16 inch steelies and tire questions

[jsoult]

Hi guys,

I know there have been a ton of questions asked previously about tires but i haven't been able to find exactly what i am looking for.

I currently have 18 inch wheels on my 04 D2 and was looking to get a set of 16x8 black steelies.

I want to keep my truck at stock height but want the largest tire size possible for the steelies without any rubbing.

I have read 245/75/16 fits, but i have also read that it rubs with the steel wheels. I have also read 255/70/16.

Mainly I am looking for a more aggresive/all terrain tire than the low profile i currently have.

Opinions, pictures, and input would be awesome!

Thanks.

[Disco Mike]

If you buy steelie wheels with the correct off set, 245's won't rub.
You might rethink staying with your warn suspension which has dropped an easy 1.5" from when it was new and install a small lift, if for no other reason then to get a much better rides both on and off the road.

[jsoult]

Mike,

I have an S which has the coils...I dont think it has dropped much. I am still in high school and have a limited budget. How much would i be looking at for the lift?

[Disco Mike]

I hear you on your budget, I am on Social Security and trying to keep mine up also.
Trust me when I say your suspension is warn out and has dropped, and that is OK till you budget improves, but at some point you need to look at the coils and shocks for replacements.
Let us know how your truck turns out.

[Slabrat]

So Mike you are saying that new stock (or OME) springs and Shocks will lift my 99 DII about 1.5 inches? I am thinking about keeping same stock wheels and getting a Set of BF Goodrich AT T/A Ko's closest fit to stock size tires These will only be about 1/2 inch taller. I don't have sizes in front of me right now, but will replacing springs and shocks make the stock tires look too small? I want some off road capability, but I'm leaning toward a better ride since I like to travel in this one.
I have read many posts on this subject but I just seem to get more confused.

I am planning Shocks springs tires and brake lines soon so I don't want to buy tires that will look crappy.
Thanks

[Disco Mike]

I like 245's with a short lift, everything fits/looks well together.

[jsoult]

Mike, is there anywhere that I could find a reliable used lift? Just a thought...

[Disco Mike]

Once in a whiles one shows up, if you are patient.
If you want, send me your number and we can talk over the weekend.

[jsoult]

Sounds good. I will pm you

[antichrist]

I'd go with the 16" wheels. It might cost just a little more now for 16" wheels + tires, than for just 18" tires, but in the long run it will be cheaper and you'll have a broader selection of tires to choose from.
Also, if you're off-roading the 16" wheel gives you more rubber between the wheel and rocks, assuming same tire OD.

If you need new tires I'd go that route, rather than worrying about springs and shocks, unless they are in really bad shape. Especially if you're on a budget.
You can tell how much they've sagged by measuring. Your owners manual has the overall stock height listed (1900mm excluding roof bars) . Compare that to what it is now.
You do want to check the condition of your shocks though, because if they are worn badly they can cause premature tire wear which sucks with new tires.

[jsoult]

If anyone has a lift that they were willing to sell i think that would be the route to go. If you guys know of anyone let me know!

[Slabrat]

Originally Posted by antichrist

I'd go with the 16" wheels. It might cost just a little more now for 16" wheels + tires, than for just 18" tires, but in the long run it will be cheaper and you'll have a broader selection of tires to choose from.

If you need new tires I'd go that route, rather than worrying about springs and shocks, unless they are in really bad shape. Especially if you're on a budget.
You can tell how much they've sagged by measuring. Your owners manual has the overall stock height listed (1900mm excluding roof bars) . Compare that to what it is now.
You do want to check the condition of your shocks though, because if they are worn badly they can cause premature tire wear which sucks with new tires.

Definitely going 16 inch wheels good Idea about the measurement I never think of the easy way to do things. Makes sense. If I lifted My disco II a couple of inches I think I would need an extension for my D1 CDL shifter? (Should of went cable) a and longer brake lines. I can decide after measurement.
Also I have 220,000 miles on my Shocks it's probably about time

Thanks for your help

[antichrist]

If you're doing a suspension lift it won't affect your CDL shifter. A suspension lift raises the chassis (which the Engine, gearboxes and body are bolted to, in relation to the axles.
When I put a 2" body lift (which does raise just the body) on my D1 I didn't need to extend the CDL shifter.

[Slabrat]

I measured the height of my Disco last night. It's 1.5 inches lower than spec. Finding this out , I believe springs and shocks would help. It rides rough and a bit of shimmy in the steering when going 55 or above when I hit a bump so stabilizer is probably going to be needed also. I,m sure new tires will help this some.

Let the fun begin

[x11be5]

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

If you buy steelie wheels with the correct off set, 245's won't rub.
You might rethink staying with your warn suspension which has dropped an easy 1.5" from when it was new and install a small lift, if for no other reason then to get a much better rides both on and off the road.

Would 16" OEM wheels provide the proper offset for 245/75/16? I just bought my first Disco and it needs new tires. I'm trying to figure out a way to replace the wheels and tires now and have an "upgrade path" for a short lift later.