Hello, I'm new to the FTE group. I don't exactly have my truck yet, but I'm on my way to pick it up this weekend. I'm buying a '69 F100 with a 302 and 3 on the tree tranny. She's an Arizona truck with no rust and the interior is pristine with the exception of a couple cracks in the dash.

I'd like to know what other members are running for wheels and tires. What size wheels will work with the stock truck? How tall and wide can I go without clearance issues? What do the rest of you run on your trucks? I realize that this question has already been asked but when I searched the forums I came up with nothing specific.

Looking forward to lots of help and tips from you good folks!

Thanks in advance!
BK

 

BK Welcome to and the Bumpside Forum

Our trucks came with 5 on 5.5 lug pattern 15 in wheels. I'd say that the P 235 is the standard replacement.

Past that it is more personal preference. I run Jeep wheels, Ford wheels through 97 will bolt on, some Dodge with the noted bolt pattern.

Unless you have to put tires on it right away, drive it a bit and see what speaks to you.


John

 

My '70 LB is lowered 3" and 5" and wears Wheel Vintiques Series 62 steel wheels.

Front tires are 225/70-15s on 15x7 with 4-inch BS. Rears are 275/60-15s on 15x8 with 4-inch BS.

Pics: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15260665

 

I like the look of the wheel vintiques myself.

 

welcome to the site.....I just ordered some Wheels Vintiques like HIO has on his LWB, he actually helped me out alot when I was in your situation. I still have not put them on yet, but I ordered 15x7 front with 235/60/15 and 15x8 rear with the 275/60/15's I already have on now......here's my 1970 SWB, just lowered it 4' rear/3'front with DJM kit, just need to put the new wheels and front tires on. I painted them gloss black.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help and tips! I realize I need to actually get it home and drive it awhile but I'm getting excited thinking about all the things I'm gonna do to it!

Leaving now to go down to Grand Island, NE to pick her up in the morning. Hope the weather holds out!

Thanks again,
BK

 

I am running with 275/60 R15 front and back because I ordered 4 15x8 instead of 2 15x7. Turned out pretty good but I thinkk a 15x7 would look a little better up front.

 

Man, that looks good to me Britt. I'm Old school and STILL like the Ol chrome reverse wheels with Baby Moon caps. Brings back fond memories.

 

I won't claim to be an expert, but I think I've probably thought about this subject more than most. So I'll throw in my .02 worth.

Like jowilker said, a 235/75r15 is probably the most standard replacement. Although they are somewhat small in the fenders. Staggered 275/60R15 rear and 235/70R15 front is also very common. The wider tires look nice, but still small imo. And if you plan on driving at speeds over 50mph for any given distance, you will find yourself wanting taller gears/tires. Since you mentioned buying new wheels, you have a few options. If you decide to stick with 15" wheels, either 7 or 8" wide, 31x10.50r15 fit great. (I run them with 15x8 with 3.75" backspacing). I have seen 32x11.50R15 on a stock height 2wd. They filled out the fenders fully. You could possibly squeeze a 33x10.50 in there, but I guarantee a 33x12.50 would rub.

HOWEVER,
I highly recommend going with a 16" wheel. Tire sizes and choices are immense! You can get anything from a 26" tall road sport tire up to a 35" mud terrain easily. Soooo many more choices than with 15". We upgraded my buddy's truck from the stock 15x7 wheels and 235/75r15 tires, to 16x8 wheels and LT245/75R16 tires. It made a big difference in looks and performance. It looks better, rides better, handles better, cruises better. Just all around great!
And Going back to the tire selection point, if your just gonna cruise around, you can get passenger tires for more comfortable ride and save some money. Or, if your gonna be working the truck, pick up some load range E truck tires and you'll be good to go!

As for 16" sizes, like I said above, if you're going to drive it on the highway for any distance, taller tires are the way to go. 235/75R16 is the minimum I would run. A 245/75R16, 255/70R16, or 265/70R16 would be better. Or go big and get a 265/75R16. (Equates to Roughly 32x10.25R16)

Bottom line and the point I'm trying to make, 15" wheels and 15" tires cost the same as 16" wheels and 16" tires. So why limit yourself with 15s, when you can have 5 times the selection with 16s???

 

Maybe it's just time to buy a Ferrari 360 or F430.

Oh look! A squirrel!

 

351Cleveland C4, Thank you for the in depth response! Really gives me LOTS to think about!

I think I'll take jowilker's advice and think on it awhile. Main number 1 objective is to make her road worthy and reliable first. A good tune up, pertronix electronic ignition conversion, carb rebuild or reman, plugs, wires, fuel pump, etc. Then onto the front suspension and steering components.

Thanks to all of you for your help and suggestions!
BK

 

Glad I can be of assistance.

 

I've been eyeing the General Grabbers for the last year. I've had good luck with general n the past but I see a lot of people going with Cooper. Does anyone here have the Grabbers?

Edit: it's the HTS street tire I'm looking at not the off-road tire.

 

DLW-70, Are those factory center caps?
Nevaplayed, What type of wheels are those you have on the truck now?

 

I will be getting cooper for my next set.

Generals? They seem to have improved greatly over the last few years.