I have a 53 F-100 that is stock, and I am currently running 235 70 R 15 tires.
These I find are great for running down the road, but when getting into tight spots, they are one hell of a struggle. I am convinced there is to much rubber on the road from these tires. I was thinking about going to 215 75 R 15, for a narrower tire, and perhaps solving the problem. I don't want to compromise the look, and want a tall tire, but also a narrow one as well.
Anyone have any suggestions as to solve this? I just rebuilt my steering box and want to keep it as long as possible. Thanks in advance for any suggestions, and replies.

 

Myself, I'm changing to bias-plies. The bias-plies have a smaller area of rubber in contact with the road, and the radials just don't come tall enough for my taste.

 

I hear you with the Bias Ply. I have had not so good luck with the 78 series bias, and don't want to go there again.
The roads are getting worse every day, with rutts, and the 78 series have given me a few close calls. So its the radials for me for sure.
Just trying to get a tall but narrow one that suits the truck. thought that a 215 75 15, would maybe work.

 

I found LT series tires in both 80 and 85 profiles (like LT195-85R15 and LT215-85R15). If I recall, they were Dunlop brand, Grandtrek AT2 model. The taller profiles (80, 82, and 85 series) will give you the tire diameter you want while the 185 and 195 tire widths will give you the narrow tread.

 

George, thanks that gives me something to work with. How do they fit the wheel openings?
My 53 has Chrome Wheels, and lettered tires, reason being is the colour of the truck. If you look at it in my gallery, you will see that it needs this to off set the colour. Plain wheels with hub caps would not do it justice. the rest of the truck is bone stock, right down to the 6 volt system, and I wouldn't have it otherwise.
Thanks again George, for the input.

 

A 215/75r15 will be about .4" shorter and about 2" narrower than your 235/70r15. What width rims are you currently running? I assume you're not changing rims. If you're using 7" wide rims, that's about the limit for a 215/75r15. A better choice may be 225/75 or 235/75r15. The 225 is the same height as the 235/70, but has almost 2" narrower tread width. These are all common tire sizes, available everywhere. Also, the less expensive tires tend to be alittle skinny, this may help even more.

 

So you saying that a 225 75 15, would be a better choice as far as running 7 inch rims which I am useing.
Also these will be a better tire for getting around tight places, like getting into formation lines at the local cruise. If thats the case thats what I am looking for.
Like I mentioned prior these are one hell of a tire to steer without power assist, 235 70 15s, that is.

 

With the 7" rim, you can't go real skinny. I can't tell you how much easier the steering will be, but since the tread is 2" narrower with the 225/75, it has to steer easier. I'd run the air pressure alittle on the high side too,at the 35 psi max. Just keep an eye on the wear pattern so you don't burn the center of the tread out.

 

Original tires for your truck were 6.00 x 16 Firestones. I bought mine from Coker.
Fred