HD Questions

regcab02HD · January 30, 2002

This is my first time viewing this site. And I must say, it is the best so far. I have read some of the topics and answers and have learned a few things. But I have some questions.

1. I have a 2002 HD 2500 4x4 with the 6000 and 5 speed. It's reg cab, long bed. I plan on getting some wheels and tires for it. I'm thinking about some American Racing Tailgunner wheels(16x7, with 4in. backspacing) and Interco TRXUS tires(265-75-16). Does anyone think I will have problems with this setup. Will I have to turn up my torsion bars? If I don't will they rub?

2. I'm looking at an exhaust system for the HD also. One with headers, mufflers, the works. I haven't found one for a reg. cab yet. They're all for x-cabs and CC. Does anyone know of one for the HD.

3. Will installing a gooseneck hookup void my warrenty.

4. If I turn up the torsion bars will it affect the ball joints any. On another website they said it will greatly decrease the life of them. If I only turn them up an inch will it affect them? I have to get a ball joint boot replaced on the front right, and the dealer said they might have to re-align the front end. So I figured I could have them turn up the torsion bars if I needed it to fit the bigger tires.

5. How can I adjust the speedometer on my HD if I get the bigger tires? Or should I just let the dealer do it?

6. And last but not least, will any of this stuff void my warrenty. I bought the extended(100,000 mile) warrenty and don't want to void it. That's alot of money to throw out the door. That's like 3 payments and then some.

I know your probably tired of reading all my quesions but any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jpshostr · January 30, 2002

Welcome to the site.

There are many guys here who have done this stuff to their HDs so I'll let them answer those questions. But I can say with total confidence that a gooseneck hitch in your truck will not void the warrenty. GM says its use is required for the heavy loads it is rated for, and it shows use of it in all of its HDs. With every truck we've had, a GN hitch has gone in within two days of us receiving the vehicle and no problems at all.

gandolphxx · January 30, 2002

Welcome - the Interco TrXus tires will fit fine - a little tight on the PYO rims - consider getting 8" rims - gives you a better choice ot tires. Dealer can reset the ECM/PCM for those tires - should be 1/2 hour shop charge -~$50

rola76 · January 31, 2002

I agree, you should get the 16x8's instead of 7" wheels. I have the Weld Typhoons (16x8) and the Tailgunners look basically the same but for about 1/5 of the price!!

Good luck!

CMNTMXR81 · January 31, 2002

2) the Other Guys and JBA make headers for the 8.1, but I'm not sure if they make a set for the 6.0. Gibson also has a few cat-backs available, but I'm not sure if regular cabs are included in their current product offering.

3) no

4) Yes and no, depends on how much you lift them. Anything over 2" and I'd definetly say they'll wear quicker. Anything between there, the life of them won't be cut so drastically that you'll wear them out in the next 10,000 miles. Keep in mind, the torsion bars are MEANT to be able to be cranked up, especially if you add weight to the front like a plow. An alignment would be recommended regardless.

5) Certain GM vehicles are the only ones capable of this, not all. Also in many cases, the dealer has to recieve a downloaded PCM revision from GM's Warren, MI tech center in which case, they're gonna ask WHY you need the PCM revision in order to accomodate a larger tire. Best bet is to wait until HyperTech or another aftermarket controller comes along where you can do it yourself. Aftermarket PCM tuners like Ed Wrong or Steve Cole at TTS can also do this.

6) This is a "Gray" area question and it varies from dealer to dealer. The reason it's "Gray" is because generally if you put a cat-back exhaust on, and your power window motor goes out, the two are no where near related and as such, a cat-back shouldn't void your warranty. Now if you add a supercharger, go out and run the truck too lean, burn holes in the top of pistons and go back to get it covered under warrant, GM will tell you to go take a long walk off a short pier. Kinda see where I'm going with this? However, you will run into cool dealers (like the one I worked at) who generally don't give a rats patootey unless you bring in the later example I posted above and then you'll run into dealers that the minute they see your cat-back will rush to void any and everything you have.

You will never, ever, be able to get a clear answer on this. My best suggestion to you is to go talk to the service manager at the dealer you wish to use, explain to him what you want to do and get his feelings on it. If he's cool with it, you'll be fine, if he warns you he'll void your warranty if you add bigger tires, go find another dealer.

regcab02HD · January 31, 2002

Hey guys, thanks for the info.

I think I'm going to stick with the 16x7's. I may run my stock tires for a couple months and then get the Trxus Mt's. If I get the 16x8's, then my stock 245-75's will balloon out. I will probably never get 285's because I dont' want anything to rub.

Will the wheels stick out alot more than my stock ones? I've already noticed some chipping on the rocker panel. Has anyone tried that clear film. I've seen it on the hoods of vehicles. It's supposed to stop rocks and bugs from chipping the paint. I was wondering if I could put it on the rocker panel to prevent the chipping?

I'm not to sure about the dealer where my pickup is now. They are in my hometown, but they seem kinda fishy. If I do any other work to my pickup, I'll probably take it to the Chevrolet dealer in a neighboring town. I've heard some good things about them. Plus my uncle knows the service manager.