Wheel Size, need help
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Louisiana
Wheel Size, need help
I'm currently restoring a 1977 F-100 and we're getting close to the final product. I want to buy some performance tires and rims for my truck. But I don't want to go with the "puny" stock P215/75R15. I want a wider tire, 60's or 65's. Also either 15 or 16 in, I'm not sure. But I'm not sure if they will fit without rubbing (I want the same all around). I am also not sure of proper backspacing and offset that I'll need to ensure the proper fit. Can you please give me help in determining whether they will fit properly and the proper size I can fit. Suggestion on tires and size 2XX/60 would be appreciated also.
Thanks,
Jeremy
Thanks,
Jeremy
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From: I live in Lakewood Colorado a suburg of Denver
Wheel Size, need help
I have a 75 F100 4x4 with stock supension and I can fit 33x10.5x15 under my truck with out it rubbing. I could go with 35x10.5x15 but my front tires would start to rub and to fix that I would have to install a 4" lift to correct the rubbing. If you have a 4x4 you should not have any problems with tires. The front tires are the may concern since you have to turn the wheels. The back end you don't really have any thing to be concerned about. So what ever you can get in the front will fit easier in the rear.
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Wheel Size, need help
Jeremy, I assume it's a 2WD. If so, your stock backspacing is probably around 4 1/2". The main concern will be the clearance between the back of the wheel rim and the tie rod end. Measure what you have now, and that'll give you an idea of what will fit.
If you plan on using aftermarket rims, I would stick with a 15x8" with near stock backspacing. You should be able to put a 245x60 on it easily; maybe even a larger size.....
If you plan on using aftermarket rims, I would stick with a 15x8" with near stock backspacing. You should be able to put a 245x60 on it easily; maybe even a larger size.....
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Wheel Size, need help
Jeremy,
The 60..65 series tires you are referring to is the % of the width.
It is the height of the tire from rim to pavement.
ie: P215-R75-15 series
The 215 is the tire width
The 75 is 75% of the tire width making up the tire height
If the Tire width is 8"
The height 75% of 8 = 6"
So the above tire would be 8" wide <> 6" profile <>on a 15" rim.
If you want wider but less tire height then you.
The 60..65 series tires you are referring to is the % of the width.
It is the height of the tire from rim to pavement.
ie: P215-R75-15 series
The 215 is the tire width
The 75 is 75% of the tire width making up the tire height
If the Tire width is 8"
The height 75% of 8 = 6"
So the above tire would be 8" wide <> 6" profile <>on a 15" rim.
If you want wider but less tire height then you.
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From: Louisiana
Wheel Size, need help
What about if I went with 16's? Would I need to change anything? I think I'm going to go with 255/60/1? or 245's. What do you guys think about BFGoodrich Radial T/A, Goodyear Eagle GT II, or Dunlop GT Qualifier T? Thanks for all your help.
Jeremy
It is a 2wd.
Jeremy
It is a 2wd.
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Wheel Size, need help
Jeremy, the BFG radial TA's are excellent tires. I have owned several sets on different vehicles, and they give good wet and dry traction, and wear decently.
I ran some Goodyear Eagles years ago, and they seemed to have a hard tread compound, which gave poor wet traction after they were about 1/2 worn out. This may not be true on today's Goodyears.....?
Can't comment on the Dunlops, although I would consider them if the price was right.
The main purpose of 16's over 15's originally was to clear oversized brake rotors/calipers. The 16's will allow you to run a slightly lower profile tire and retain the same ride height. They will ride rougher. 15 inch tires are a little cheaper. I don't think fitment between the two sizes is a concern, as long as you stay with a reasonable backspacing. Go with the wheel size you like best.
I ran some Goodyear Eagles years ago, and they seemed to have a hard tread compound, which gave poor wet traction after they were about 1/2 worn out. This may not be true on today's Goodyears.....?
Can't comment on the Dunlops, although I would consider them if the price was right.
The main purpose of 16's over 15's originally was to clear oversized brake rotors/calipers. The 16's will allow you to run a slightly lower profile tire and retain the same ride height. They will ride rougher. 15 inch tires are a little cheaper. I don't think fitment between the two sizes is a concern, as long as you stay with a reasonable backspacing. Go with the wheel size you like best.
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From: Louisiana
Wheel Size, need help
Thanks alot man, you really have helped me out a whole lot, I'll be sure to post pics of my truck when I get it done!
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Central Utah
Wheel Size, need help
Your favorite tire store should be able to tell you all the differences, each may have different speed ratings, and compound mix ( softer or harder rubber) the soft ones stick nice, but wear out soon, the hard ones dont stick as good, but last for a long time, Most try to get something in the middle, If you get much over R rated (The new police cars have Goodyear Eagle RSA plus 225- 60- R16) then it gets more expensive, Like the V rating would be more denero! Make your tire guy do some extra work to explain all the differences
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From: clementsport canada
Wheel Size, need help
i'm running 15x8" 's. with 4" backspacing and 235/75 r15's, they fit great, flatten the tire out on the rim enough to make them handle good, and look pretty decient, plus i can still use it like a truck ( being a volly firefighter ya never know where you might be)
the 4" back spacing, leaves a little bit of brake drum exposed, and leaves the 8" rim out to the edge of the fender.
the 4" back spacing, leaves a little bit of brake drum exposed, and leaves the 8" rim out to the edge of the fender.
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Wheel Size, need help
I'm (somewhat) restoring my '76 2 wheel drive long wheel base F-100, and it currently has 15 x 7 inch wheels on it with 235/75-15's on it and it looks decent. In a month I'm planning on fattening up the tires to a 255/70-15, or a 275/60-15. A 275/60 on a 15x8 wheel usually looks pretty sweet on any truck and it gives it that wide look without sticking out from under the fender. I like for everything to fit up under the fender on my stuff, and a 10 inch wide wheel would put it an inch or so outside the fender. I will probably try a 275/60 on my 15x7 wheels, which is really a narrow wheel for the 275/60 but I've seen some trucks with that fitment and it's not too bad. A 15x8 DOES look better and really gives it that mean look. If you were lowering the truck a little a 255/60 would look good too....