Radial Tire Selection

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Feb 28, 2017 | 10:23 AM

WallaceSF

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From: San Francisco, CA

Radial Tire Selection

Hi Guys:

I looked through the old threads on FTE about putting radial tires on my stock rims and I'm left with 2 questions:

1) I don't see any downside to adding tubes as a precaution other than the $18 a piece. Am I missing anything here?
2) I'm keeping the stock rear end and want rather tall tire. What fits on your F1s 16 inch rims without being a problem?

I'll be shopping for some black wall, pie crust OE looking tires that don't cost a fortune. I'll be driving the truck but no 50 mile commutes or anything.

Thanks!

John

Feb 28, 2017 | 11:10 AM

abe

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From: Central PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by WallaceSF

Here is my opinion about radials. I was able to put radials on my stock 16" rims without inner tubes. The truck drove beautifully, nice and smooth. It took RR tracks nice but was a pair to park. I kept my front tires overinflated to make it steer more easily. The radials just have too much rubber on the pavement when turning when moving slowly.

Bout two years ago I bought bias plies. The truck steers much easier when parking. I can back into my garage, which is on an angle, with one hand.

I don't think you'll find radials with the pie crust look. Good luck.

Feb 28, 2017 | 01:12 PM

WallaceSF

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From: San Francisco, CA

Thanks Abe. I did find the Auburn model on green rim from dbtires.com on page2 :
http://www.dbtires.com/2015_catalog/2015_Catalog_Lo.pdf

or the Cokers:
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/styl...blackwall.html

Only problem is both of these options put the tires at $1,000 not counting the spare!

john

Feb 28, 2017 | 01:41 PM

abe

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From: Central PA

Good for you! That is news to me. But the cost is prohibitive, isn't it.

The Auburn tire looks especially good.

Feb 28, 2017 | 03:19 PM

WallaceSF

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From: San Francisco, CA

Has anyone run 16/650 instead of 16/600 (bias or radial for that matter) with success?

Thanks!

Mar 1, 2017 | 08:34 PM

TireDood

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If you do go with radial tires don't put tubes in them. Radial tires are designed to be tubeless, and will build up too much heat as you drive. This could cause sudden, unexpected tire failure.

Mar 1, 2017 | 08:41 PM

FortyNiner

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From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin

I've been running 16 x 650 bias ply for more than 5 years. They are the pie crust Firestones that Coker, and others, sell. No issues and, as Abe indicated, low speed steering is easily done.

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Mar 1, 2017 | 10:00 PM

38 coupe

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Houston

We ran 215 / 85 R 16 tires on my brother's F-1. As stated above low speed steering is harder. You don't turn the steering wheel unless the vehicle is moving. Other than that driving was universally better than with bias.

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Mar 2, 2017 | 10:03 AM

#10

FortyNiner

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jun 2011

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From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin

An additional consideration is the spare tire storage. If you are intending to use the stock under-bed hanger, they work well with bias ply. Radials are too wide to fit in the experience of others.