Finally on the road and realize that my (arm) powered steering is getting the best of me!! I bought her ( a '60 really)with 225/75-15 in the corners...(yes I am starting to look like Popeye)....Anyway..anyone know a shorter, thinner size tire that has proved well for (arm) powered steering?? I will probably stay with a radial.

Thanks !
Ryan

 

I dont know if you have checked the air pressure in the front tires yet but sometimes the contact area of the tire to the road makes a little difference in effort of steering....try this old jeeper's trick

dis-reguard the inflate to ?? psi on the tire, take white chalk and make a line across the tread from inside edge to outer edge, roll forward enough for a coulple of revolutions and look at the chalk line on tire to see how much and where the chalk has been removed. This will show just where the "tire meets the road"! (if the chalk is gone from just the center...too much air-let some out) If gone from the outside edges...not enough air-put some in) Make the air adjustments until you get as even a removal of chalk as possible across the tire (re-do chalk line before each test). This might even show some alighnment problems that may be causing harder steering (chalk only removed from one side of tire, etc.). This worked well on My jeeps and gave me easier steering at standstill and also straighter tracking when driving on Hwy. with the bigger tires.
Only a thought...no guarantees.......hope it helps. Ed

 

You might think I am nuts but I run 31 by 9.5 tires on mine. After driving this thing for the last 17 years my arms do look like popeyes. But not really I learned that they will steer very easey if you just let the truck do the work for you.

 

same here, I run 10.0 31x15..maybe I'm just use to it, just don't try turning when she isn't moving

 

Well using the Original type tire measurements, From the Operators/Owners Manual, You should be running 7.00x15's, 6 Ply & Carlyle tires still makes them.

 

Flashman,

I was curious about the Carlyle tire so I did a google search and came up with nothing! Am I missing something?? Are they a subsidary of a different company? After thinking about it, I think the original Bias-Plies would add some vintage (needed) character to my beater!!! I was actually looking for a cheap whitewall, but it seems my college student budget won't allow a whole lot!!

Thanks for all the help guys
Ryan

 

Sorry about that..I checked the spelling and it come as "Carlisle". It seems they could outfit a trailer, tractor, golf cart, etc. I just didn't see the tires Col. Flashman is referring to for a truck.

 

Doesn't Coker Tire (www.cokertire.com) make some of the original style tires as well? I found a number of 700-15 tires in bias ply styles there.

 

Ed,
Great information! I've done several driveway alignments with a carpenters square and a pice of string. Your chalk procedure is a great way to double check your settings and tire pressure. I have always figured that the tire companies probably don't give you the optimal tire psi for long wear (conspiracy theory??)

Bobby

 

6.70x15 firestone blackwalls were the standard tire on 4x2 f100's. Currently running 235/75R15's firestone FR721 whitewall radials, can't comment on steering as I dad always drove before resto. -4speed

 

Here's my dilemma: I am in need of new tires as the old ones have some dry rot.
1st Option: Pay the $170.00 a tire from Coker for a nice set of white walls and feel like I have spent more on tires than I did on the truck itself

2nd Option: (I hate to even admit it) Go to Walmart and get a set of Douglas' for $230.00 mnt & bal with warranty.....only downfall is a white stripe as compared to white wall

My college student budget happens to be my wife working full time and my measly part time job in the Foundry at school (Go Miners). Unfortunately I cant really do anything major for at least 2 more years.(I do want to stay married!)...hence the Douglas tires from Wally World!!
This brings me to a final question: Is 195/60-15 a decent match to the original tire??

As always, thanks for allowing me vent!!
Ryan

 

Ryan,
Go for the wally world specials. I fully understand the starving student thing. I went to college late in life (started at 28 with wife and kids and mortgage). I did manage to squeeze my 4 year degree into 7 1/2 years though. Stick with it, its well worth it and will pay off in the long run. I know it can be frustrating to put the truck project on hold and just do enough maintenance to keep it running while you are studying.
Keeping the wife happy is another positive thing that really helps any truck project

Good luck with your studies!

Bobby

 

59'er

As long as the tire is Rated "LT" it will work just Fine.
I've got 50,000 miles on my set already w/ Negligible wear.
They are a decent ride & @ $45.00. a tire, I'm rather pleased.

 

I am off to Wally World!!

BTW,
it feels good to graduate to senior user...a real sense of accomplishment!!
Thanks ALL!!
Ryan

 

59'er

To bad, these tires have a nice Wide White Wall.