I just picked up a '99 K2500 Burb with the 7.4L Vortec. I am new to GM IFS and can't get a straight answer on how big of a tire I can use with the stock suspension. Can anyone tell me how big of a tire I can run if I am willing to crank up the torsion bars a little and do minor trimming? I plan on keeping a 16" wheel and am also looking for recommendations on D or E range tires, because I will be towing my Flatbed as soon as I get it going again.

I have the same exact rig. It still has the wimpy 245's on it. My buddy has a '99 2500 (diesel though) and he runs 285's. When the tires were new he got a little rubbing on the back of the front bumper. He never cranked up the bars but did trim the bumper a little. It looks pretty sweet. I don't think you will fit anything bigger without a lift.

Do you recall what brand and model of tire he is running?

I just put on a set of BFG 285/75R16 All Terrains. Had to slightly trim the rear of the front fender opening and crank up the torsion bars about 6 full turns. The rig now sits level and feels very solid, just like a 3/4 Ton should. An allignment and shocks will finish what the factory should have done in the first place.

Sounds sweet. I believe my buddy runs Michelens. I was thinking about BFG AT's for the next tire on my burby. Do you plan on taking any pics? I would definately like to see some if at all possible. Six turns on the torsions sounds like a lot. But then again, I don't know jack about IFS. Is there a noticable difference in the ride quality?

The front end raised just over an inch, measured at the bottom of frame near the body mounts. Ride is difficult to judge right now, because the stock shocks are history. I'm am still trying to decide which shock to go with. The ride is definately firm, but should be considering it is a 3/4 Ton. When I am finished, I will take some pics.

My '96 came with Bilsteins, part of the Z71 package. I've been really impressed with those shocks, and thinking about trying to get a set for my old Dodge. They're pretty spendy, but I've beat the hell out of these for over 110,000 miles and they're still great.

I didn't know the Z71 package was offered on the K2500 Burb. I priced out the OEM replacement Bilsteins at $60/ea, but for another $10/ea, I can get RS9000's, which I know will do the job.

Ah, sorry. That Z71 is a K1500 pickup. Just meant that those shocks have held up very well (and I'm hard on shocks) but I really should've clarified.

Pics would definately be nice. I've got another 10k to go on the current tires so it's no rush. I'm also interested in what kind of shocks you go with and their performance. Thanks