see if I would be able to fit the tires without it if I don't have a chance to install it before I get new tires (My back tires are almost failing the penny test)

The tires are 34.6x12", I'm also looking at DC-2 Rims, 18x9 -13mm offset, 4.52 backspacing.

So what do you guys think?

 

Good tire and wheel choice. with that wheel, it should fit with just a level kit, but "just fitting" doesn't leave much room for flex. "Just for Looks" or street use you should be fine, if you are gonna go off-road or tow/haul, I'd be looking at more lift or a little bit smaller tire. I don't think you are gonna be able to get them to go without the level, it'd be tight...

 

I've been doing a lot of reading through the forum, a lot of what sent me towards that combo was posts you made.

I was also considering a 305/55r20 on the same rim. Just thinking it might be a bit too wide for the 08, but it might fit with the spacing.

I don't do much off roading, and when I do it's pretty much level, so I can deal with a little rubbing in that sense as it won't be more than a few times a year. I'm mostly just going for looks. I also never haul anything short of @$$ and that's just due to my size. I can't fit in a normal vehicle, so I opted for a truck.

I'm just trying to get an idea of what I want to do. I've been unemployed for months so I haven't had much money to do anything big, now I can.

 

You should be ok temporarily. I did the same thing with my '07 1500 4x4, only I have 315x70R-17's on 17x9" wheels with 4.53" backspacing and 0 offset. I know you said 18" wheels, but my tire's overall height is the same as yours, about 34 1/2". My tires only rubbed when backing-up with the wheels fully turned either way, but not forward.....or I couldn't here it when going forward. I got the level lift on this past Saturday at O.K.4WD in N.J. and now no more rubbing .

 

Any idea what kind of miles I can expect to see out of these tires?

I was doing some thinking today, this is my daily driver. So I'm wondering how well these will hold up. I was looking at LTX M/S2's before opting for the more "aggressive" tire, so I know it won't be anywhere near as long lasting, but how long would they last? Think I could manage 50-60k out of a set? If I can manage that, then I think I would be happy

I drive around 70 miles round trip a day., mostly back roads, nothing highway on a daily basis, so the top speed is 55-60, just a lot of curves.

The only other thing, will a notice a big difference going from a D to an E tire?

 

I have a really good buddy who owns two tire/auto repair shops who I get my tires/wheels from. Based on the fact that at the time I was working and had a home in Ga. and helping my parents out who were both very ill in Florida and this was my only vehicle at the time, I needed a tire that would handle and last on the highway for the 350+ mile trips each way, yet be able to hunt/fish/etc.
He didn't hesitate to recommend the FCIIs and IMO it was a great call.

They handle real well on pavement and will go about any place a dedicated mud tire will, within reason.

Mine at 31k:



I expect to easily get 60k miles out of these tires.

I bought the "D" load, will haul/pull anything I'd ever attempt including 7700 lbs. of tractor and trailer three or four times a year. There's not a huge difference between a "D" & "E" tire. "E" will be a little more jarring but not much...

 

That's all the convincing I need, how do you think it would compare to the Claw TTC tire though?

Secondly, I was talking to the guy that works on our truck fleet at work today (Dodge 4500 bucket trucks mostly) about what it would take to install a leveling kit, and he offered to do it for me.

So I'm thinking 2.5" ReadyLift kit before the tires.

With that said, would it be feesable to mount a 35x12.5r17 tire? That would save me around 500 off the top (D rated tire vs the E). I'm wondering if it would be to wide (Same Rim though).

I've seen people put 33x12.5 on a stock with a rim like this, but a 35 that wide seems like it would rub when fully cranked.

I should also note that the tire place here is full of crap, they keep telling me I can fit the 35x12.5 as it sits..

 

OHH, that ball joint boot looks bad

 

That ball joint boot has looked like that for over 2 years. I was concerned at first with trying to seal it somehow without having to take the damn thing apart but finally said the hell with it. I figure when I get some play in the ball joint I'll replace both sides at the same time.

I just had a tie rod end go on me a couple of months ago, same side. I replaced both and checked the ball joints for play, none yet. So I'm skating on this until there is sign of play in it...



Ain't no way you are fitting 35s bone stock. As for the ReadyLift, do a search in this section cause I'm thinking '06+ coil over front IFS guys are having issues with that particular kit.

You have less room for a wide tire with the coil-over than those of us with torsion bar fronts, but I believe with the specs of the wheel you are going to, the 35x12.5 should fit fine. Just be aware that there is not a whole lot of room for flex with 35s and just a level kit...

If your truck is your daily driver, I wouldn't do the Claw TTC. Even though it's "tamed down" a good bit from the Baja Claw, it's still a VERY aggressive tread. The original Claw gets chewed up pretty quick on pavement and even though this will undoubtedly be better, it's not going to be a very long lasting road tire at any rate. I would also imagine it's gonna be LOUD on pavement. Maybe even Nitto Mud Grappler loud, and that's LOUD!!!

 

Thanks for that, after doing a bit more searching on leveling, I think I'm going to go with Bilstein 5100's (Ride Hight Adjustable). Seems like I can get a pair for a little over $200. Otherwise it seems like Hell Bent Steel is the level of choice for the 06+ guys.

I can get the 35x12.5r17's, DC-2 rims, TPMS modules, road force balancing, and mounting for roughly 1800 with taxes. I'm having to order my own TPMS though as they seem to think only dealership's can program them (120/each compared to 30 online). That, or lest them take the one's out of my stock tires.