Any troubles with 38's?

[Texas~KR]

I just bought my 38"x15.5" tires and should be installing them in a day or two. I realize that they're much harder to turn than factory 31's, so I'm wondering what kind of problems I'll have as a result?
So far, I've been told by my shop that they're "huge" and not good for serious offroading. Why?
I've also been told that I may have hub problems, and is common in my year range. True or false?
Will I need gearing?
Will I need any stronger parts?



Thanks.

[majorleaguebass]

you will want to gear it, prolly 4.10 of 4.56...i run 37 and i need to regear but its not manditory, just help with mileage and put ur rpms where they need to be...your gonna def want a double sterring stabilizer.

[Texas~KR]

^^^Thanks, exactly the kind of guidance I'm looking for.


Anything else?

[majorleaguebass]

those are some wide tires also, they might rub wheels lock to wheel lock...have nay pics of ur truck w/ lift???

[Texas~KR]

I have a 2.5" spring pack and block leveling kit. Just installed Bushwacker cutout flares on sunday, and test fit the same wheel tire setup yesterday. They fit just fine in the wheel well, but just barely rub the leaf spring front and back. I can lock the wheel completely, but the 38" tires probably need 1/2" more room to clear. The 18x10 wheels have 4.5" backspacing. With spacers, they should clear the leaf springs.


After installation, I'll snap some pics.

[majorleaguebass]

make sure u go with some high quality hub centric steel spacers...

[Texas~KR]

I read about the issues with the billet aluminums, so I will definately do that if I go with spacers.

[e99f2506sp]

Spacers and tires that wide will lead to premature hub and wheel bearing issues, so keep an eye on that.

Post up pictures once you get them mounted

[Ryan Rønning]

They should clear but ya I am sure they will rub on your leaf springs. Get the duel steering stabilizers. You dont have to re-gear (and may not need to if you already have 4.10's or 4.56's) but I would for the fuel economy, getting the RPM's back in check and get some power you lost back. Wheel bearings on our trucks dont like bigger tires and they are not cheap. Also ball joints are expensive to replace if you have a shop do it.

I run 37's with 4.10 gears and have no problems with power. Things I dont like are they rub on my springs but only at full lock. Also the ball joints are going faster.

[Texas~KR]

That's what I was worried. Doing damage by going 5" further out than stock. I hear there's a better conversion kit so they're cheaper/easier to replace.


I'm thinking of going with Pro Comp's dual stabilizers.