I'm curious what the largest tire is that we can fit without modifying the frame. I'm going with the mini tub in the bed but do not want to hack into the frame. Is a 345 tire possible? Any pics? Thanks in advance. Rick

 

A 345/45-17 tire is around 13.6 inches wide. A stock bed/fender combo allows for a max 11 inches clearance. There is room to tub the bed to gain the clearance but a lot depends on the rear suspension width...leaf springs hang outside the frame and take up some clearance whereas a 4-link may give you some more room. Frame width is 34 inches, bed width is a bit over 49 inches...from frame to fender can be as much as (((50 - 34)/2)+11) = 19 inches. I think that you need to measure your own frame to decide how much room you have to work with.

 

Good info thank you. I have a tci frame and no leaf springs so that should help. I'll install the rear fenders and get to measuring.

 

No need to install rear fenders...the dimension that you need is the distance between the frame and the outer extremes of the suspension. IE, if your 4-link bars/mounts extend 4 inches from the frame then subtract that 4 inches from the max distance of 19 inches which will give you 15 inches clearance. Also consider the clearance you want between the fender and the frame/bed. 1/2 inch is tight but if you hold close your tolerances it will work.

 

I'm gonna try for a 345-25-20 rear tire.... With 4 inch tubs.
345 tires by different makers vary in size be careful with that.

 

Also you can roll the inner lip and get a little more room

 

Thanks this was a big help. As soon as I got home I took some measurements and it looks like I will be fine with just a bed tubbing. This will be one on the last things I purchase after the last body fit.

Thanks, I rolled the fenders on my GTO and that was fairly straight forward. Bottom line I want as much rubber under the truck so I can maximize the power I will be making 6/700whp. Once I get that it will be all about dialing the suspension in.

 

i got my tubs from Dan Carpenter, great product and great to deal with.
here is a 315X35X17 tire, i have 2 inches on the inside and about 2 inches on the outside....
this was before i flattened that outer lip.
oh i have an 8.8 axle too....that will effect your offset...

 

Pictures say a thousand words. That looks tough, nicely done sir

 

I'm liking the progress you've made on the rear end. I'm considering going with a TCI frame myself. What ultimately made you decide to go that route? Did you make any modifications to the build or was it ordered as a tubed, stock setup?

 

I went with a Full FATMAN suspension.
my reasoning was after looking at Resale values, it seems they command a higher dollar.
plus FATMAN is 15 mins from my house.
yes it costs a little more but well worth it.
the tubs came from Dan Carpenter also 30 mins from my home...easy to install
oh Dennis carpenter is 20 mins from the house too.

i guess i'm lucky.

 

I went with 20 x 10 wheels with 3" wider fenders, Goodyear Eagles 275*40 plenty of room. With stock fenders I was limited to a 8" wheel if I didn't want to tub it, which I didn't.