quick question...

**Z28Johnny** · 08-28-2009, 12:52 PM

I have a 96 2500 Suburban that we use for towing a toy hauler about 8-10 times a year. Other than that it will be used for some winter driving (Salt Lake City) and the occasional trip to Home Depot.

I've been looking for tires for 2 months now and couldn't decide between buying some 265/75/16 to replace the 245/75/16 on factory rims (rims are 16x6 chrome rims from a 2005 GMC) or just buying rims and tires for a good look. Well today I found a killer deal on new in the box 20" rims for $65/wheel. http://www.discounttire.com/product/...mraz.mm.xl.jpg
They are from a Discount Tire store that had these in their inventory and they just wanted to get them out of the store (normally priced $150).

Now for the question:
Am I going to be alright putting a Nitto Terra Grappler 305/50/20 tire on there? I know the size should be fine. I'm worried about the load rating. Technically it is not an LT tire. However, Nitto specs it as being an extra load capacity tire with a 121 load capacity (3086 lb/tire @50psi). The weight capacity seems good, but is a 4ply tire going to be alright?

Thank you,
John Cluff

**Z28Johnny** · 08-28-2009, 01:02 PM

the picture of the rims doesn't show it as an 8 lug, but the rims are 8...

currently the truck has 245/75/16 BFG with a 120/116s load rating (3042 lb). So doesn't that imply that the Nitto 305's would be able to handle the weight just as good with the 3082 lb?

**X-Hibition** · 08-28-2009, 06:05 PM

Not to be technical, but a 3/4 ton should have load range E tires on it.

I jumped from 245 to 265 on my Sub and was very happy, and that was with 75 series tires. More sidewall makes for a better ride. You are looking at 50 series passenger car tires and that is not a lot of sidewall to promote a good ride. I went to low profile, 40 series, tires on one of my cars and drove cross country and felt every bump. Cornered well, and felt every bump. Looks good, and felt every bump.

My opinion.

**X-Hibition** · 08-28-2009, 06:08 PM

And it is a nice looking wheel.

**Z28Johnny** · 08-29-2009, 12:56 AM

I see what your saying. 50 series vs. sidewall height really depends on the overall width of the tire, though. The sidewalls on these tires will be 6" (50% of the width of 305mm which is 12"). What's on there now is 7.2" side walls... so the sidewall is really just a small change. Tires overall are about 2" taller, rims are 4" taller so each sidewall drops about an inch. On a car tire that is maybe only 7" wide a 50 series would create a 3.5" sidewall... I feel like I just gave a math lecture

I did a lot of reading and talked to a few tire shops. As long as the load rating is correct it doesn't matter if it is E. The load rating of the new tires are higher than that of the E that are currently on there. The load rating is a rating of how much weight a tire can support and that is the bottom line... or so I read and heard from the majority of my research.

My coworker is bringing me the rims tomorrow when she gets to work. The Discount Tires that had them is kind of far from my house and close to hers. Monday I'm going in to get the Nittos put on. I'm excited. I will definitely post pics of before and after results!

**X-Hibition** · 08-29-2009, 01:06 AM

If you like it, go for it. My local off road shop has an Excursion with 20s and he is getting rid of them because of the ride, not enough sidewall. I followed his suggestion and only put 18s on my X. I am just now putting 17" Hummer wheels on my Sub with Suspension Maxx torsion keys and a slight re-arch of the rear springs. No big lift, it's just eleven years old and needs some help.

I don't know if I use my Sub more or less often than you (skiing, diving, canoeing, camping, towing), but I just want a smooth ride. I look forward to your pictures. And your math lecture was exactly what I was talking about.