K20 height
 

I’m about to put a new set of tires in my truck (1971) k20. As it sits right now it has 33x12.50’s and has plenty of clearance. My personal taste is to go back to stock height or closer to it and put steel wheels w/ caps on it.

I’m trying to figure out if my trucks suspension has ever been modified. To me, it looks a little taller than stock.

Joesjunk green k20 has the perfect stance for my liking. Curious if anyone can get me a measurement from the center of hub to the bottom of the fender on their stock-ish k20 before I order tires.

Re: K20 height
 

Here are some older pics of my truck for reference. Needs new tires amongst plenty of other things. Really dislike the wide mud buggers :barf:

Re: K20 height
 

Sorry I can't help you with your measurements, but you have a great looking truck!

Re: K20 height
 

I have a 72 K10 with similar tires and a 2" block and shackle lift. My guess is you have a similar height lift. Look for blocks in the back and measure the shackles in the front.
I want to lower mine as well, but maybe not.
Yes, great truck BTW...

Re: K20 height
 

Your truck might have a 2" - 2.5" lift. For new tires & steelies slightly larger than stock, consider 255/85-16s on 16x7" Ford wheels. Tire selection in that size is limited though.

Re: K20 height
 

Right now I’m leaning toward 285/75r16. I already have the 16x7 Ford wheels with some fresh powder coat on them from Les Schwab. The taller tire bill be a benefit to my 4.11 gearing, keeping my highway Rpm’s tolerable.

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Your height doesn’t look too far from stock. Are there blocks under the springs?

Here’s mine w stock height new springs and 33” tires. I think original tire diameter from GM was something near 29-30”.

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My green truck has 16x7 wheels and 285 tires in that picture. I had the springs re arched about 15 years ago. It sits about 1” taller than a truck with factory “heavy duty front springs” here’s a current pic with the same wheels but 265 tires.

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Hmmm decisions decisions. I think that truck just about makes any combo look nice. Just curious, why the switch to 265’s. Also what width tire were the 285’s or 265’s

Re: K20 height
 

255-85-16's (33.07" diameter) and 285-75-16's (32.8" diameter) are very close to the same height, with the 285's noticeably wider. The choice between these 2 lies in what width you want. For compensating for the low gearing the 255's would be slightly better.

Keith

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265/75/16’s on stock springs here... I’ve got a 4” kit in the shop, probably going to run 35/12.5/17 or 18 with OE caps when that time comes.

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Is that a factory paint medium red hood in the background?

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No, it’s hugger. Same truck the fender and door came from one the K20.

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The 285’s were getting old, and I had a new set of 265’s so I used them. Just a different look.

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Just to confirm Joe, the tires on your truck in the top picture that I posted were 285/75r16. Asking because those dimensions are really close to the existing tire size on my truck currently. There seem to be more options if I go with the 285’s and I think I’d be okay based off of your truck once I get them on a set of wheels that aren’t so deep.

Re: K20 height
 

Yes, the first picture has 285’s.

Re: K20 height
 

285 sounds like top much rubber for a 7" wheel, no?

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Nope, not at all. They actually fit pretty good on the 7” wheels

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Went with the 285’s

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Got it out today.

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285s give it a real nice stance, looks the way a K20 should IMO.