Not from a ride point of view it doesn't, because I still have a 28 inch tire diameter and the sidewall will be the same height if on an appropriate width rim for the tire. All I am effectively doing is getting a narrower tire. Where your theory would apply much better is on the back, as I could stuff a skinny and taller tire up into the fenders if I chose.

But back to the thread subject. I brought home some 275-60s last night hoping I could run them. I really like the look. They clear OK on the inside but they would definitely rub the fender lip before my suspension stops. I would be unable to lower my ride height ever so I may exchange them today. I need to do some measuring first on my running board to cab gap to make sure my bed is located correctly. If it needs to come up at all I would probably be OK. But just barely.

I really love the look of the magazine trucks with big rubber stuffed up into the rear wheelwells, but that just can't happen with stock steel fenders and no wheel tubs.

 

A little off topic but we have some old L60-15 tires and I was wondering what size rim you would need you use them. I have 15x7.5 rims.

 

Joners, did you narrow the rear end and if so how much.

 

I should have read my response after posting, should've read, "WASN'T"

What do you mean, rear end, frame wise or differential wise?

Frame wasnt touched, only mods to it is that it's boxed. The diff was custom from Moser, so I just ordered it to length.

 

Did you order stock length is what I meant.

 

Nope....well I don't know what stock length is...I just gave dimensions of the tires and rims I was using, and the frame dimensions and they made it to that. I *think* it's 51" end to end....not 100% sure tho, it was done about 2 yrs ago.

 

Nathan

Almost sure that's the P-metric equivalent to a 275-60. Same size I just returned. BFG recommends 7-9.5" rim. I would say about 8-8.5 is optimum. But 7.5 will work.

 

If I remember correctly, the rear fender is only 11" from bed side mounting flange to inner wheel well lip. This equates to roughly 275 mm which means a 275 cross-section would fit with no clearance on either side and a wheel of perfect backspacing. I'm not sure if a half inch clearance on each side is enough especially if there is any lateral movement of the axle with respect to the frame but this suggests a maximum of 10" cross-section or 255 mm. There are 3" wider rear fenders available which would then allow a 2 to 3" wider tire.

The above is based on my memory being correct which is certainly not always the case. Just my thoughts.

 

John

All you say above is fact. Only variable is manufacturer advertised sizes are approximate. BF Goodrick 255 does not = Cooper or Goodyear 255. Heck, even BF Goodrich missed on the advertised tire height by almost an inch and I did use the specified rim they supposedly calculated at. That's why I took a shot on the 275s. Then 255s are installed now and I have my suspension travel back so I can haul small loads in the truck.

BTW, remember the No Limit drop shackles we surmised at PF could not possibly drop the rear 2 inches when only one end of spring is raised 2". Well surprise, surprise. It yielded a 1 inch drop. Not a deal cause I knew that before I bought the shackles. If you raise the front spring mount location too, you can get the other inch, but the instructions advertise 4 inches if you do both ends. That's not possible without jacking with the leaves.

 

If I remember correctly, the rear fender is only 11" from bed side mounting flange to inner wheel well lip. This equates to roughly 275 mm which means a 275 cross-section would fit with no clearance on either side and a wheel of perfect backspacing. I'm not sure if a half inch clearance on each side is enough especially if there is any lateral movement of the axle with respect to the frame but this suggests a maximum of 10" cross-section or 255 mm. There are 3" wider rear fenders available which would then allow a 2 to 3" wider tire.

The above is based on my memory being correct which is certainly not always the case. Just my thoughts.




You know that loss of memory is a sure sign of Viagra addiction. Ok back to the topic. Have any of you run a 16" wheel with a lower profile tire? Is the ride worse with leaf springs then if you use the 4 bar setup? Now did I forget anything? Ed

 

Have any of you run a 16" wheel with a lower profile tire? Is the ride worse with leaf springs then if you use the 4 bar setup? Now did I forget anything? Ed

Ed

A 16 is exactly what I wish I had done. You could get inside the rear wheel well with a 60 or 65 series tire. Real low profile will not enhance your ride quality. I'd avoid huge rims on a daily driver.

Most of the vendors have told me your ride will almost always be a little better with leaf springs. But a set of bars can be respectable too if set up properly with the right springs. Setup is the key of course. You can screw up the ride with leaf springs if you alter them enough.