Need Help - New Wheels/Tires on '87

[bpeters5814]

I'm finally to the point where I'm going to start the modifications on the '87. It's a V20 that has the towing package, and I use it as such. I used it to pull my water trailer this spring for my sprayer, and with 1,000 gallons of water behind it, it didn't even grunt. I think it could pull a house down. Anyway, since I'm going to use it for pulling, I'd like to leave it at stock height, so I'm wondering how big of a tire I can get. I want 16x8 wheels, and it looks to me like I could fit a 285/75/16 in there. Is that pretty equivalent to a 33x12.50? Or, what do you all suggest? I want something with a little size, some ability to get out of the mud, and an E load range. I'm not very familiar with the tire/wheel sizes you can get away with on these trucks as this is my first one. I also thought about lifting it 4" and putting some 33" tires on it, but not sure I want to yet. As far as wheels, I'm open to suggestions. I'd really like some old slots, but the only set I can find on eBay would be $700 by the time they got shipped here, and that's a little more than I want to spend.

Any suggestions at all are welcomed. Thanks!

[Your41Plague12]

You can fit 285/75/R16's stock on a 3/4 ton. This is how mine sat with them at stock height. It's equivalent to a 33x11.50. My dad just bought a set of load range E BFG AT's in this size, and it cost him about $1100. But they'll last 50K+ miles, and they're a great all-around tire. If you have the funds, I'd consider them. If you want more of a mud terrain tire, go with a Cooper STT. Basically a BFG MT made by a different company. They're much cheaper and they really dig. That's what I had on mine.

[bpeters5814]

I've got STTs on my '94, but I was thinking you could only get them in a D load range. I'll have to call the shop tomorrow and find out. Where I'll be pulling a 25' gooseneck flatbed, not sure how well those would hold up. Were those 16x8 wheels on your truck? Looks really nice. Thanks!