Which Diameter Wheels?
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Posting Guru
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From: Waynesboro, Virginia
Which Diameter Wheels?
I am "reframing" my panel, basically returning the original frame to the body. Don't ask. It has large 5 bolt pattern aftermarket 15" polished wheels now on the stock+discs front axle and a 9" rear. Not sure of the offset.
I might like going back to the stock wheel "smoothie" look on her, but not positive. I like somewhat larger wheels, not real big, maybe 17"s or so on the panel. It will be sitting a little lower than stock, but not that much. A typical old guy daily driver.
I was just wondering what some of you would do overall. I know "this is your choice" and "check out some others" as I did at the Supernats, but I figured I'd ax you all anyway your ideas on wheels/sizes in this typical scenario.
I'm sure others would appreciate the input too, plus this subject hasn't been brought up in a while.
Just curious,
Paul
I might like going back to the stock wheel "smoothie" look on her, but not positive. I like somewhat larger wheels, not real big, maybe 17"s or so on the panel. It will be sitting a little lower than stock, but not that much. A typical old guy daily driver.
I was just wondering what some of you would do overall. I know "this is your choice" and "check out some others" as I did at the Supernats, but I figured I'd ax you all anyway your ideas on wheels/sizes in this typical scenario.
I'm sure others would appreciate the input too, plus this subject hasn't been brought up in a while.
Just curious,
Paul
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Minneapolis
Coker sells a variety of wide whites in 17". Last summer I sold a set of their B.F. Goodrich Silvertowns when I made the switch from 17" to 16" on my F3.
If you are looking for smoothies, you may need to go with 16" to find what you are seeking.
If you are looking for smoothies, you may need to go with 16" to find what you are seeking.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Peoria, IL (more or less)
One thing to consider is the style & type of tire you will use in the front. If they have a fairly low sidewall profile, you might think about using a slightly smaller wheel diameter in front, so the truck doesn't have the "rubber band" look in front & a more conventional look in the back. For example, 15" in front, 16" in back. Of course if you are concerned about a spare this will prove something of an issue.
I think a lot of the 17" wheels look odd on older rods, but again, tire choice is a big factor here. The 17"s are where you start to see damage from relatively minor road bumps, if the tires are too low profile.
My $.02, Mike
I think a lot of the 17" wheels look odd on older rods, but again, tire choice is a big factor here. The 17"s are where you start to see damage from relatively minor road bumps, if the tires are too low profile.
My $.02, Mike
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Minneapolis
The 17" whitewalls are definitely wide; check out the profile shots in my photo gallery. Those are the Cokers on stock 17" (two-piece) wheels that I parted ways with last summer. They are not cheap. I have never liked the look of white walls on a truck, so I am running black walls now.
The link:
http://www.coker.com/store/customer/home.php
The link:
http://www.coker.com/store/customer/home.php
New User
Joined: May 2005
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From: Nor Cal
I don't want a low-profile tire. I want something quite tall actually. So I will likely be sticking to 15s/16s judging by the size of the tires in your pictures Steve.
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Elder User
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From: Minneapolis
You have to consider your rear axle ratio when changing tire diameter. My F3 is a 4.86, which is rather short legged already. I lost about 4% of the circumference when I switched to the 16 inch tires. It doesn't sound like much, but it is slightly noticeable. Something to keep in mind.
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From: Nor Cal
I have a Dana 44 with 3:73s in it. I figured that was a good happy medium. I also forgot to mention, that I'm going to be laying the running boards on the ground, so too tall a tire wouldn't work...
Last edited by TwistedMinis; Jun 8, 2005 at 10:11 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
Paul
I think I know the look you are chasing. Rims and tires both are a problem. Your affordable rim choices are VERY limited with the 5 1/2" bolt circle. Places like Wheel Vintiques do have larger smoothies. Like Homespun said, you have to find the right tire though. I'd start there. You need about a 28" diameter tire. Over 27 for sure. I've tried 26 and it makes the truck look like a skateboard unless it is ultra slammed. Most wide tires available for 17" and larger rims are very short. Typically 40 or 45 profile. Most of the major tire brands have good websites. Go to the spec charts section and find a diameter that will work on the rim size you desire. I can't find many choices. You are going to need about a 60 profile to get the tire into the wheelwell.
I think I know the look you are chasing. Rims and tires both are a problem. Your affordable rim choices are VERY limited with the 5 1/2" bolt circle. Places like Wheel Vintiques do have larger smoothies. Like Homespun said, you have to find the right tire though. I'd start there. You need about a 28" diameter tire. Over 27 for sure. I've tried 26 and it makes the truck look like a skateboard unless it is ultra slammed. Most wide tires available for 17" and larger rims are very short. Typically 40 or 45 profile. Most of the major tire brands have good websites. Go to the spec charts section and find a diameter that will work on the rim size you desire. I can't find many choices. You are going to need about a 60 profile to get the tire into the wheelwell.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Santa Clarita
Not sure if this helps, but I just purchased a set of 17x7 and 17X10 Boyd Coddington Smoothies. I'm running the 5 on 5.5 lug pattern. I'm ordering them through Nostalgia wheels. There is no problem drilling the wheels, however they are custom made and will take 6-8 weeks to make and ship. The offset is going to be 4.5". I'm not sure on the tires, however I spoke with the guro's at Boyd Coddington and they recommended going with a 275/50/17 rear and either a 245/45/17 or a 215/50/17 tire. They also informed me to check different tire companies. Dunlop are smaller overall with the same size tire as is Falken radials. I'm going to find a tire shop that will mount various sizes till I find the right combo.
Post Fiend
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by imlowr2
Not sure if this helps, but I just purchased a set of 17x7 and 17X10 Boyd Coddington Smoothies. I'm running the 5 on 5.5 lug pattern. I'm ordering them through Nostalgia wheels. There is no problem drilling the wheels, however they are custom made and will take 6-8 weeks to make and ship. The offset is going to be 4.5". I'm not sure on the tires, however I spoke with the guro's at Boyd Coddington and they recommended going with a 275/50/17 rear and either a 245/45/17 or a 215/50/17 tire. They also informed me to check different tire companies. Dunlop are smaller overall with the same size tire as is Falken radials. I'm going to find a tire shop that will mount various sizes till I find the right combo.
Last edited by fatfenders; Jun 9, 2005 at 06:29 AM.
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From: Waynesboro, Virginia
Dewayne, I hear ya. You are right on about the 28 inch diameter for me; I appreciate the ideas from this thread. That is the point, to stimulate ideas in what is left of the brain.
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