How big is too big?

Hey everyone,
First time poster here but long time lurker. I was wondering people's advice on tire size.
I want to run 305/70/17 Nittos along with running Fox 2.5 suspension. I've got a high clearance bumper up front so that should help some and I know I'll be cutting plenty out but is it too big? Will a tire of that size still not have the room it needs, even with substantial cutting? Also, I should mention, this will NOT be a long travel setup anytime soon.
Thanks for any info and help!
TL;DR: Is a 305/70/17 too big even with 3" lift in front 2.5" in rear and cutting a bunch out?

 

Sorry dude, that wall of text was wayyy too much to read but I did want to say........theres no such thing as too big!

 

Good point haha I cut it down some. Thanks for the response!

 

I think once you get in to the Dirty5 territory, a re-gear is a must.. so consider that. With the right lift and wheels.. I think 305's look beast and gain a little more overall clearance. This will prob be my next route. Most people don't want to hack up fenders/bumpers/can mount etc to clear them. Not to mention your MPG will take a larger hit.
TL;DR : DO IT

 

A few members that wheel a lot have 35"s/315s but as stated above you'll definitely want to regear. A lot of members have 33"s/285s and get away without regearing. Haven't seen many members with 34/305s, it's kinda an oddball size. I think you'd want to regear with anything over 33s tho.

 

That's where I'm at right now. 285's and I'm borderline needing to regear. Just waiting to go 305's then it's a necessity

 

Heard a fair amount of complaints about this granny tranny and motor combo with 285s....bunch of guys regearing to nitro 4.88s. This thing already feels like you're towing a boat behind it full time as it is stock

 

I have 33s, 255/85 though, and mines doing fine. I didn't notice much of a decrease in power. Breaking distance was definitely affected though.

 

I appreciate everyone throwing in some advice and their experience so thanks! My original post was pretty lengthy but it included some of the specifics but here they are in case it helps get some other advice coming my way.
1. 4.88s are in my garage just waiting to be installed
2. Fox 2.5s front and back with DSC
(Roughly 3" lift in front and 2.75" rear)
3. TC UCA
I'm not opposed to cutting to make it all jive well but since I'm not doing long travel I'd hate to get tires and find out that even with cutting, they won't work out like I'm hoping

 

A friend I went wheeling with this weekend had 305 on his first gen, 3 in lift, liners still in fender well. Obviously cmc, and liner heat moulding/trimming. But the only time I ever heard him rub was when he stuffed the tire hard going into a mud hole.

 

What wheels are you running, that will matter too

 

That's good to know for sure. Totally motivates me to do it

 

Good point for sure. 17x9 SCS F5s 3.5" BS

 

He went over everything I did, flexed out and all. I think if your willing to cut/heat mold inner liner and have a decent backspace wheel you can do it. But he also had a full replacement front bumper which makes that a consideration. He was also on stock gearing. He said he had plans to change but he didn't feel like it was unusable. In fact maybe he can chime in for you
@BlackBeauty04

 

yeah my truck brakes were definitely the first thing i noticed. if i go anything past 285/70/17 (my set up now) i would regear.

Guys that go 35 and dont regear, besides loss in power, bad breaking.. you are asking for a broken diff.