I checked with a Chevy Service Manager I know and he said the spare tire wheel is fine to use. Also found out the alloys are 7.5" wide and the 16" steel wheel is 6.5. So, it looks like the wheel is fine to use if I go that direction.
Called Discount Tire Direct [bought from them before] and we discussed some tire options, they recommended a 3 ply sidewall for extra durability on my off road adventures. This is the BF Goodrich tire they suggested...
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...yp=Truck%2FSUV
They also felt that the alloy wheels were fine and saw no need to change to all steel. So, I will continue to do some homework and see what develops.
I know the state police use Tahoes...going to see what tire ad wheel they come with...I would suspect the wheel would be a HD item for that application.
Thanks for the input..
Tom