Tire selection, decisions decisions!
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From: East Coast
Tire selection, decisions decisions!
Ok, I have an '86 F150 4X4 flareside shortbed with tow package. Only mods are rancho rs5000 shocks and american racing outlaw wheels 15X8.5. and It's time for new tires.
Currently I have 31X11.50 15LT Jetzons that I was very happy with. (
I don't want to see them go) but they are now an obsolete size.
My new choices are 31X10.50 15's (Jetzon) or 32X11.50 15's (BFG). Both are good tires and I can get a good price on either, so that isn't really a concern of mine. But which would look and work better? I really like what I have now, but that isn't an option. I don't really want them any narrower, but I'm worried the taller ones won't fit good. The truck isn't lifted or anything, and the ones I have now rub if you cut the wheel hard. (Not really a problem, you don't really need to turn the wheel that far anyway) but I'm afraid a larger diameter tire will make that worse (how much?) Also the back sits nice and high so I'm not worried about that, but the front I don't want the tire to get much closer to the fender. (they stick out of the fenders about an inch all around).
I'm open to all opinions. I have pics of the truck I can post if you want to see how the current tires fit. Thanks!
Currently I have 31X11.50 15LT Jetzons that I was very happy with. (
I don't want to see them go) but they are now an obsolete size. My new choices are 31X10.50 15's (Jetzon) or 32X11.50 15's (BFG). Both are good tires and I can get a good price on either, so that isn't really a concern of mine. But which would look and work better? I really like what I have now, but that isn't an option. I don't really want them any narrower, but I'm worried the taller ones won't fit good. The truck isn't lifted or anything, and the ones I have now rub if you cut the wheel hard. (Not really a problem, you don't really need to turn the wheel that far anyway) but I'm afraid a larger diameter tire will make that worse (how much?) Also the back sits nice and high so I'm not worried about that, but the front I don't want the tire to get much closer to the fender. (they stick out of the fenders about an inch all around).
I'm open to all opinions. I have pics of the truck I can post if you want to see how the current tires fit. Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
Tire selection, decisions decisions!
32s will only be 1/2" higher (at the top) than 31s. The other 1/2" is at the bottom! 
They shouldn't rub any more since they're the same width. I run 32s on mine, and it's not lifted, either. You can see it in my sig link.
They shouldn't rub any more since they're the same width. I run 32s on mine, and it's not lifted, either. You can see it in my sig link.
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From: East Coast
Tire selection, decisions decisions!
Thanks for the quick response, I was thinking that (1/2 inch thing) But they would also stick forward and backward another 1/2 inch, but I guess that wouldn't make that big of a difference as far as rubbing goes, they barely rub now. Thanks again!
Oh, and I guess that won't help my tierod eating problem! Has anyone else experienced that? The big tires ate all the front tie rods in 30,000 miles. They were the Ford ones with no grease fittings tho, we'll see how long the NAPA ones last!
Oh, and I guess that won't help my tierod eating problem! Has anyone else experienced that? The big tires ate all the front tie rods in 30,000 miles. They were the Ford ones with no grease fittings tho, we'll see how long the NAPA ones last!
Last edited by nickmobile67; May 15, 2003 at 06:38 PM.
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From: East Coast
Tire selection, decisions decisions!
Oh, and one more quick question. Maybe I should post this in the tire section but I'll try here because were already talking about it. The new problem isn't just the size, it's the type of tire. If I go with BFGs, what particular one is good for mostly street duty with rain and snow? Little off road only in dirt or moderate mud. I see the All terrain t/a, or the Radial long trail t/a. I see the Rugged trail t/a also listed but it's only available in one 15" size that is too small for my liking (suv size I guess). Any opinions on any of these? It appears that the ones geared more for what I want are only available in the smaller size, where the ones I like arn't the ones best suited for my needs. any opinions? Thanks again.
Last edited by nickmobile67; May 15, 2003 at 09:14 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Tire selection, decisions decisions!
If it's mostly a street truck, I'd probably go with something like a BFG All-Terrain T/A KO- essentially, the flatter the contact patch is, the smoother, quieter, the ride - so you'll want a tire with a fairly flat profile, but a big lug, and you should be fine. I don't know if the Radial Long Trail is more of a street tire, or not. Although, really, though, if you're just talking dirt-tracking, and a little light mud, and all-season street tire will do just fine, too, and will be a lot cheaper.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: south texas
Tire selection, decisions decisions!
bfg is the tire. at's work almost every where. k/o's clean themselves better b/c of the spaced shoulder design.
sport kings and mud kings are made by bfg, and have the same ride and life characteristics, which rock.
sp/king, mud/king are a little cheaper.
32/11.50's will fit your truck fine. might rub slightly on the radius arms @full lock. not bad though.
try a 32/11.50 sport king or bfg a/t ko. you'll be impressed.
and on an f-150 (my broncos do this) with wide tires, i ate tie rods and c-bushings like they were candy. i'm sure someone knows of a fix, i just replaced them often and greased them ALOT.
small price to pay though, at least you dont have an a-arm suspension.
sport kings and mud kings are made by bfg, and have the same ride and life characteristics, which rock.
sp/king, mud/king are a little cheaper.
32/11.50's will fit your truck fine. might rub slightly on the radius arms @full lock. not bad though.
try a 32/11.50 sport king or bfg a/t ko. you'll be impressed.
and on an f-150 (my broncos do this) with wide tires, i ate tie rods and c-bushings like they were candy. i'm sure someone knows of a fix, i just replaced them often and greased them ALOT.
small price to pay though, at least you dont have an a-arm suspension.
Last edited by footdowninsanelaugh; May 18, 2003 at 05:19 AM.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: East Coast
Tire selection, decisions decisions!
Thanks everyone! Great advice! I think I'll serously consider the BGF AT t/a. Their web site made it sound like they don't wear too well and that they are loud, but you guys have real world experience and it's hard to argue with that. Thanks again.
Oh, and what was that pop noise anyway? I recall saying that right before my tie rod fell off!
Famous last words is right!
Oh, and what was that pop noise anyway? I recall saying that right before my tie rod fell off!
Famous last words is right!
Last edited by nickmobile67; May 18, 2003 at 08:20 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Parkesburg PA
Tire selection, decisions decisions!
The BFG AT's aren't real loud, unless you spin / skid them, then they howl like the hounds of hell. Also, I had a set of 32x11.50's on my Bronco years ago and I got over 30k miles from the tires and I beat the death out of that truck on the road. I've heard of people getting 50 - 60k + out of them