Tire size or possible lift recommendations for the 79’ K30

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SquareDad

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Howdy gang!
So I’ve been trying to figure out what to tackle first with this truck and my first thought was maybe just a newer set of tires would be good since it’s been sitting in an old man’s yard for a handful of years and the tires on it are fairly roached. Currently running 235/85/16’s but was thinking of going up to 255/85/16’s. I definitely like the pizza cutter look and I will be using the truck regularly in snowy/muddy situations during the winter.
But then the 16 year old in me was thinking maybe put a small lift on the truck? Then, I might want a different size tire.
And then the 40 year old in me says nah, it’s got a good height and stance already. Just get a taller tire.
What do you guys think? Go big? or keep it the way it is and just get a taller tire? I just think the 235/85 looks a little small don’t you think?
I know it’s ultimately up to me, but I’d like some feedback. Any recommendations on a simple lift kit?
Thanks!!!!!​
 

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bucket

bucket

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Those old Selectro hubs (looks like B&M copies?) are pretty cool.

Your truck already has a small lift though. So if you are happy with how it rides, that decision has already been made for you. Looks like it used to have larger tires too, based on the cut front fenders.

The 255 tires would look good on it, imho.
 
78C10BigTen

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I like it as is but also think maybe a nice set of wagon wheels and a size or two bigger tires and done! I agree with Andy @bucket about it already havin a small lift... and ya can see the front fenders being "clearanced" in that pic.
 
78C10BigTen

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Shorty81 said:
As is definitely. And what Ted @78C10BigTen says, spokes. My truck sports a 1" lift.
Click to expand...
I love wagons!! No matter the color. I had a set on my 90' gmt400 that i later slapped on my 94 burban. 10" wide chrome with 31s and later 33s.
 
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Scruffy49

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If you can find a set, 33-10.5 is just about the perfect tire. I have an -OLD- set of Super Swamper TSL 15” radials, yeah, they actually made those a long time ago. I keep them around for mock up, body shop use, and as jack stands. 2 on Ford 5 on 5.5, 2 on GM 6 lug steelies.

Need these for my K3500 obs dually…
 

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shovelbill80

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Last edited:
Goldie Driver

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My 60 year old opinion :rofl: is it has a good stance now and adding a lift will be dollars, labor, and possibly driveshaft issues for little gain and potentially more difficulty climbing in. I'd vote to keep it as is.
 
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Dixie Pride

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Have a 1985 K 20 8 ft. bed 4 speed 4x4 i ordered new new. My truck has Fender flare cut out,3" body lift and a 5" suspension lift. I usually ran 40",went to 42" and i just put 18.5 x44" with no rub Be aware body lift can make your engine run hot, i use racing coolant. Anyway anything over 35' tires is just for looks and you will loose your ride quality and need dual steering stablizers, i had to magenetic balance those big tires too . Backroads to the local store at 40 miles an hr. say twice a month is all i drive it @ 6mpg.I sure have a lot of memories with that truck, grown men come up and say they used to wait it their front yard when they were a kid just to see my truck go by it has 66 k miles on it and never broke down on the road.it is named on the sides REVERENT BLACK. Sorry i don't own a cell phone to post a picture, good luck
 
SquareDad

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Then I think it’s settled. Yea I do like the stance as it is. And a lot of you are correct, it may just lead to other issues that honestly I really don’t have time for.
Now to just dial in a solid tire size!
 
SquareDad

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shovelbill80 said:
The front fenders are already cut front and back. I'll bet a narrow 35 would fit with no issues...

I don't know your budget, but:
www.walmart.com

Arisun Aresta A/T ZG06 All Terrain LT315/75R16 127/124Q E Light Truck Tire - Walmart.com

Buy Arisun Aresta A/T ZG06 All Terrain LT315/75R16 127/124Q E Light Truck Tire at Walmart.com
www.walmart.com

Click to expand...

I’ll look into these 35’s for sure I’ll pull some measurements when I get home! I had no idea my fenders were cut at some point.
 
SquareDad

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bucket said:
Those old Selectro hubs (looks like B&M copies?) are pretty cool.

Your truck already has a small lift though. So if you are happy with how it rides, that decision has already been made for you. Looks like it used to have larger tires too, based on the cut front fenders.

The 255 tires would look good on it, imho.
Click to expand...
Anyway of telling how many inches my lift is? I was told the blocks under my leaf springs in the back were factory. ‍♂️ I measured them and they are 2”. Would it be safe to say my truck has a 2” lift? Factory or not. ‍♂️
 

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Scruffy49

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Oof, those U-bolts and bases look like gmt400 rot bucket specials. Before you do ANYTHING else, get U-bolts that go around the axle tube, pointing UP, and a proper top plate/saddle, whatever it is actually called. Look on gmt400 forum for what those spring/bolt plates cause, not fun… Maybe HWB can link to the pics…

Was looking at a round eye K10 earlier today. 2” lift, 33-12.5r15 on white wagon wheels. Fenders as issued… 292 swapped, SM465 4spd, NP205. Grail Truck other than being a fleetside swb instead of a stepside.
 
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