need tire help

[okieyota]

I have a 1985 4x4 reg. cab p/u 22r with a 3" lift, running on 33x12.5xr15 lt super swampers.

Keeping this thing between the ditchs is a real challenge at any speed above 45 mph.

Also, getting up into this thing is a real bitch for a fat man like myself.

I want to get some of my power and fuel economy back from my tires, improve handling and noise, and still maintain some of the asthetics of the truck.

I don't plan on doing any real off-roading, mostly on-road driving, and off-road to my favorite fishing and hunting spots.

I'm thinking of going with either BFG land-terrains from wal-mart in 31x10.5x15, or some other 32x11.5x15 all-terrains.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

[94cnytoy]

A 30x9.5 or 31x10.5 tire will be best suited for your needs in almost any all-terrain form.
I far as the handling issue, you need to fix your steering and suspension components.
This truck never handled like a race car, but shouldn't be that bad reguardless of the tire size.
I suggest fixing the handling problems first. It is a danger to yourself and others.
King pins, rod ends,bushings and such.

Stew

[ak106]

85 toys don't have king pins come on man but ya get your front end checked and have the alingment checked too you still can keep the 33's just get a smoother riding tire bfgs are great
and if your keep the 33's you can regear it back to stock gear ratio to help power and fuel help if not drop down to 30's or 32's like 94 cnytoy said

[DeadlyPeace]

ak106 said:

85 toys don't have king pins

That all depends on if a Mafia leader might be driving it or not...LOL ;D

Definitely have the front end checked out first. Also if you have problems getting into your truck now then maybe go with 30" or 31" BFG tires. Check your gear ratio before regearing. You may still have 4:10's.

[okieyota]

Thanks for all the input folks!
I might have exaggerated the handling problems a little. I did install a drag link repair kit, and that seemed to help a little. The steering feels tight when i hold the tire and have a buddy turn the wheel. could a worn out steering damper have anything to do with it? I believe that the rear end is stock, but how do i find out?
I was told that my truck has a 3" lift on it. it is definitely lifted but how do i confirm the amount of lift? it seems higher than that to me. can a lifted truck have the amount of lift reduced? i just don't want to put 31's on it and have it looking silly.
sorry for the rambling folks, i just don't know that much about lifts, tires, and steering.
i really appreciate all the advice, you guys are the best!!!

[mudwiser316]

figure a stock spring on your truck have little to a negative arch.To get an idea of how much lift is on your truck measure the arch of the springs. run a straight line from center of the front spring bolts too he rear spring bolt. than measure the distance from the bottom of the line the the top of the springs. That should give you a good idea of the lift on your truck. give or take a little!! Just my $.02.

[DeadlyPeace]

Yeah, anything loose in the steering system can make it harder to control.

You can always lift or lower or rig all you want. Just a matter of putting on different springs, shackles, and/or body mounts. For 33" tires a 2" or 3" lift sounds right. I don't remember what the stock spring height was so I'm not sure how to tell you how to check them. If it's a BL you can measure the mounts and subtract an inch from it.

I'd say put on the 31" tires when you're ready for them and it seem to look silly to you then change the lift, whether it be SL or BL. A cheap way of changing the SL is to remove one or two of your leafs. This can be done without having to remove the springs. After removing the axle use a C-clamp on each end just past the leaf you want to remove. This will hold the pack together and make it easier to bolt back together.