[Chris36608]

I have an 04 RC 4x4. The front end is leveled. It was that way when I bought it. It currently has the factory 20" 275/65 tires on it. I want to go with a more aggressive tire, and from all the research I have done, I have settled on the NITTO Trail Grappler M/T. I understand this is a nice tire, from all the reviews on here and elsewhere.

My question is what size to get. I've searched a lot, and I came up with 305/55 is the largest size I can put on the factory suspension with the front end leveled. I also read that that size was a 35" tire, and that I might possibly need a 1/4" spacer to clear without rubbing up front.

I did a little research and came up with that size is a 33" tire. I understand the concept of the 305/55 being the rubber width and aspect ratio, but I don't trust myself with conversions, seeing as these tires are stupid expensive.

So, what size should I go with, and where could I get spacers, if I need them. Thanks, in advance for any help, and I am open to all helpful suggestions. I also appreciate the lack of flaming...

- Christopher

 

[Chris36608]

Both 295/60 and 295/65 seem to be right at 34.5". Which would you recommend, if that is anywhere close, and where would I buy spacers. I would like the Tallest/Widest tire, with more of an emphasis on the height. I would sacrifice a little width for more height. If I can get the truck sitting 1-2" higher using the tires, it would be perfect for my tastes. Plus, 1/4 inch protrusion would look good, in my opinion.

Thanks, a lot.

- Christopher

 

[RedRam10]

I had replaced the 20's I ran with stock size. I too have read that the 305's were the direction to go. If you do try the other sizes remember to get your truck calibrated as running those will alter the rolling diameter and change the speedometer.

 

[Chris36608]

I have a Predator. I will recalibrate the speedometer whenever I get them. I'm just looking for a little taller tire, and a place to buy the spacers from, if I need them. I figured this has been done a million times, so I'd ask. I never found a definitive answer through searching. Thanks for the response, though. Everything helps.

- Christopher

 

[starquestbd22]

I'm no expert but I'll try to answer a few of your questions based on research I have done. Not that it matters but the factory 20" tire size is actually 275/60 rather than 275/65. The 275/60 is a 33" tire and the 275/65 is a 34" tire. And yes, the 305/55 is still a 33" tire...it's only very slightly taller than the stock size. If you are looking for height obviously that isn't going to be the way to go for you. Here is a website that helps a lot with tire size, height, and width conversions and comparison. It's super handy. Just keep in mind that these are only calculations. While I am sure they are close, some tires may run a little different. Like Nittos for example....if you plug the size into that site and then compare the size specs on Nitto's website for the same size you will see that their tires tend to run a little larger. Anyway, here's the site.

http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

The pre-2006 trucks have torsion bar front suspensions and can run a slightly wider tire than the 2006-up trucks. The 2006-up trucks will clear 295/65 with a level and a 1/4" spacer. The spacer provides just enough clearance to avoid rubbing on the upper control arm. Since you don't have to worry about that, I think you could run either a 295/60 or 295/65 without spacers. So basically it just comes down to which size you visually prefer. Nitto has the dimensions if their tires on their site but the 295/60 Trail Grapplers are 34.5" tall and the 295/65 are 35.5" tall.

Lastly, even though I don't think you will need them, if you ever do find yourself needing spacers....you can get the cheap ($30-40/set) 1/4" spacers about anywhere. Some people run them with no issues. Others have balancing/vibration issues. Another option is a company called Motorsports Technologies that custom makes spacer of every size and type. They can make you a set of top-quality hub centric spacers that eliminate the possibility of the vibration issues but they will run about $200.

 

[2011 ASSAULT 800]

305/55/20 is not a 35, it is a 33... by 12.5 wide... that is the largest you can fit on stock wheels with no spacer, mine clear the upper control arm by 3/8 or so, and do not rub anywhere at full lock. as does starquest I use 1010 tires converter to convert sizes with offset wheels or you could PROBABLY (more like a maybe) clear a 35x12.5 but it would be close and I am sure would rub when on un even ground and turning
this is with 305/55/20

excuse the gesture but it just gives you an idea with the wheels turned how much space there is to the bumper, about 2 inches

 

[starquestbd22]

Just to clarify....305 is about the widest you can go.....but you can certainly go taller than 33"!!

 

[Chris36608]

Wow. I appreciate all the responses. If stock is 275/60, I guess the guy before me must have changed them, because it has 275/65 on it now. It was a low mileage truck when I bought it, so I assumed that was stock size. My bad. Anyways, I'm more interested in going tall, than wide, but I don't want a narrow looking tire, either. I want a beefy looking tire, but I would like the extra inch of clearance, just to have it. Those do look meaty on your truck, though. I'll pull mine out and take a picture later. Or I can measure the distance. Either way. Y'all can tell me what you think I should do, then. But, I need tires before long, because these are about shot.

- Christopher

 

[Chris36608]

So, I looked up spacers and such. Piss on that. I don't know exactly what I need, so I am not bothering. If a 35x12 fits, then I will go with the 295/60s, which are 34.45x12.13, according to Nitto's specs for their own tires. That should fit nicely, and give me about an inch either way with height/width, I think. Also, no spacers would be required with this setup, correct? I may be able to clear the 295/65, but at 1400+ for a set of tires, I'm not going to have the cash to get spacers, too. Any takes on that? Also, pics in a few hours. Sorry.

- Christopher

 

[2011 ASSAULT 800]

So, I looked up spacers and such. Piss on that. I don't know exactly what I need, so I am not bothering. If a 35x12 fits, then I will go with the 295/60s, which are 34.45x12.13, according to Nitto's specs for their own tires. That should fit nicely, and give me about an inch either way with height/width, I think. Also, no spacers would be required with this setup, correct? I may be able to clear the 295/65, but at 1400+ for a set of tires, I'm not going to have the cash to get spacers, too. Any takes on that? Also, pics in a few hours. Sorry.

- Christopher

I think going with the size you mentioned ^ you shouldnt have any issues.. I wish I could get tires for 1400 bucks lol mine were 1900

 

[Chris36608]

Thanks. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I just don't want to get them, put them on, then have to take them off because they rub. And you can get them cheaper than that. You just can't get the cool ones for cheap. lol. All the "toy" tires are too expensive. I wanted a more aggressive tire than this, but you are looking at 1800-2000. A fairly aggressive all terrain runs 1100-1300. I don't need this type of tire, but it saves me headaches when I do go offroad. Or decide to do something else stupid I shouldn't be doing. 90 percent of my driving is street, but that other 10 percent is usually hell for the truck. haha.

- Christopher

 

[Chris36608]

 

[Chris36608]

I need shocks, too. lol. But, there you go. That is the spare tire on the stock rim, which is why the tread looks good. I had a blowout a little while back, and didn't want to buy another tire that size if I were going up. Now its time to go up, but the other three are toast. Not sure if these help any, but I posted anyways. Sorry for the lack of creativity and such. I'll take better pics whenever I get the new, cool looking tires on.

- Christopher

 

[starquestbd22]

It's not uncommon for people to replace the stock tires early because they suck, lol. To the best of my knowledge all of the trucks with 20" wheels come stock with Goodyear Wrangler HP in 275/60/20. I would forget about spacers because I am pretty darn certain that you can run a 295/60 or 295/65 with no issues on your truck. On 2006-up....probably not without 1/4" spacers...but on your 2004, yes.

I personally think 295/60 is a great choice. It's a great combo of wide and tall. Check out this thread. I know this is a 2007 (and he had to run 1/4" spacers because of that) but they are 295/60/20 Trail Grapplers. I love the look!!

http://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=79680&highlight=295%2F60%2F20

 

[Chris36608]

That is the exact look I was going for. Beefy looking, functional tires. Nice stance, too. Now, as for buying, I will be picking these up in about a week, then it will be another week for them to get here. I will definitely post pictures afterwards.

- Christopher

 

[starquestbd22]

I think you will be pleased. I am going to go the same route but I have decided to wait about a year down the road when I can hopefully upgrade to a hemi. I'm afraid I won't like the performance hit that these tires would have on my lil 4.7L.

 

[BuiltGoatTough]

Chris my 295/60/20 Nitto TG ATs should be in tomorrow and i'll post pics of before and after, it'll also answer the question on if they'll fit or not starquest :4-dontknow:

 

[Chris36608]

That's even more awesome. I'll know for sure, before I order, then. On a side question, does anyone know the compression/extension length I need for replacement shocks. I don't see where they say 1-3" lift or anything, and the Bilstein 5100s aren't for my truck. If not, I'll start a new thread. Mine are about gone, too, though, and I've noticed a little droop in her stance lately. Especially in those pictures. lol. Used to, the front looked almost higher than the back. But, who knows?

- Christopher

 

[Chris36608]

Got the tires mounted today. Looks perfect. No rubbing, and no clearance issues whatsoever. I went with 295/60s. Really makes the truck look like a 4x4 now. lol. Anyways, the wifey drove it to work because it is supposed to snow tonight. I'll have pics tomorrow afternoon for you. Thanks for everyone that helped in this selection. Turned out nice.

- Christopher

 

[Chris36608]

Well, here are some pictures. I wanted to get her cleaned up before I took them, but I've been really busy lately. Hope you enjoy.

Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts, 295/60r20.