Tire and Lifting Confusion.

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Pat_H

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Oct 8, 2019
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Wyoming
Ram Year
2007
Engine
Diesel
Hello, I'm new to this forum and I'm sure I have a stupid set of questions.

I have an 07 D3500 4x4 diesel that has 165,000 miles on it. It's nearly completely stock and I've never done anything to the suspension. It may be the last one left on earth that retains a diesel particulate filter for that matter.

Anyhow, I've always put tires for offroad use on it, and it sees a fair amount of that. It's one of four Dodge trucks I've owned over the years, and one of three I currently own, and I've never been very happy with the clearance. It seems like I high center it on snow about once a year.

I've really thought about increasing the tire size. Most of the shops here will only go one size up, which only gains a half inch. I've pondered going to 35" tires.

So, here goes.

If I go to 35" tires, on the stock 17" rim, do I need a leveling kit or not? I've seen answers both ways.

Any reason to put on a leveling kit otherwise?

If I do that, keeping in mind that this truck will haul trailers and occasionally heavy stock trailers, what do I need to do about the rear end.

Any specific brand name recommendations?

If I increase tire sizes am I just messing something else up? I know that the gears will effectively be higher, but is it enough to really notice (it's a standard transmission).

Anything else I should consider but am not, as I don't know enough to ask?
 

Fast69Mopar

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Is this a truck with dual rear wheels or is it a single rear wheel?

As for the 35" tires, if you go with something like the 315/70/17's, I have put them on trucks with and without the 2-3" leveling kits in the front. I have seen a little bit of rubbing on the inner fender during lock-to-lock turns.

The 2" leveling kits will give you the even front to rear tire clearance that you are looking for but when you load it heavy with a trailer your front end will now be higher than the rear.

Now, if you have a DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) truck, anything wider than a 285/70/17 in the rear the tires will touch unless kept at 70-80psi. When you put a trailer on the back the tires will touch. The only way to eliminate the tires touching is to use a set of spacers in the rear or switch to a different set of wheels.
 
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Pat_H

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2019
Posts
5
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Location
Wyoming
Ram Year
2007
Engine
Diesel
Is this a truck with dual rear wheels or is it a single rear wheel?

As for the 35" tires, if you go with something like the 315/70/17's, I have put them on trucks with and without the 2-3" leveling kits in the front. I have seen a little bit of rubbing on the inner fender during lock-to-lock turns.

The 2" leveling kits will give you the even front to rear tire clearance that you are looking for but when you load it heavy with a trailer your front end will now be higher than the rear.

Now, if you have a DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) truck, anything wider than a 285/70/17 in the rear the tires will touch unless kept at 70-80psi. When you put a trailer on the back the tires will touch. The only way to eliminate the tires touching is to use a set of spacers in the rear or switch to a different set of wheels.

Thanks!
 
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