Wheel backspacing?

Mighty HD · April 30, 2004

I have an 04 sierra 2500hd 4x4. I cranked the front t-bars about 1.75" I'm dying to get rid of the training wheels the truck came with (245's).

I've decided on either BFG mt or the Goodyear MTR for a tire......I'm leaning towards the MTR since it's going to be 99.9% street driven...

As far as wheels, what can I get under the truck with just a t-bar crank? From what I've searched a 285 on a 16x8.

What's the backspacing I'm looking for and lug pattern? I'm willing to do VERY light trimming. I've been eyeballing the H2 chrome wheels, but I'm not too sure about those? Maybe an Eagle Alloy wheel?

I've heard good and too much bad stuff about weld wheels....plus they're kinda pricey...lol

Help me out!

Frank S · April 30, 2004

You might want to go with the BFG's for street use.

The MT/R's have their upside but two areas that the BFG MT km's out perform the MT/R in are mud and tire wear,the latter because they are a harder compound.

The BFG's I had on my ZR2 looked twice as good wear wise as the MT/R's I had at 10k miles each and it goes without saying that since I'm telling you this that I have had personal experience with both.

Anyway,you can't go wrong with either tire but you will get better wear out of the BFG's.

Wingnut · April 30, 2004

If I'm not mistaken....The H2 wheels will bolt right on.

tps0424 · May 1, 2004

I've got the H2 wheels. The backspacing is 5.5". As wignut said, they bolt right on. The H2s are a 17" wheel and I'm running 285/70R17. They fit without any trimming at all. I've read on this board of a member who is running the 305/70R17 with minor trimming. Looking at mine, I can't see a problem with the 305s fitting.

Mighty HD · May 1, 2004

BFG sounds like A plan.

Mighty HD · May 3, 2004

If I decide on something other than an h2 wheel, what's my backspacing that I should be looking for?

Frank S · May 3, 2004

Not really familiar but I'd say around 4.5-5" if you're going to use an 8" rim.

Mighty HD · May 4, 2004

I found a set of 16x8 eagle 145's that have 4.5 backspacing.

Does this sound ok?

1BADHD · May 4, 2004

Anything from a 4.5 to 5.5" BS will do just fine. FYI...if you plan on a spindle lift in the future, you will need a 5" or less BS.

Mighty HD · May 5, 2004

as far as lift, I'd do either a 6" lift or SFA swap once the warranty is long gone..

Looks like I may order these soon.

teaklejr · May 6, 2004

Hi. Go and check out superbuttyres.com and check out the 17 inch chrome wheels. There is a set of Helo Maxx 8's on there and they are only $185.00 a piece. I got them and they look great. I first got a set of Weld Mountain Crushers and sold them after about 1 month. Stay away from Welds. I really like the new ones. Very easy to clean and look great. Just my 2 cents.