15" wheels on an 03'-05'??

FROM STOCK 15" STEELIES TO WILD 24" WHEELS, THEY GO HERE.
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racrx7
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15" wheels on an 03'-05'??

Post by racrx7 »

Has anyone used or ever seen 15" wheels on an 03'-05'? I know the brake calipers are really close to the stock 16" wheels, but was wondering if there was the possibility of a certain wheel design in a 15" that would work. The reason I am asking is because the tires I want do not come in 16".
Thanks.
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Re: 15" wheels on an 03'-05'??

Post by Astrophysics »

Sometimes Summit Racing has 15" wheels with the 6 lug pattern that you need. The Astro 6 lug bolt pattern is the same as Chevy Tahoe or Chevy pickup so there are some possible aftermarket rims in 15" but. Should probably stay with 16" for better clearnce to caliper. Just wait a while for your tire choices to improve.
Also, you could fit BF Goodrich old KO which came in 225/70-16
I have Michelin LTX2 in 225-70-16 on my 2" lifted 2003 AWD Astro.

AP

I assume you looked at Tire Rack etc.

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Re: 15" wheels on an 03'-05'??

Post by racrx7 »

Thanks Astro. Tire rack was one of the first places I looked. The tires I want come in a 16", but the smallest diameter in then is 33". More than I want to have to lift for. They make one 29" and 31" in a 15" rim. They are touted as being great in the sand, which would be my primary off-road use, and have good street manners. I suppose I can also use the BFG KO2's.

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O3 Astro 4X4
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Dropped front IFS axle
Journeys rear spring hangers and shackles, S-10 leaf springs, 2" body lift
255/70-16 BFG KO2's on 16x8 Fuel Revolvers

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Re: 15" wheels on an 03'-05'??

Post by Astrophysics »

Tall tires are nice, but the extra weight and the diameter affect gas mileage and off the line acceleration. Often, the OEM axle ratio of 3.42or 3.07 needs to changed to 3.73 or 4.10 ratio to get things optimized for tall diameter tires.
If possible check your RPO sticker for OEM axle ratio, or find code stamping on rear axle.

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Re: 15" wheels on an 03'-05'??

Post by sandfly »

for sand you are better with a rib tread, those will dig in you want to float on sand. been riding sand for 40 years
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Re: 15" wheels on an 03'-05'??

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

I had some aluminum 16 inch wheels from a 1996 Chevy Tahoe with the same 6 lug bolt pattern as my 2003 Astro.
I thought I could use them as extra set of wheels to mount my LT225/70-16 BFG KO tires.
BUT, the brake caliper is bigger on the 2003 Astro and hits the inside of the old 96 Tahoe wheel which must have used smaller brake calipers.

AP

Astro 16 inch wheel has about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch larger diameter at the inside point where the caliper is located.

But it is nice that the 2003 to 2005 Astro has the bigger and better front brakes.
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