2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

HAVE A TIRE QUESTION? LIKE YOUR TIRES AND WANT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW? NEED TO KNOW IF THEY WILL FIT? POST IT HERE.
Post Reply

Topic author
tstol
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2017 2:12 am

2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

Post by tstol »

This is a repeat from a different section. Sorry. I'm new and I'm looking for what I thought was a simple answer, but I think it's more complicated than what I was expecting.

I purchased my first GMC Safari, 2003, and am putting a 2" lift on it from Overland. I'm trying to figure out the largest LT tire I can fit with minimal trimming. Brand and size recommendations, please. 16" rim.

Thanks!

Astrophysics
I sleep in my van
Posts: 974
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Been thanked: 9 times

Re: 2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

BFG KO 2. Is great tire. LT225/70-16 fits with no trimming.

Goodyear Duratrax. LT215/85-16. Is a bit taller , and it could work with a bit of trimming

AP

But remember, the big LT tires are heavier than street tires, mileage will drop. And taller tires cause a bit slower acceleration unless you change axle ratios.

Topic author
tstol
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2017 2:12 am

Re: 2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

Post by tstol »

Astrophysics wrote:Hi,

BFG KO 2. Is great tire. LT225/70-16 fits with no trimming.

Goodyear Duratrax. LT215/85-16. Is a bit taller , and it could work with a bit of trimming

AP

But remember, the big LT tires are heavier than street tires, mileage will drop. And taller tires cause a bit slower acceleration unless you change axle ratios.
Thanks!
User avatar

Stroverlander
I sleep in my van
Posts: 308
Joined: Fri Dec 16, 2011 4:18 pm

Re: 2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

Post by Stroverlander »

I had Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S (updated version now Geolandar A/T G015) in 235/70-16 and it was an XL load tire just prior to 2" lift and with 2" lift. They rubbed a bit pre-lift but looked and worked very well with 2" lift. I think 29" LT tire is a great all-around tire diameter for our vans and still works well with 3.72 or 3.42 gearing.

Here was my van stock height albeit very loaded down with motorcycle and track supplies with 235/70-16 tires.

Image

With 2" lift and 235/70-16 tires.

Image

Image

Here's a gif of my van with the following:

-No lift, worn out stock tires
-No lift, 235/70-16 tires
-2" lift, 235/70-16 tires
-4" lift, 235/70-16 tires
-4"+ lift, 245/75-16 tires

Image
2004 Astro LT AWD Stroverlander

Topic author
tstol
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2017 2:12 am

Re: 2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

Post by tstol »

Stroverlander wrote:I had Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S (updated version now Geolandar A/T G015) in 235/70-16 and it was an XL load tire just prior to 2" lift and with 2" lift. They rubbed a bit pre-lift but looked and worked very well with 2" lift. I think 29" LT tire is a great all-around tire diameter for our vans and still works well with 3.72 or 3.42 gearing.

Here was my van stock height albeit very loaded down with motorcycle and track supplies with 235/70-16 tires.

Image

With 2" lift and 235/70-16 tires.

Image

Image

Here's a gif of my van with the following:

-No lift, worn out stock tires
-No lift, 235/70-16 tires
-2" lift, 235/70-16 tires
-4" lift, 235/70-16 tires
-4"+ lift, 245/75-16 tires

Image
That was very helpful. I went with 235/70R16 BFG KO2's on AR767 Steel Rims. Thanks of the GIF. That helped a lot, except for the fact that I now want a 4" lift. Ugh.
User avatar

Snowgeek
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 168
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 7:10 am
Location: Boise, Id
Been thanked: 1 time
Contact:

Re: 2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

Post by Snowgeek »

Strover, your gif was instrumental in my decisions too!! Thanks for all your documentation of your build.

Been quite some time since we were posting on the same forum at the same time! Good to see ya!!

Ryan
2004 Astro (was AWD now 4X4) 125,000 miles: purchased April 2012
Colorado Camper Van poptop
4" Overland lift, Rancho 5000 Cooper AT3 245/75/16 C,
4x4 - NP236 Transfercase
Propex HS2211 propane heater
I am copying a few of you hope you don't mind!

See my build here
User avatar

Stroverlander
I sleep in my van
Posts: 308
Joined: Fri Dec 16, 2011 4:18 pm

Re: 2003 safari largest tires 2" lift

Post by Stroverlander »

Glad it helped tstol!

Hey snow, great to see you around too! Hope you and the family are doing well!
2004 Astro LT AWD Stroverlander
Post Reply