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Dec 28, 2005 | 08:51 PM

jd_sylvia

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From: Turlock CA

Can somebody answer this one?

I just put on new tires and wheels on my 65 (no power steering)
I went from some econo 205/75-15 in the front to 225/70-16 Michelin LT X radials and this thing now handles like a dream. What a sweet ride down the freeway to and from work today. Handles like never before.
Does it turn easier because of the quality of tire or does the diameter make the differance?
The new tires are about an inch wider and two inchs taller but a major quality differance. I thought for sure once I went with the wider tire I would be doing the power steering upgrade, but now I think it can wait.

Take a look at my gallery for pics of the new tires.

jd

Dec 28, 2005 | 09:19 PM

Redmanbob

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From: Mddl A MexCans

Well they look great man!! I was thinking to get new (cheap tires on mine - Walmart) maybe I'll hold out and save up some green now. The ones on it have good tread but are hell to steer like you mentioned 235/70/15 on mine..Could be air pressure in my case

Dec 29, 2005 | 02:11 AM

Sam_Fear

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From: Davenport, IA

I know the taller tire helps. The tread pattern likely makes a difference too. Basically, I think the amount of rubber in contact with the ground is probably the key.

Dec 29, 2005 | 05:14 AM

jowilker

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

JD, My first response is, a new broom always sweeps good. I don't see much difference in them than the ones on my truck. How tall are they from the pavement to the top? What pressure are you runing?

Great looks!

John

Dec 29, 2005 | 05:27 AM

ddavidv

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From: Elizabethtown, PA

New tires always drive like a dream.
Just wait...they will get broken in, and the old 'hard' steering will return.

Dec 29, 2005 | 08:23 AM

66beater

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From: Texas

Its lower ground pressure. Bigger tires have a larger contact area with the ground. that means the weight of the truck is spread over a larger area, so the weight per square inch is lower. The less weight per square inch, the less resistance to turning.

It only works up to a point, somewhere around 32 inch tires, then the tire is just to big. The actual size depends on the weight of the truck,

Dec 29, 2005 | 08:11 PM

jd_sylvia

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From: Turlock CA

They are right at 28.5 inchs tall and have stock pressure of 35 psi.
I hope it doesn't change to much as they break in. I do know this that the old tire actualy looked low on pressure even if I ran them at 40 psi so I believe that there may have been a big load capacity differance also.

Thanks Jowiller and Redman I like the look also.

jd