Tire Size Advice - 285/75/16 vs 265/75/16

[nitrofumes]

Hello everyone!

I purchased a very clean '92 CC 4x4 D250 this weekend and I am beginning to do some maintenance and repairs – starting with new tires as the old one are dry rotted a bit.

I saw a picture of CumminsPower59's truck with the stock steel wheels and 285/75/16 tires and I really loved the look. Searching thru the forums some more I see that many people have mixed feelings about this size – most seem to say or think it is too big for the stock 6” rim. I will be towing 5-6k lbs a couple times a month and I am curious as to how they tow as well.

I realize I could go with 265/75/16 and be safe and that is what I may end up doing since my truck has a pretty high gear as is and the 285/75/16's will only add to this.

Any advise or opinions on this?

Thanks in advance!

[CumminsPower59]

Howdy!

You shouldn't have an issue running 285's on stock steel wheels, as I ran them for 30k on my 92 without a single issue. I did tow a few moderatley heavy loads with it, and the D rated 285's held up quite well. Some people don't like they way they look or whatever, but I went the 285's on the stock wheel route because I had the tires, but didn't want to buy another set of wheels.

Hope this helps ya!

[nitrofumes]

Thanks for the reply! Your truck looks awesome btw!

I personally like the way they look and I'm not about to buy another set of wheels at this point - I have other priorities on the truck.

That does help me a lot - Thank you very much!

[Hansen01]

285's might rub on your drag link if you turn all the way to the right, but not a huge deal

[CumminsPower59]

285's might rub on your drag link if you turn all the way to the right, but not a huge deal

I forgot all about that, as the tires I had did ever so slightly.

Thanks for the reply! Your truck looks awesome btw!

You're welcome. I have since sold the truck, and bought another

[nitrofumes]

285's might rub on your drag link if you turn all the way to the right, but not a huge deal

I figured that they'd rub - as long as it's nothing severe it's a non issue I think. I think I'm more worried about what it'll do to the overall gearing of the truck than anything at this point. That reminds me I need to figure out exactly what gear I do have...

You're welcome. I have since sold the truck, and bought another

Well I guess I can post pictures of my truck without fear of copying you - my truck is the identical twin of your old one haha.

[CumminsPower59]

I figured that they'd rub - as long as it's nothing severe it's a non issue I think. I think I'm more worried about what it'll do to the overall gearing of the truck than anything at this point. That reminds me I need to figure out exactly what gear I do have...

My 92 had 3.54's in it and didn't have any issue with running 285's...

You're welcome. I have since sold the truck, and bought another

Well I guess I can post pictures of my truck without fear of copying you - my truck is the identical twin of your old one haha

Post away!

[RumbleFish]

I stumbled across a good deal on some 255/85-16s. Just over 33" tall, and narrow enough it clears everything. I like them so far.

[CumminsPower59]

255/85-16s. Just over 33" tall, and narrow enough it clears everything.

I thought about going with some pizza cutters for my 91...

[TRACTJDS0428]

Been running 285/75-16 on my '93 W250 for several years now and never had a problem aside from finding tires that hold up under the Cummins. BFG's lasted ok, Daytons didn't last at all, getting ready to throw some Toyo Open Country's on it.