What size tires for 4 inch lift?

[Brysonsproject]

I have this 1978 K20 on 33s and I believe it’s stock height. Thinking of putting a 4 inch lift on it (if I’m going to lift it, seems like anything less than 4 wouldn’t be worth it). Should I stay with the 33s or would they look too small and should I go with 35s? Also what brand would you recommend for lift kits, considering reliability and price?

 

[RecklessWOT]

I've seen 33s on stock 1/2 tons. In tight situations they would rub for sure, but still fit otherwise. A 3/4 ton is already a little taller (by about an inch IIRC), so 33s would fit pretty well stock, maybe a little tight and probably rub in extreme situations but still fine in every day street driving- probably describes what you have going on. My 1/2 ton Suburban is lifted 2" and 33s fit quite perfectly. If you had a 4" lift, 35s would fit great, especially on a 3/4 ton. I once had a k5 that was 4" lift and took 35s just fine. Being a K20 you might be able to squeeze on a 36" or 37" tire, not sure if you would need to trim or not, but it would rub if you did any offroading or any other strenuous truck stuff with it.

TL;DR- 33s are a little too small for a K20 with 4" lift. Not horrendous, but would look a little small for sure. IMO 35" tires would be the perfect sweet spot for you. You may be able to push it bigger if you're a mall crawler and simply MUST have the hugest tires you can fit, but it would be silly as far as I'm concerned.

33's wouldn't be the end of the world, 35's would be basically perfect. I would personally say you shouldn't plan to go much bigger

 

[geocrasher]

I had a K20, years ago, with 4" and 33's. It looked good, I thought. I am fairly certain 35's would have looked better, and with some trimming, 37's. Wouldn't run those on a 44 or 10 bolt though.

 

[Craig 85]

Here's a few of my past trucks and the last is my current K30. FYI the K30 is only a 3" lift, but would be a 5" on a K20. Last 2 trucks (K15 & K30) I've run Tuff Country EZ Ride springs with ORD's Sway bar disconnect.

1979 K-15 3/4 ton axle swap 4" lift with 33 x 12.50 x 16.5s (same as a 305/70R16)

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1987 K20 4" lift 33 x 12.50 x 16.5s

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1977 K5 3/4 axle swap 6" lift 15/36R16.5s

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1985 K30 3' Lift 305/70R16 (32.8") 16x10 wheels

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ORD Sway Bar Disconnect

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[Redfish]

I have this 1978 K20 on 33s and I believe it’s stock height. Thinking of putting a 4 inch lift on it (if I’m going to lift it, seems like anything less than 4 wouldn’t be worth it). Should I stay with the 33s or would they look too small and should I go with 35s? Also what brand would you recommend for lift kits, considering reliability and price?

Post a few pics of the truck and maybe of the springs front and rear and we can help determine if it is lifted or not.

All depends on what look YOU want and your definition of "worth it".

33s do well with a 2 to 2.5 inch lift. I didn't want mine any taller than necessary, I had a specific look and functionality in mind and 2 inches of lift with 33s was exactly what I needed.

The '87:

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[Strick]

D30 on 37's & 36's. Can't remember if it was Skyjacker or Superlift had it advertised as 3 inch lift.

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[Dmack]

4" rough country lift with lt315/75R16 (34.5")

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[Bennyt]

I'm assuming you want to keep your sheetmetal intact and not cut/ flare, etc.

33's for a 4" lift if you are wheeling. 35's are fine for street but will hit the rear of the front fender with a good bit of articulation.

I would recommend a zero-rate on the front spring pack to move the axle forward a little bit and to keep the spring pack from rocking at all on the pumpkin pad.

IIRC...and I'd reach out to DIY4x or ORD to confirm...If you are willing to change hangers, you can use your rear springs on the front and get 4" and a softer ride.