smaller wheels...better handling?

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May 1, 2004 | 11:44 PM

ibuzzard

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See A Man About A Horse

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From: Mariposa, Ca.

smaller wheels...better handling?

when i got it from the original owner,my 59' f250 had 17.5" wheels with some old dry,hard bias ply tires.he bought the truck new,with a new camper,to travel upon retirement.i balked at the price of replacing those tall skinny tires. they were so squirely any ways. i replaced them with modern 16" wheels and 235x16" tires,and the ride and handling is much improved.would there be any further improvement by going to 15" wheels?besides,i'd sorta like to get rid of the cheesey looking wheel covers that came with the wheels,and go with something that looks more "classic".what do you think,guys?

May 2, 2004 | 12:56 AM

53Merc

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From: High Park, Toronto

ibuzz,
I suspect it's the modern tires and not the size. Are the new tires radials?

That's what makes the biggest difference in ride imho.

Keep on truckin'!
GW

May 2, 2004 | 05:50 AM

tlb

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From: East Palestine, Ohio

My 48 F1 has 235-15" radials and has a great ride for a truck this old.

May 2, 2004 | 07:26 AM

GreatNorthWoods

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From: Littleton, New Hampshire

I think 15 inch wheels with a passenger car tire might improve the ride further plus additional lowering, provided you can find some decent looking 15 inch wheels for your F-250. I have a friend with a 48 F-1 on a 72 F-250 frame and suspension and the problem he has faced is finding decent looking 15 inch 8 lug wheels. You can go with a 225-75 which will not be too small for this truck. My F-3 will be running this size. The 15s will open a whole new arena of classic hubcaps to choose from...

Vern

May 2, 2004 | 11:28 AM

tlb

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From: East Palestine, Ohio

I hate to admit it but my truck has wheels from an 80's Dodge Ram. I think they look alright. Look in my gallery.

May 3, 2004 | 06:44 AM

GreatNorthWoods

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From: Littleton, New Hampshire

Terry,

Your Dodge wheels look fine to me. Until I can afford some Gennie wheels and 48 Ford caps, I'll be running 15x7 Mopar wheels too with full wheel covers. I wish someone made 48 Ford styled hubcaps that would fit Mopar or 49-up Ford wheels. If they did, I'd just put regular Ford wheels on it or keep the Mopar wheels.

Vern

May 3, 2004 | 08:30 AM

SteV8e

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From: Minneapolis

I am in the process of changing from 17-inch two piece (widow maker) wheels to 16-inch one piece Ford steel wheels (16 X 7). I am trying to achieve a diameter close to the 33" of the 17 X 7.5 tubular tires. I would like to get 235/85-R16, but I can only find them in an E load rating. I am concerned they will be too hard, and I am not sure if it is OK to underinflate them. My other option is 265/75-R16. My concern with these is clearance with the frame due to the wider tire. I don't want a smaller tire diameter because of the 4.86 rear gear.

ibuzzard, regarding your cheesey wheel covers. Take them off. None looks better than cheesey. You can get a set of stainless steel trim rings that will fit your wheels.