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2500 Tires And Front Wheelwell Trim

M

mtnbkr

GUEST
Sorry for being so dialled in on the 2500. However, I was wondering, does the strip of cladding at the top of the front wheelwell on the 2500 serve some purpose, or is it purely cosmetic to help distinguish the 2500 from the 1500?

Also, why is the Z71 package not available on the 2500? Why are the tires so small? Is this a cost cutting measure only or is there some purpose to it?

The salesguy tried to tell me that the smaller tires on the 2500 actually provided much better traction (in snow and otherwise) since there was more weight per square inch on the tires (??!!). But are the tires and the rims on the 2500 the size they are to accomplish some heavy duty work related objective or, again, is it purely a cost savings measure?
 
I'll take a stab at the reasoning behind the smaller wheels....and this may be too general of an explanation..but I feel it has to do with load ratings and the fact that it requires the heavy duty wheel.....since it is able to plow...and carry more weight..... :B:
 
The 2500 deserves attention. Here are some answers to you questions:

1. The larger front differential puts the wheels further out than the 1500, hence the "flares" are to make the truck legal in East Coast states that require the tire to be completely covered - what a joke :rolleyes:

2. The "4x4" package is the Z71 except for the decal - everything is there [at least in the '02's] - might want to get the tow package in '03.

3. The 16x6.5 wheels on the 2500 are forged, and rated for the weight of the vehicle and will allow for safe use of "E" rated tires up to 80 psi inflation - much sturdier than the 1500 cast ones. With a heavier load limit and towing capacity you want 16" wheels and larger sidewall tires. Keep in mind that you are carrying 1800 lbs/tire on an empty vehicle - should keep a safety factor using 2500lbs per wheel.

4. The tank on the 2500 is 37 gals vs the 31 on the 1500 - that is intended to give you the same miles driven/tank - figure the gas mileage from there ;D
 
NJAV and gandolphxx,

Thanks for the quick replies.

What are "E" rated tires? Are they on the 2500? Are the tires on the 2500 decent? The salesguy told me that they were bottom of the line.

I take it that it is much easier to support weight using 16" rather than 17" rims. Is this right? Can you get larger forged rims and "E" rated tires to improve the looks of the 2500 but maintain its weight capacities? I'm assuming you can. If so, any idea why 17" rims and larger tires are not offered as an option on the 2500? Is it too expensive? Is the target market for the 2500 generally not interested in such an option (at least according to GM)?

Thanks again.
 
I would think that the 17' wheel wouldn't offer the proper support or load rating necessary for the 2500...frankly I'm kinda suprised that you we're told the stock rubber was bottom of the line....I wouldn't think so and I'm sure that is just a matter of opinion on his part.......

One of our site sponsors carries nice aftermarket wheels for the 2500.....just click on the banner above click here.
 
I suggest that you spend some time at http://www.tirerack.com - they have great reference material.

"E" rated tires are 10 ply, very heavy duty tires - high load ratings.

As to the Firestone "E" rated 245's that are stock, they are highly rated tires - ignore the salesman, he obviously doesn't know that much.

The reality is that "fancy wheels" don't have the load rating unless you spend a fortune - folks who buy a 3/4 ton truck are generally not into "looks" but tough functionality IMHO >:D
 
;D That's a good one gandolphxx......or just plain smokin' em... :B:
 
mtnbkr,

Well I own a 2500 AV so here is my take on your questions.

gandolphxx is correct the strip of cladding is added because the wheels set out further then do the 1500 but the main reason for the cladding it to protect the fender and paint from debris that sling up off the tires.

The tires and wheel sizes come down to not only the load rating but also the temperature rating of the tire. ?The weight of a 3/4 ton vehicle requires at least an "E" rated tire with a preferred temperature rating of "A". ?The E rating has to do with the weight rating that the tire is designed to carry. ?There are three temperature ratings A, B and C with "A" being the best. ?The Firestone Steeltex A/T, which is what GM uses on the 3/4-ton trucks, is one of the best light truck tires on the market today. ?These Firestone tires have an excellent tread wear rating also, I have run several sets of them and they will normally last 45K plus miles, for a light truck tire this is exceptional wear.

So the problem with adding a larger wheel and tire is finding a larger tire that offers the weight rating of E the temperature rating of ?A and good tread wear. ?I think if you look at most of the tires larger then the ones that come from the factory you will find that the combination of all three of these factors cannot be found. ?So going larger will require a compromise and could pose as a safety hazard under the most extreme conditions. ?Understand that the manufacturer must error on the side of caution to avoid potential liability. ?You may never have a problem with a tire that has a load rating of D or a temperature rating of B and you may not care if you only get 25-30K miles on your tires but GM has to.

Hope this helps :B: ? ?
 
NJAV said:
;D That's a good one gandolphxx......or just plain smokin' em... :B:
Hey there, running mid 14's is tough on the wheels and tires among other things.

I have been queried by some "truck pull" folks on the same issue, now there is a different kind of sport >:D
 
So will there be a budweiser sled in the near future?...... ;D :B:
 
Thank you everyone for the helpful replies.

Gandolphxx - I went to the site you referred to and read the user reviews for the Firestone Steeltex Radial R4SII, which are stated to be "ORIG. EQUIPMENT". Assuming that these are the tires on the 2500, all 4 reviews were very negative, with one guy stating that without reservation, they were the worst tires he has ever had on any pickup truck he has owned in the past 20 years. Another guy said that they have no traction in snow or off road. 3 of 4 reviewers had them on a Silverado, while the 4th had them on an F150. Maybe they aren't the same tire as on the 2500 FWD (although the site identified them as such).
 
Interesting post...I have read a bit on the same subject before I decided to make my purchase. I'm quite happy with this combo after the initial 5,000 miles. Why?

* The 16 inch wheel on a 2500 Av is an upgraded choice "polished aluminum" HD version offered also on the nicer packaged GM pickups.

*It is that size which allows appropriate clearance when you are fully loaded/mud builds up on the wheel/and if you need snow chains.

* A 1500 Av cannot use snow chains for example (read your manual!!!).

*Compared to the street oriented Bridgestones which came on my 02 GMC 4x4 CC SLT 1500HD, these Firestone Steeltex's are a night and day improvement in off road traction. Yet, on the road offer a very quiet ride IMHO.
 
By the way, gandolphxx and others, I certainly do not doubt your advice regarding the quality of the stock tires. I was just relaying the comments of others at the site referred to.
 
I'm content with my Goodyear's....when these tires run out of tread and need to be replaced I will either go with the same AT/s but in a 275/70/17....go MT/r all together (doubtful since I haven't offroad).....or even go to the BF's..... :B:
 
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