Glad at least some are enjoying the thread, and hopefully it proves useful to someone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

As far as running 31x10.5s on stock rims goes, I have run 31x10.5 Big-O X/Ts on stock LS Alloy 15x6 rims on my silver Raider and Red Raider both with no rubbing. So I have no clue what is going wrong in your situation. And if I am not mistaken Mark's 32x11.5s on stock 15x6 Steelies don't rub either.

Is it an offroad package raider? Also-is your suspension...as old as the vehicle? Also are the leafs in good condition?

You could have a problem with your shocks, and your leafs since the vehicle is so old they could sag, causing that i'd say.

Honestly, mine isn't COMPLETELY stock, but i'm unsure what the stock height is on a raider, I upgraded my shocks as soon as the motor was dropped in cause of the condition the old ones were in, and it provided a 1.25 inches, which gave me plenty of clearance for 35's, with minor rubbing. Really, only SHARP turns cause ANY rubbing, and that has gone away on its own.

I'd suggest getting a body lift, mine is going on in the spring. Then you'll be able to put what you want on it with no problems.

#1 Does not matter if it is offroad package or not. Lift is the same.

#2 My truck rubbed at all 3 corners with 31x10.50 swampers at all 4 corners also on stock steel wheels .


Its a fact that they do. You need more offset to get the rears further away from the top of the frame rail, and the fronts further away from the idler arm, and other IFS crap.

3??? Or was that a typo?

Just an FYI, the chassis MIGHT fit 24's 35's, but that does not mean they are a good choice for that vehicle.


For my truck to run 35's I put about 8 inches of lift on it, Put a solid axle in it, and swapped in a more powerful engine. It'll prob outrun a stock 2.6 truck with stock tires on it at this point though.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I'd hate life with a 2.6, and 35's

These pictures are of a stock raider on 31X10.50 Bias Swampers on stock wteel wheels with the IFS maxed out, bumpstops cut, and a crap ride.....way back when my truck ran IFS.

Here you can clearly see the idler arm being rubbed.


Here is the body, and frame rail in the rear being rubbed.


Here's a close up of the rear.


Another


Another


IFS Salute no more.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Here is my stock rear suspension with Ad A leafs rubbing the frame rail.



I hope you like these vintage raider pictures. My truck is not like this anymore. I have fixed it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Those 31" Swamper TSLs look good on your Raider. Too bad you didn't go with TSLs after your SAS. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

34"s are about as far as I would go on a stock truck without re-gearing or adding more power/drive train modifications. Not to bash running 35"s but for my liking 34"s are plenty.

Even though the power loss is more than bearable, and I do plan on improving that with the 34x9.5s on alloy rims vs 34x12.5s on steel rims.... I don't like the idea of the additional strain it puts on the truck when it comes to stuff breaking running the 34x12.5s. Nothing has broken thank god, and I don't plan on breaking anything but I know the truck has its limits.

Hence why if money wasn't a big issue I would run the 34x9.5 on alloys for street tires, and 34x12.5s on steel for off-road tires. The lighter/narrower tires on lighter rims will put a lot less strain on the truck, and it will reduce power loss and MPG loss. I went from around 46lbs with 31"s and then you add the weight of lighter alloy rims, to 60lbs with heavier steel rims. So dropping down to 54lbs with the 34x9.5s and the lighter alloy rims should be about close to running 32x11.5s at 51lbs or probably a little lighter. I haven't weighed steel rims vs the alloys, but I have lifted both up and would say 3lbs difference wouldn't be much of a stretch at all.

So while 34x10.5 LTBs were an option, I think my final decision will be running the 34x9.5 TSLs on and off-road since my round trip to work is only 10 miles a day. On alloy rims they will give my truck a nice needed break, and will do great off-road too. At least until I can get some 34x12.5s for an off-road set...hahaha.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Yea, mine are not stock rims, I didn't clarify that, the power loss isn't THAT bad honestly. But it's not a smart set up to keep forever, mine was just temporary.

I don't do above 55 in it, and I only drive 20-40 miles in it max at times. So there really is no problem, considering I have the Gen 2 brake upgrade on it also. But it'd need some more lift and a bit more power to run the tires extremely well.

But i'm doing down to 33's anyways, honestly I really don't care about MPG aslong as i'm getting around 15 which I am, when I become a hummer then i'd have a problem.

I'm considering getting a new f150 as a DD anyways so i'm not too worried about my raider's life. It's running real well now, just thinking about getting a new weber carb for it.

Then everything else is just body work.

Need's some bondo'in and painting in the spring! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Currently with my 99 percent city driving I am getting almost 13mpg. That isn't factoring that the miles traveled is actually off because of the bigger tire size. But its safe to say 13/14mpg City for the 34"s on steelies. That is compared to 19/20mpg City running 31x10.5s on Alloys. Factor in my truck does need a wheel alignment, and one of the TSLs needs balancing so I am sure if I wanted to I could make it more of a firm 14mpg than 13/14mpg.

Gas right now is cheap, and I don't travel far but I do like getting the best MPG possible. The biggest thing is engine/drivetrain wear and strain. My truck is running pretty good right now and I want to keep it that way. So hopefully with the 34x9.5s on 15x6 LS Alloys I will re-gain use of 5th gear and my truck will be a little bit happier in the strain/wear department. Not expecting performance like when I had 31"s, but I am sure the skinny 9.5s on Alloys will be a big help.

The next update with a possible 2" Body Lift and the 34x9.5s going on might come at the same time. We will see. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

My '88 with 255/85R16's on steelies gets a solid 18mpg in mostly city driving - never really gets to warmed up. My commute is 3.5 miles all in city, so in a "normal" week I drive about 50 total miles. They are pretty heavy tires I think 57lbs without wheels, and tall measured 33.75"