I think overhang is more important than clearance…assuming you’ve got 12”+ of clearance under your frame rails, you’re good to go. 12” below the axel (not below the differential) only means 25” tires!
I don’t do rock crawling with the Ram 2500 but have with the several IHC Scouts I’ve had in the past. Only ‘high centered’ once, that was a Scout in Mexico and I was on top of a barrel cactus, but I have often had the rear end snagged enough that I couldn’t move!
I have run fire roads and rutted trails in California, Nevada, Montana, and Mexico and no problem with my ’03 Ram, no lift, on 35” tires, but with extensive skid plates…just be prepared for the rear end to get hung up once in a while.
I think overhang is more important than clearance…assuming you've got 12”+ of clearance under your frame rails, you're good to go. 12” below the axel (not below the differential) only means 25” tires!
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Agree all of this including about staying low, bigger tires, and skid protection.
However get out your tape measure and see what your real world clearance is. I just did. I have 13.5 inches to the bottom of my axle (not the diff ) and I run 33x9.5 BFG's that are currently fully aired up. I would imagine that aired down I drop at least an inch. I think you would find that 31's come out to about a foot of clearance at full air pressure. You have to consider tire deflection, axle tube thickness etc. 33's don't put you up as high as you might think.
EDIT: I did say 12 inches is a good start . :sombrero:
Only ‘high centered’ once, that was a Scout in Mexico and I was on top of a barrel cactus
You can fit 31" tires 245/70/17s on your stock Grand. A 2" BB will also give you quite abit more body clearance. Full skids are essential on the Grands, those cats are $1800-$2400 to replace if you bang them up and warrenty will not cover.
Here is what you would end up with.
31" tires, no lift
With 2" BB
Any rubbing? Are you using spacers....
Any noise with the BB? I am afraid to put it on and getting creaks and moans.
No spacers, no creaks or moans, minor rubbing at the pinch weld with the lift at full lock. No rubbing at stock height.
I have been very impressed with where these Grands will go. For expo type travel I believe they are well suited, just wish it had alittle more head room in both the front and rear.