New to the whole truck scene, but want some good advice. 2005 1500 silverado, 4.8L, ext cab.

two options - for tires/wheels
replace outgoing wranglers with 265/70/17 BFG AT KO or go the beefy route with 285/70/17's BFG's. Some say I would rub some, might have to trim around the front end some

Leveling Kit - Leave truck at stock setting or buy a leveling kit to raise the front 2-3 inches to bring in line with the rear. The shop that is tuning my truck said they could level it out for 399 parts and labor. I know I prolly don't NEED to level out the front, but what the hey, I like to do things right the first time around. Plus, I need to do an alignment anyway.

Any significant drawbacks to 285's ? hows the price 399.00 ( installed ) for the leveling kit ?

Thanks in advance for the help folks. Norseman.

 

I have 285/70/17 on my truck with no rubbing at all. Others here do as well. So you do not need the levelers, unless you just want it to look level. I don't even really notice the difference on mine. As far as the price, that is high. You can get the torsion bar keys on ebay all day for < $70, and they are easy to install. But you will need an alignment afterwards.

 

Local shops here supply and install keys and align for $160 - $200.
285 don't rub on the Z71....what about 2wd?

 

thanks for the heads up on that, I called back the shop, I asked them what comes with that price for parts and after he heemed and hawd, he said he would get back to me.

 

When i put my 285s on they did not rub at all. Now afteri installed my aftermrket wheels. They rub a little but nothing that causes damage or anything.

 

Interesting. Almost everyone I talk with says 285/70/17's on my 2005 1500 will rub. some have even told me that even if I raise the front 1-2 inches I still might rub and will have to do some trimming.I am looking at upgrading the rims to 17X8.5's to fit the 285/70 rubber on there. Depending on the offset, I am hoping I don't rub. From everything I have read, most folks say not to touch the torsion bars to raise it up a little to clear the 285's but If I do, go 1-2 inches MAX and I should be Okay, still not the ideal route but I don't want to spend 1,000's on a full suspension lift.

 

If you plan to raise the torsion bars, then get the aftermarket keys. Do not just crank up the stock keys as it will ride like ****.

 

A co-worker put Maxx Cam on his Suburban to level it out. It floats a little over bumps even with his new shocks but it's still smoother than my ride.

 

Just leave your truck stock height put the 285 on what ever rim rather it be your rims now or aftermarket ones. You wont rub and if you do with aftermarket like mine do its just on backing out at a thight angle and its not really rubbing its more the tire pushing the plastic inner fender just a little nothing to do harm to the truck or tire.

 

Thanks for the tip on maxx Cam, I'll check it out. I looked at the Ready Lift keys, for 240.00 what is the big deal ? What is so special about these ? I see they are forged, for that price you could almost buy a forged rim. In any case, since the truck has over 75k on it, I'll like to invest in shocks as well. Are the Rancho RSX's a decent shock for the money ? My local guy quoted me about 65.00 per shock.