K20 height - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bhayes1 · 02-21-2021, 01:43 AM

I’m about to put a new set of tires in my truck (1971) k20. As it sits right now it has 33x12.50’s and has plenty of clearance. My personal taste is to go back to stock height or closer to it and put steel wheels w/ caps on it.

I’m trying to figure out if my trucks suspension has ever been modified. To me, it looks a little taller than stock.

Joesjunk green k20 has the perfect stance for my liking. Curious if anyone can get me a measurement from the center of hub to the bottom of the fender on their stock-ish k20 before I order tires.

bhayes1 · 02-21-2021, 01:48 AM

Here are some older pics of my truck for reference. Needs new tires amongst plenty of other things. Really dislike the wide mud buggers

lil hoodlum · 02-21-2021, 02:15 AM

Sorry I can't help you with your measurements, but you have a great looking truck!

franken · 02-21-2021, 03:37 AM

I have a 72 K10 with similar tires and a 2" block and shackle lift. My guess is you have a similar height lift. Look for blocks in the back and measure the shackles in the front.
I want to lower mine as well, but maybe not.
Yes, great truck BTW...

**Stocker** · 02-21-2021, 10:37 AM

Your truck might have a 2" - 2.5" lift. For new tires & steelies slightly larger than stock, consider 255/85-16s on 16x7" Ford wheels. Tire selection in that size is limited though.

bhayes1 · 02-21-2021, 10:49 AM

Right now I’m leaning toward 285/75r16. I already have the 16x7 Ford wheels with some fresh powder coat on them from Les Schwab. The taller tire bill be a benefit to my 4.11 gearing, keeping my highway Rpm’s tolerable.

**DeadheadNM** · 02-21-2021, 10:57 AM

Your height doesn’t look too far from stock. Are there blocks under the springs?

Here’s mine w stock height new springs and 33” tires. I think original tire diameter from GM was something near 29-30”.

**Joesjunk** · 02-21-2021, 12:15 PM

My green truck has 16x7 wheels and 285 tires in that picture. I had the springs re arched about 15 years ago. It sits about 1” taller than a truck with factory “heavy duty front springs” here’s a current pic with the same wheels but 265 tires.

bhayes1 · 02-21-2021, 12:48 PM

Hmmm decisions decisions. I think that truck just about makes any combo look nice. Just curious, why the switch to 265’s. Also what width tire were the 285’s or 265’s

**praisegeetarman** · 02-21-2021, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhayes1

Right now I’m leaning toward 285/75r16. I already have the 16x7 Ford wheels with some fresh powder coat on them from Les Schwab. The taller tire bill be a benefit to my 4.11 gearing, keeping my highway Rpm’s tolerable.

255-85-16's (33.07" diameter) and 285-75-16's (32.8" diameter) are very close to the same height, with the 285's noticeably wider. The choice between these 2 lies in what width you want. For compensating for the low gearing the 255's would be slightly better.

Keith

57taskforce · 02-21-2021, 01:37 PM

265/75/16’s on stock springs here... I’ve got a 4” kit in the shop, probably going to run 35/12.5/17 or 18 with OE caps when that time comes.

Bones72Super · 02-21-2021, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

265/75/16’s on stock springs here... I’ve got a 4” kit in the shop, probably going to run 35/12.5/17 or 18 with OE caps when that time comes.

Is that a factory paint medium red hood in the background?

57taskforce · 02-21-2021, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones72Super

Is that a factory paint medium red hood in the background?

No, it’s hugger. Same truck the fender and door came from one the K20.

**Joesjunk** · 02-21-2021, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhayes1

Hmmm decisions decisions. I think that truck just about makes any combo look nice. Just curious, why the switch to 265’s. Also what width tire were the 285’s or 265’s

The 285’s were getting old, and I had a new set of 265’s so I used them. Just a different look.

bhayes1 · 02-25-2021, 02:21 AM

Just to confirm Joe, the tires on your truck in the top picture that I posted were 285/75r16. Asking because those dimensions are really close to the existing tire size on my truck currently. There seem to be more options if I go with the 285’s and I think I’d be okay based off of your truck once I get them on a set of wheels that aren’t so deep.

**Joesjunk** · 02-26-2021, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhayes1

Just to confirm Joe, the tires on your truck in the top picture that I posted were 285/75r16. Asking because those dimensions are really close to the existing tire size on my truck currently. There seem to be more options if I go with the 285’s and I think I’d be okay based off of your truck once I get them on a set of wheels that aren’t so deep.

Yes, the first picture has 285’s.

TwoFiftyShifter · 02-26-2021, 12:57 PM

285 sounds like top much rubber for a 7" wheel, no?

**Joesjunk** · 02-26-2021, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoFiftyShifter

285 sounds like top much rubber for a 7" wheel, no?

Nope, not at all. They actually fit pretty good on the 7” wheels

bhayes1 · 03-06-2021, 09:14 PM

Went with the 285’s

bhayes1 · 03-08-2021, 01:10 AM

Got it out today.

**Stocker** · 03-08-2021, 02:01 AM

285s give it a real nice stance, looks the way a K20 should IMO.

02-21-2021, 01:43 AM	#1
bhayes1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 229	K20 height I’m about to put a new set of tires in my truck (1971) k20. As it sits right now it has 33x12.50’s and has plenty of clearance. My personal taste is to go back to stock height or closer to it and put steel wheels w/ caps on it. I’m trying to figure out if my trucks suspension has ever been modified. To me, it looks a little taller than stock. Joesjunk green k20 has the perfect stance for my liking. Curious if anyone can get me a measurement from the center of hub to the bottom of the fender on their stock-ish k20 before I order tires. Attached Images __________________ 1969 GMC K2500

02-21-2021, 01:48 AM	#2
bhayes1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 229	Re: K20 height Here are some older pics of my truck for reference. Needs new tires amongst plenty of other things. Really dislike the wide mud buggers Attached Images __________________ 1969 GMC K2500

02-21-2021, 02:15 AM	#3
lil hoodlum Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 1,695	Re: K20 height Sorry I can't help you with your measurements, but you have a great looking truck!

02-21-2021, 03:37 AM	#4
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,052	Re: K20 height I have a 72 K10 with similar tires and a 2" block and shackle lift. My guess is you have a similar height lift. Look for blocks in the back and measure the shackles in the front. I want to lower mine as well, but maybe not. Yes, great truck BTW...

02-21-2021, 10:37 AM	#5
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,495	Re: K20 height Your truck might have a 2" - 2.5" lift. For new tires & steelies slightly larger than stock, consider 255/85-16s on 16x7" Ford wheels. Tire selection in that size is limited though. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

02-21-2021, 10:49 AM	#6
bhayes1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 229	Re: K20 height Right now I’m leaning toward 285/75r16. I already have the 16x7 Ford wheels with some fresh powder coat on them from Les Schwab. The taller tire bill be a benefit to my 4.11 gearing, keeping my highway Rpm’s tolerable. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500

02-21-2021, 10:57 AM	#7
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,278	Re: K20 height Your height doesn’t look too far from stock. Are there blocks under the springs? Here’s mine w stock height new springs and 33” tires. I think original tire diameter from GM was something near 29-30”. Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland Last edited by DeadheadNM; 02-21-2021 at 10:59 AM. Reason: Added

02-21-2021, 12:15 PM	#8
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,689	Re: K20 height My green truck has 16x7 wheels and 285 tires in that picture. I had the springs re arched about 15 years ago. It sits about 1” taller than a truck with factory “heavy duty front springs” here’s a current pic with the same wheels but 265 tires. Attached Images __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

02-21-2021, 12:48 PM	#9
bhayes1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 229	Re: K20 height Hmmm decisions decisions. I think that truck just about makes any combo look nice. Just curious, why the switch to 265’s. Also what width tire were the 285’s or 265’s __________________ 1969 GMC K2500

02-21-2021, 01:37 PM	#11
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Farmington, New Mexico Posts: 6,221	Re: K20 height 265/75/16’s on stock springs here... I’ve got a 4” kit in the shop, probably going to run 35/12.5/17 or 18 with OE caps when that time comes. Attached Images __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's ‘87 IROC-Z all original 50K mile survivor TPI 305 IROC Blue ‘10 Camaro 2SS/RS Aqua Blue Metallic #93 -version 2.0

02-25-2021, 02:21 AM	#15
bhayes1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 229	Re: K20 height Just to confirm Joe, the tires on your truck in the top picture that I posted were 285/75r16. Asking because those dimensions are really close to the existing tire size on my truck currently. There seem to be more options if I go with the 285’s and I think I’d be okay based off of your truck once I get them on a set of wheels that aren’t so deep. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500

02-26-2021, 12:57 PM	#17
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: K20 height 285 sounds like top much rubber for a 7" wheel, no? __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

03-06-2021, 09:14 PM	#19
bhayes1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 229	Re: K20 height Went with the 285’s Attached Images __________________ 1969 GMC K2500

03-08-2021, 01:10 AM	#20
bhayes1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 229	Re: K20 height Got it out today. Attached Images __________________ 1969 GMC K2500

03-08-2021, 02:01 AM	#21
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,495	Re: K20 height 285s give it a real nice stance, looks the way a K20 should IMO. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay



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