big tire question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ludachriss2 · 11-08-2002, 09:38 PM

I am pretty new to the board, I just bought a 1983 k2500. Originally, I purchased the truck as a work truck because I bought a Corvette in the beginning of the summer and I didn't want to drive it all year round. Well, The truck quickly became a project ( I actually got a new rust-free cab for it so now my "everyday driver" is sitting on the side of my house looking like a frame & motor) Anyway, enough with the history lesson. My question is: I want to put 36" tires on the truck. I already ordered a 2" bodylift for when I mount the new cab. Will a 4" suspension lift be enough (or too much) of a lift with the 2" bodylift to fit 36's underneath? Also, will 36's require me to re-gear the truck or should the stock ratio work OK? I used to have a 79 step-side with 39's with the stock gearing and when I shifted into 4th, it would loss speed no matter how fast I was going. Any and all input is appreciated

ElGracho · 11-08-2002, 10:03 PM

What are your gear ratios now? You want a lifted daily driver truck with 36s?

I would say 3.73 gears would be the minimum I would even consider, 4.11 or higher are probably what you want.

What tranny are you running?

I run 32s on truck with stock springs and no body lift. You should be fine with a 4" susupension lift and a 2" body lift to run 36s.

ElGracho · 11-08-2002, 10:05 PM

Geez I really need to take a little more time and check my speeling.

ludachriss2 · 11-08-2002, 10:19 PM

yeah, My boss has a 3/4-ton sittin on 36's and it doesn't seem too bad, Damn, if I could afford it, I'd put 39's on it. The truck has the stock 4-speed tranny in it. I am not sure what gears are in it now, I would have to assume they are whatever originally came in the truck.

11-08-2002, 09:38 PM	#1
ludachriss2 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 22	big tire question I am pretty new to the board, I just bought a 1983 k2500. Originally, I purchased the truck as a work truck because I bought a Corvette in the beginning of the summer and I didn't want to drive it all year round. Well, The truck quickly became a project ( I actually got a new rust-free cab for it so now my "everyday driver" is sitting on the side of my house looking like a frame & motor) Anyway, enough with the history lesson. My question is: I want to put 36" tires on the truck. I already ordered a 2" bodylift for when I mount the new cab. Will a 4" suspension lift be enough (or too much) of a lift with the 2" bodylift to fit 36's underneath? Also, will 36's require me to re-gear the truck or should the stock ratio work OK? I used to have a 79 step-side with 39's with the stock gearing and when I shifted into 4th, it would loss speed no matter how fast I was going. Any and all input is appreciated

11-08-2002, 10:03 PM	#2
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	What are your gear ratios now? You want a lifted daily driver truck with 36s? I would say 3.73 gears would be the minimum I would even consider, 4.11 or higher are probably what you want. What tranny are you running? I run 32s on truck with stock springs and no body lift. You should be fine with a 4" susupension lift and a 2" body lift to run 36s.

11-08-2002, 10:05 PM	#3
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	Geez I really need to take a little more time and check my speeling.

11-08-2002, 10:19 PM	#4
ludachriss2 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 22	yeah, My boss has a 3/4-ton sittin on 36's and it doesn't seem too bad, Damn, if I could afford it, I'd put 39's on it. The truck has the stock 4-speed tranny in it. I am not sure what gears are in it now, I would have to assume they are whatever originally came in the truck.



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