My 2003 Ram 3500 duallie 4X4 has the stock (50k miles currently)
goodyear 235/80/R17 tires. gonna need new tires sooner than later.
Planned on going to a taller tire (hoped for 4 inch taller overall, but
would go with tallest that would fit with stock suspension and steel rims)
Found out today that there ain't a whole lot of options for the 17in rims.
Tire spacers was an option for the rear but not recommended or wanted.
Now I'm guessing that a 2002 model with the 16 in rims (providing that the
bolt pattern is the same as mine??) would allow me more options where tires are concerned? Any one ever run into this?

In case you're wondering, I have 4:10 gears and I seem to be doing quite a bit of highway driving. Mileage is approx 15mpg and the motor is really humming at 70-75mph. Would really like a GearVendors overdrive but they are not cheap, nor is a gear/axle swap. Need new tires anyway and if my math is correct (maybe not) the larger tire should affect the overall gear ratio and if nothing else lower my engine RPM at same speed and hopefully
give me some increase in mileage? The overdrive is still in my plans when I can afford it, but the tires are a necessity soon.

Any Suggestions?

Tks,
Rob

 

Those 17"ers are on there for a reason. 16's will not fit not even close....some 17" cast wheels won't fit. There is no taller tire that will fit without spacers. Options are aftermarket dually rims that are 19.5 or 20 inchers. ks

 

how big can you go with stock rims with no spacers? anyone know?

 

265/70/17, they are no taller though