285X70R - 17's on 02 1500 EXT. CAB

[LooseNut]

Hi All,

Newbie to the site, long time Chevy Truck owner/abuser.

I currently have a 2002 Silverado 1500 Ext. cab truck, loaded, leather int, full power etc. etc.
This is my year round daily driver and tow rig.

I am planning on getting some new tires soon, probably this weekend,
the original tire size is P265x75r-16's, right now I have a set of LT265X75R-16's.
I have a new set of 17x8 Centerline wheels so I gotta get 17" tires.
I need some info on tire size options.
I would like to go up to 285x70R-17 tires but I am concerned about any potential problems with power loss, fuel mileage, and or transmission/speedo problems etc. Also, should I get a leveling kit?

I guess I am getting old, in the past I would not have hesitated...

Also, I want aggressive all season tires or mild All-Terrains.
And some of the tires I am looking at only come in a 10-ply rating,
For what I use this truck for all I really need is a P-type tire.
How much will the 10-ply tires hurt my ride?

And one more question.
In cruising different tire dealer web-sites, some of the vehicle selection choices list a 1500HD whats differnt between a regular 1500 and 1500HD?
And how do I tell what I have?

Thanks in advance for suggestions and info.

LooseNut
Duluth, MN

[dsfloyd]

easiest way to tell 1500 from 1500HD is 6 lug or 8 lug. 8 lug is the HD. The LT is not going to really hurt your ride any but you will definately want those if you ever tow/haul. LT just better for the heavy weight of the truck

[kgibson181]

Any size bigger than the stock tire is going to throw your speedometer just because of the revolutions per mile that the speedometer is set to is set to the stock tire readings. As far as worse gas mileage, with all terrain tires that is less of an issue as it is with mud terrain tires. If you have alot of clearance in the fender well with the 265's and 16 inch rims you should be able to fit the 285's and new rims. If theres not alot of room I would go ahead with the leveling kit. The 10ply tires wont cause a rough ride just a difference from stock.

[ippielb]

With my 2002 silverado, I fit 285's with stock height, no rubbing no nothing.

See?

[jrose7]

I had 285"s on my stock 16" rims with no problems...I have 22" rims now and and run 305's. My total height is almost 2" over stock, with more than enough room. Check out this site; it gives you all the info you asked about. www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos