Getting ready to get some rubber for the 48. I have read about problems with front tire size on a straight axle truck. How big can I go with the straight axle and 7" x 15" Crager SS wheels? I was would like to run a 235 or 245 60 series tire or should I stay with a 215, 225. I have installed a Toyota power steering.
Thanks for any help.

 

I am running 15 x 235 x 60's on the front with 7 inch rims 4 inch backspace for 11 years with no problems on a stock suspension. Running 15 x 275 x 60's on the rear with 7 inch rims 4 inch back space.

I just changed my rims from chrome smoothies to the original American Racing Torq Thrust (last week), 7 inch in the front and 8.5 in the rear all with 4 inches of backspace and same tire sizes. I also installed the Posies 3 inch drop leaf springs in the front with the new rims. I still have perfect clearance with no rubbing lock to lock. For my tastes, I now have the perfect rake.

FYI my truck is a 1952.

 

With power steering, you should have no trouble with a 235 tire on the front with a 7" rim.

Bryan, I'd like to see pictures of your truck with the new wheels and suspension.

 

with a 6" rim I feel comfortable running 215 series, but with a 7" I would think they (215) would barely be wide enough to seat the bead and stay up... 1010tires says a 7" rim is acceptable for 215, but it is the limit. I doubt you would have much curb protection (hit the rim on the curb at the same time as the sidewall). aesthetics as well I would suggest a 235.

http://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-...5R16/215-75R16

 

I need to take some this weekend. I am traveling on business this week and also last week. Just need so time to get a good pic some where, my driveway is sloped so you dont get a good pic of the new rake. Will do though, however it looks like rain this weekend in S FL.

I went with the Torq Thurst 309's. They look awesome on my truck with the BFG's. Our bolt pattern does not leave us many choices.

I have new paint, interior and all kinds of stuff, truck is very different than my avitar right now. Pics in gallery. New pic with wheels/rake to be added soon

 

The backspacing is for IFS so it will not match. I've had no problems with the tire size's I went with. I do love Cragers.

front wheels- 15x7 3.75 backspacing Crager SS
front tire- 225x75 R15 Firestone
rear wheel- 15x8 4.5 backspacing Crager SS
rear tire- 255x70 R15 Firestone

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Looks like a 235x60x15 will work fine for the front. I was going to get 255x60 for the rear, I did not know that a 275x60 woold fit ok, so I think that 275x60 for the rear will be just about right. Now I need to choose the brand. I like the look of Radial TA's and I like the performance of Mickey Thompson ST radials. I don't think that Goodyear makes any 15's any more. I have had Dunlap GT Qualifiers and like them but they are not made anymore. Do they still make the Firehawks? The choice of 15's seem to become more limited everyday.

 

Looking at mine and the space left on the stock suspension, I know I could get 295's on with just enough room left. However that would be the max. I like the BFG TA's with RWL's and they dont make a 295. 315's would definately rub.

 

Here you go ChuckRob, I just took these, not good as the sun is at the wrong angle.

7 inch rims with 235/60/15 on front, 8.5 inch rims on rear with 275/60/15 on the rear, all rims 4" backspace, stock suspension and steering with the expception of Posies 3" drop springs on the front. This is the biggest tire size I would go with my combo, I may be able to get a little bigger, but I have no issues now.

I need to take some better pics, but these will need to do for now as the wif was comming home and I needed to get the truck back in the garage.

Bryan


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Is that a Cobra in your avitar? I sold my Factory Five a year ago, what a fun car. Just the most impractical car I have ever owned.

 

Thanks for the pictures, your truck looks great and I think your tire size and selection is perfect, I hope they look that good on my truck.

I still have my Cobra. It is what remains of the days that I had the need for speed. I built it back in 2000 and it was the overall best of show winner at the Factory Five Nationals in 2003. I still like to take it out for a spin whenever I need a little attitude adjustment. I have had the car on almost every race track in the west. This picture was taken at Willow Springs.

 

Funny, I completed mine in 2000 also, just a street car with a 347 and a T5, I still know my serial number as it was a early FFR. FFR1703. Pic in Album. I only own the truck now and a original 1928 Model A roadster. I downsized some.

 

I don't know the differences between your 48 and my 56 but I went with 235/60 R15 on 15X8 Torq Thrust II on the front with stock axle and Toyota power steering box and then 295/50R14 on 15X10 Torq Thrust II on the back.

All look fantastic and drive great with no issues at all.

Good luck, Kevin