Can't believe I missed this thread...

Looks really good Mark! Never had a grip issue with my BFG MTs and the durability of the construction gives a lot of peace of mind on the trails.

 

Just gotta echo everyone else, Mark, looks awesome! Definitely fills out those wells. I hope everything turns out good with Marlin.

 

Im running 33 12.50s on a 3rd gen with stock 4:10 gearing (no engine mods and 215k) I would say with those on compared to my 265/75 16 BFG A/T I have a 10% decrease in power, its really not as bad as you'd think, but Im usually a slow driver so if you like to run 80 or so on the highway it might get more frustrating... Im in the process of getting parts together for my SAC and Im goin with 4.88s so I'll let yall know how that gearing does.

 

Wow, 33x12.5s are decent size tires. How many miles have you had them for? I didnt want to run into any problems with the weight of the larger tires. I was worried it might put more stress on the drivetrain in general. I would porbably re-gear, it isnt too too much more, but I would definately like to know what it's like to drive without the re-gear, just like to know what to expect. Great info, thanks again, still love your bumpers by the way too, if I am ever in Tenn., I'm definately gonna hit you up for a back bumper.

 

I only put the 33s on when Im goin wheelin and I'd say I've run a total of 1000 miles on them. I haven't had any problems that I know of yet. I gave them hell at telico with the rear locked and nothing broke. The wheels they are on are backspaced 3.75" also so its definatley gonna wear things out faster, but Im not too worried since the IFS is about to go bye-bye.

 

[HI-JACK]By any chance do you have a link to your rear-bumper build page? If so, would you consider fabbing one to sell? I have been waiting forever for the BruceTS bumper, but I need something soon, my stocker looks terrible. Thanks [/HI-JACK]

 

The buildup pics are gone, but there are some of the other pics on there, https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/3rd-gen-rear-bumper-build-81653/

the problem is, I would need the truck/runner to build off of.

 

Two part update...

1. fwiw, I did a run on Sunday through mostly forest service roads, but there was a nice rock wash and a decent hillclimb that was VERY rutted.
   
   I can say without a doubt that I rubbed _less_ without the spacers on. This comes from the tire now fitting fully within the fender (versus sticking out past it with the spacers). I _did_ rub when I got really stuffed, but nothing like I did two weeks ago when I first put the spacers on.
   
   Bottom line: I'm fine with the minimal rubbing for now. I will NOT be running spacers with these tires/rims.
   
   
   
2. I got an email from "Dave" at Marlin on Monday. He says that he passed along my email to "CJ" and that CJ had tried to call me last week. I have no missed calls on my home or cell phones. I replied to Dave with that information and haven't heard anything else.

This'll be resolved someday... until then, I'll just keep hijacking my own thread.

 

Chapter closed...

I got my refund from Marilin yesterday... to their credit, they refunded 100% for both sets of spacers, including the ones that I had wheeled that day.

To their discredit, it took over two months to make it happen. I received the spacers on 6/22, wheeled them on 6/24, took them off on 6/25, started calling for an RMA 6/26. I finally got the "send them back" email on 7/31, they got them back on 8/16. I wrote to ask about the status on 8/23, and got the refund yesterday, 8/29.

Not recommended.

 

About time.

 

so to set this straight, you are running 285/75r16 on stock 3-split spoke 3rd gen wheels. minimal rubbing, no spacers.

am i correct? i will be getting some version of a 285/75r16 this december. most likely the nitto terra graplers (im too cheep for the bfg's, though i do love them!!!) coupled with a sanoran steel/OEM lift.

awesome truck man (saw the pics before they dissapeared) and sympathy for the dealings with marlin, ive had companies treat me like that before. for me it was several different times with several different products.

 

Correct, BUT... There's also a 2.5" suspension lift in the mix.

Wheel wise, people point and say they're the stock limited wheels... They're the only wheels I've known since I bought the truck new (96 limited). The only thing I've done is paint 'em black.

Here're a couple of pics from this past weekend, you can kinda' see the wheels... (click for a larger view)


Rubbing wise... Yeup, they rub at full stuff, and they rub a bit at full-lock, but it's TONS better than what it was _with_ the spacers.

 

yea, obviously youll have to have the lift, just making sure those tires fit on the 16x7 wheels, so i dont have to go buy LC wheels.

those LOOK like my wheels, except for the paint, which will be changed when i get my new tires... black looks so sexy!

such an awesome rig, if im ever up in the seattle area, ill let you know!!!

 

Ahh.. in that case - _yes_, they fit fine.


Oh dude, there are much better looking trucks up here. "Some day" I _might_ get the dent out of the hatch, and the passenger door, and buff it, or even just wash it.

...but until then, I'm into function over form.