I'm new to posting but have read a lot! You guys really know your stuff and could really help out. I have a 2004 1/2 2500 HD Duramax 4x4 Crew and after reading the posts have decided to upgrade to 285 series tires/wheels and keep my stock wheels as suggested. question: To give me the most options for ordering tires/wheels what is the bolt pattern for my truck, and how much back set should I look for in wheels. Finally, I have read a ton of conflicting answers about going to this tire size. Could someone with the same model truck who has tried this let me know your experience. I'm ready for the abuse of not looking better before I posted but thanks to whoever bails me out!

The bolt pattern is 8 on 6.5, i have 4" backspacing on my 16x8 rims with no problems. I have 265s on now, soon to be gettin 285s. With 285s you will have to crank up torsion bars or space out front bumber to avoid rubbing. Also depending on what you plan on doing with your truck, plan on getting heavier pitman & idler arms and sd tie rod sleeves. These parts will keep the tires from towing in & roadside problems.

I, like you spent alot of time reading and thinking of what to do and how to do it. I learned alot from this site from those who know and take time to inform others. Thanks to all of those guys for their time and effort.

Last week, I went to a "credible" local front end shop and had him crank up the torsion bars 1 7/8" and do a front end alignment. (it does ride rougher now!) but I like it.


I went from the alignment shop to the tire store....I installed 285 / 75 / 16's on the forged alum. stock rims. Wow, I like it and have about 400 miles on since the switch. I do know, I must change the speedo........I need to find out where I can do that or have it done.
:cool2:

Kill 2 birds with one stone, buy a programmer. A hypertech or predator will give more hp & u can set speedo

Your speedo is now off by approx. 5 mph SLOWER than you're actually going at 60 mph. The faster you go the more its off. Enjoy. It looks like a truck now dosent it?

The first thing I did when I got my 2004 2500HD home was to immediately park it next to my old '87 3/4 ton 4x4 suburban, jack 'em both up and swap wheels to see how it would look. (...man that's a lot of lug nuts by hand!). Anyway, the BFG 285-75-R16's fit and looked great. I did get a slight rub when making a tight turn between the corner of the tread, and the lower inside corner of the plastic air dam. I just chamfered the corner off the plastic lip of the air dam (3/4" max) and didn't have any further interference problems...
....until my wife started complaining that the suburban looked funny with the little wheels and wanted her wheels/tires back.

So now I'm trying to hurry up and burn up my factory tires!

Has anyone tried BFG 305-70R16 on factory alum rims?
I really don't want to lift the truck - that tailgate is high enough for me already.

I have a 2003 2500hd crew cab with diesel. stock wheels, 285 75 16's bf's My front drivers side wheel bearing went out at 53,000 and then the Right side went out at 57,000 The part is over 400.00 retail only available at the dealer. I dont know if it is the tires being heavier or what.

I am not very with this gm product might be looking for a different brand truck :mad: