88 Jimmy switch to 16" rims/tires
 

I recently bought an 88 GMC Jimmy full size that I'm thinking of switching rims and tires on. I live on a gravel road that is darn hard on tires, and drive the Jimmy on rough terrain most of the time. I'm thinking of going from the stock 15" rims to a 16" rim and 10 ply tire. I'm wondering what size 16" tire I should be able to clear? My Jimmy is stock, no lift or other mods to the suspension. I'd like to go with 285/75 Hankook mud tires to match my other truck, but wonder if they will clear without modification. The other size I am considering is the 235/85 Hankook. The Hankook tires seem to wear well on our roads, and the open tread doesn't pick up and throw rocks like the all terrains it currently wears.


Thanks for your help.

Well I talked to Skyjacker and I think I'm going to go with one of their 2.5" Softride lift kits to clear the 285/75 tires. They said it should be good with tires up to 33x12.5 tires so these should fit pretty easy at about 33x11. The rear springs are weak on my Jimmy anyway so I'll be taking care of both with one mod. They said I need kit # C125AK58-H, plus 2 of shock # H7058 for the quad shocks mine has and a CA50 steering adapter. Figured I'd post it in case it helped someone else.

Do you have any pictures? Did you get this all installed?

Haven't got it all done yet, still waiting for some money I have coming to fund the project.

Well I got the rims and tires all ready to put on last night and ran into trouble. I got 285/75 16" Hankook mud tires and American Racing AR236883 rims. The rims show to be the right ones on American Racing's website, but they rub on the tie rod ends. The tires cleared ok with no lift or modification but I now have to figure out the rims. I have emails in to both the store I ordered them from and American Racing.


I decided to try them before purchasing a lift, and I got by ok that way looking at it. I never got to test drive it due to the tie rod problem to make sure nothing rubbed during suspension flex, but it looked like it should be fine. Just need to figure out what to do for rims.


Anyone run into this before? Thanks.