Ok, I've got a '78 Suburban, 3/4 ton, 4" lift, currently running LT315/75R16 Maxxis Buckshot mudders which claim to be 34.5".. Mine are measuring 33", and are about 50-60% tread. With the 14bolt in the rear I really need more ground clearance. I've already cut my fenders a little, and I'm willing to cut more.

I'm considering a set of Michelin XL 11.00-16, which they claim measure 38.5" and I've read a few people say they actually are around 38".

I'm concerned about the weight of the tire, but I know my suburban is heavier than the average yota or buggy.. I like that they're narrow, they'll fit on my trailer nice. I like trail riding in the woods, and small mud holes. I'm going to be trying out paragon soon too.

I also like the fact that you can find these relatively cheap from surplus dealers.

Here's a pic of my truck, just for fun...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2338/agf00017zt2.jpg

Thanks
-Jay

Couple of things. Those tires are HEAVY, so have fun balancing them. If you got 10" wide rims that probably won't work so well, but if you have 8's, it'll be fine. Also, you're gonna need to ditch the gov-loc in your 14 bolt cause it will go BOOOOOOOM:nuke: :nuke: :nuke: with those heavy 38's on there. They make tons of noise going down the road, enough that really really loud exhuast doesn't mask the tire whine. You're gonna need a little more lift and/or some sawzalling. And if you wheel it hard, the D44 will explode as well, and be prepared to replace ball joints and wheel bearings more often.

You will need 8 inch springs if you dont want to turn your burb into a buggy.

I have NO problem getting out the sawsall, I don't want more lift. My govlock apparently broke cause I was in some mud last week and it wasn't locking up at all, so I'll be welding it as soon as I get a chance.

As for the 44... What if I had 38.5" boggers? would they be better or worse or same? I know the 44 isn't the best axle, but I'd rather not kill it. I'm fairly conservative with the go pedal.

dontstop, you got a pic of your '71? I'd love to see it.

-Jay

You want to run 38" tires on a full size suburban.....your 44 is going to explode

Blah blah blah gonna explode blah blah blah. I drive conservatively on my D44 with 37" tires and it's locked, and it 3 years I haven't broke shit in it. The rear axles though are another story, which is why I have a 14 bolt now. And you don't need 8" springs for 38's. I BARELY trimmed the rear wheel well front lower corner on my suburban, and have my front fenders cut like yours with 5" lift and they clear. Here is a pic of my ugly pile:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l315/Ridinspinnas/Projects/GapJan82006020.jpg

I'll also add that I'm running 17x9" rims with 3" backspacing so the stance is fairly wide. If you've got 8's with about 4" backspacing and .5" more radius on a little narrower tire, you're probably looking about the same clearance as I have. And a poser flex shot with tires clearing:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l315/Ridinspinnas/Projects/Burb.jpg

Nice truck man! I dig it. Mine won't flex that much, at least not with the shocks still attached. One day though!

I fully intend to get a Dana60... But right now I'm trying to wheel on the cheap, so I won't be getting the 60 unless the 44 blows up. If it does, it does.. I need 38"s.. My motivation for the michelins is mostly the price, about $250 a tire for new. Well, if it's gonna be $1000 for tires AND $1000 for a Dana60, then it's not really saving me any money, might as well do some lighter 38"s for $400 each.

I dunno, thanks for the ideas. I need to think some more.

-Jay