Because all trucks haven't been built the same, the tire pressure won't be the same.

For those of you who have changed to a larger OHV V8, what tire pressure do you suggest for the front and for the rear? I assume because of the significant weight differences front to rear, the pressures have to be different.
Thanks

 

I can tell you what I'm running and you can go from there. I like a soft ride so I run 25 in the rear and 28 up front in 225:75/R15 tires.

 

Well since I'm not running bias ply tires, and have 15 inch rims, it was suggested to me by the Suspension and Spring People to run 40-45 pounds in both fronts and rears respectively. That covers you weight wise through your Gross Rated Weight Range

Air presure requirements in tires is more dependent on the tire itself. A little digging reveals that that the "significant weight differences" you mentioned due to "engine replacement" are not the case. Load carrying is the driving factor.

A Ford FE engine with an aluminum intake manifold actually weighs less than the original 239 V8. And the additional weight of a C6 transmission adds slightly (like 30 pounds) of weight over the variance of a full or empty tank of gas (150 pounds @20 gal). The addition of 200 pounds of equipment would warrant an increase in tire pressure of 4 psi - if you had only 20 pounds of pressure in the tires as the specifications call for "dry." Since most people run 28-32, that would cover an increase in the rated weight of an F1 by 200-300 pounds to begin with.

The original specifications show that over the course of carrying the 1400 pounds of cargo a 1/2 ton pick-up is rated to carry, the tire pressures are shown below. For those utilizing radial or non OEM tire sizes should probably consult with the manufacturer. But you are safe with 32 lbs unloaded, and 40-45 lbs. Ride might be a little rough unloaded with 45 lbs though.

 

I asked the question to the local best respected tire dealer and he agrees with Ms Cool. After looking at the truck and tires he suggested 37 psi front and rear.

 

LOL, I 'm not sure my eyes are good enough to read the gauge at 37 pounds! I have to do it so there are numbers next to the line!

 

I don't haul anything except myself and occasionally a cooler of frosty beverages in my truck so I like the lower pressures. I tried 35 all around when I first got it on the road and the ride was NOT to my liking. You will be surprised at how much rougher the ride is with higher pressures...

 

Ms Cool, I know you live in the world of old trucks out there in North Baja, but the rest of the planet has gone DIGITAL, like in digital air pressure gauges.

 

Lower air pressure will give a smoother ride,,,,,, but can/will cause excess wear on a good set of $ tires. I like to run what the tire mfg recommends. 50-60 yr old trucks never did ride good.

Vern

 

I'm at that age where I'd druther wear my tires out than my butt!

The "other" Vern!

 

Amen Brother!

 

Digital Air Pressure Gauges?! Help me Lord! What is this world coming to?

Oddly, I find that around town the lower pressure -about 25-psi is MUCH softer. But at freeway speeds, that lower pressure grabs at the lines and makes the truck difficult to handle. So at freeway speeds I usually run about 35 psi. If I'm towing or carrying a load, I run it up to 40-45 depending on the load!

It doesn't drive like your neighbors Mercedes at any tire pressure or any speed! ( ok maybe 0)