On a 2500 D/A the tires are 245/75 load rated "E"with a max. inflation of 80lbs. The local tire place says that if I change tire sizes to 265/70 and go to a lower load rating of "D" ( max inflation of 55lbs.)the tires on the front will probably fail because of the weight of the diesel and the rears will fail under loads with a trailer. What do you guys think?

I thibnk you'll be fine on the front. The rear will depend on load, but still should be OK.

Baldy, do you just want a tire a little wider and not taller? According to my tire size calculator the 265/70 is only 0.14" taller. Just wondering what's your reason for choosing this size tire.


http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

Wider is good but taller would involve wheel well clearance, DIC, etc. Also, my butt is too old & close to the ground to have to jump up into the cab.

IIRC My dooley came from the factory with load range D tires. Of course they are four of them on the rear.

you need to look at the weight rating on each tire. i have load d's that are rated for more weight than my original load e's..

Just get 265/75-16's with a Load Range E rating. Most are rated close to 400lbs BETTER than your stock tires.