I just picked this truck and it needs some new tires. I noticed that the 8.00 R 16.5 LT seem to be hard to find. I would like an aggressive looking tire. Should I go to a 16" or 17" and what size of tire would best fit for an aggressive look and also fill out the wheel well?

Any suggestions on best place to buy tire and rims?


Thanks,

 

You can get 16" 8x 6.5" rims from the JY from up to 98 F-250/350's (not Super Duties which have 8x 170mm rims) and up to 2013 Econo 250/350's.

 

I had the same problem with my '75 Camper Special. I did not have the time,at that time, to shop around much but it was cheaper and easier for the future to replace all rims plus tires than just to get 16.5 tires special ordered. I went with the 16x7 front and 16x8 rear, knowing I would need more traction. It does have a noticably more agressive look. Many compliments, at least one a day. It also makes my hind end stick up more, which has the side effect of water pooling in the bed. In a rainy town, that means every day.

As it was explained to me, the 16.5 rims are obsolete and tires will be progressively harder to find and more expensive. Its the difference between an $800 tire change and $1200.

In my gallery is before and after shots of the new shoes I got, and over the next day or two while I have my teenager, Ill be adding more. There are some 9" rims available in some styles, and by judging my wells, there should be no problem fitting them in the rears. No idea if 9" would work up front, though my 7" fronts aren't even close to rubbing on turns.

 

I run 16's and buy via Les Schwab here in SE Washington State. 17's= more $$
I CAN buy 16.5's but they're more $ than 16's or even 17's. Best buy might be something with a matching bolt pattern and offset from local Craigslist even if they're 17's or 18's.
All 8 bolt wheels are NOT the same from what I understand. Someone here can clarify better.

Dan

 

16s or 17s will be fine. There are lots of wheel options for the 8x6.5" pattern.

Figure out what size tire you want to run, then get the narrowest wheel for that tire. It will make the sidewalls look tall and strong rather than bulge out and balloon-ish.

A 235/85R16 or 17 is a very popular size for these trucks. If you want a little bit wider, swing for a 265/75 or wider and taller 285/75.

 

thanks

good info

 

Most important is the wheel back spacing for fitment.
So if you won't get this right an your ordered online may be a real pain having to retuning them.

So by buying at a loco wheel & tire store could be cheaper in the long run.
At least they can check fitment while your vehicle has it's old wheels off.

Just sayin by shopping smart helps keep the blood Pressure down.

Orich

 

thanks good advice