I am currently pricing new wheels and tires for my '06 3500 (sgl rear) 4x4 mega cab and am getting conflicting information from one place to the next. I would like to increase the wheel size from 17" to 18" with 35" or 325 metric tires. One place said this can be done with no rubbing just by adding a leveling kit in the front. Another place wants to do a leveling kit and a helper spring in the back because I pull a 35' fifth wheel RV and cannot sacrifice function for looks.

I am sure you guys have the knowledge on this topic and I would greatly appreciate your help.

Thanks much.

 

We had to do a lift for that size tire.

 

Thanks stcustoms. What size and type lift? Do you have any pics to post?

 

if you check out the tires and wheels section, there's lots of info and pics.

 

Can you run 35's with just a leveling kit on the front, yes....but, and this is just my personal opinion, I see a lot of lifted trucks in my area and most of them have obviously been leveled by the lift kits they use. I prefer to have the rear a couple inches higher, like stock, I think it looks better. Also, every "level" truck I've seen pulling a trailer, even small ones, the rear sags and I hate that. It also makes road manners when pulling not so good.

In your case, if it were me, I'd add the extra leaf.

 

i have the bf goodrich 305/65/r18. i just have the leveling kit and the air bag in the rear. the bag is nice to have for the ride when you dont have the load. When you put the leaf on you will always have the stiffness in the rear. the 305 is almost a 35 inch tire its in between 33 and 35 . the only bad part is bf is the only one that makes that tire size. so if you want a different tire you will have to go bigger or smaller.

 

35s will fit fine, but a couple inches lift will prevent any rubbing off road. There are a couple options to lift or level. One is to buy some bilstein lifting shocks (up to 2 1/2 inches) which put you back a little less than $300 for 4 or $150 for just the front. Second is to put some spacers. You may even need shocks with that too. You could always go with a small lift all around. If you are worried about sagging in the rear, install some airbags.

 

Thanks for the info everyone, I really appreciate your input. Leveling kits, lift kits, lifting shocks, add leafs, airbags....lots of research to do to make my final decision.