Hey guys, still kind of new to the forums (been mostly lurking since May) but I've found a lot of great info around here since then. I could use a little help with some tire recommendations though. I've been doing some searching and have a rough idea but between the tire sizes and what will work I just get all confused.

I've got a '97 SRW 350 PSD 4x4 that I believe is still at stock height? (Is there an easy way to tell?) It's currently got 265/75/R16 Cooper Discover A/T's on it with I believe the stock rim. I was hoping to get into November but broke a belt on one yesterday. I was thinking about either the same size or even 285's with Cooper S/T's, S/T Maxx's or BFG T/A KO's.

I'm a college student so I'm not doing a whole lot of driving during most of the year. Mostly city being at school with some highway, looking for a good all around tire for snow/mud/mpg, etc. We usually get a lot of snow/ice mix with some emphasis towards ice. Occasionally do some pulling with a goose-neck livestock trailer and flat bed few times a year, not very often though.

Before I forget I was also going to replace the shocks as well, I saw most guys were using/recommending bilstein. Will these work or do I need different ones? Bilstein 4600 HD Front - part # 24-016179 Rear - part # 24-016186

I'm really open to any ideas on size and tire as well as getting bigger rims if recommended. I was never really into the automotive stuff until I bought my truck in May and now I've fallen in love with it. So little to say I have no clue and have a lot to catch up on.

Thanks for the help.

 

It sound like you need a tire for ice and snow. Many brands to chose from, but make sure the chosen tire has siping.

Stay away from tires made in China IMO.

 

I like the bfg all terains. They are a good all around tire.

 

BFG AT's are a good all around tire. That's what I have on my 6.0l.
Good in the ice, haul loads good.
I didn't like them in deep snow, but I kept 70 psi in them and never tried to air down. I imagine that would help.
Mine were susceptible to rock cracks (live on a river road with lots of rocks) but I've never had one leak.

 

My 95 CCLB is not a daily driver. Its just used for hauling gear and towing.

I put the Treadwright knock off BFG AT pattern in a 285/75/16. I've run them for about 4k with no issues.

Much cheaper than new tires, but a lot of people dont like re-treads. So far so good. I'll probably sing a different tune if one delaminates on me at 70mph.

 

To check suspension for any lift measure shock eye to eye length.fronf stock on f350 4x is 20" to give you something to go from.
mine had 285s when i got it.the front bumper is spaced anout 1/2" forward also.
i lifted it via an rsk and it looks better aand rides better.

 

I had bfg at's on my f150 and they are a very good tire. I actually got 100k on them before I replaced them - maybe a little over due but I was really happy to have pulled that kind of wear. I went with Cooper's that were quieter after and then sold it so I am not sure how the wear matches up.

Billsteins are great shocks but not sure on your part numbers. Good luck. Post pic's... they always help.