Tire and wheel width question

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Oct 25, 2011 | 01:45 PM

1986F150six

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From: Sheffield, AL

Tire and wheel width question

I looked to see if we had a forum specifically for this type of question and we do not so I will ask here.

I have wanted a set of factory aluminum wheels for my 1986 F150 2-wheel drive, which is basically stock. This truck has the original wagon wheel type of steel wheels [7.0" wide] with 215/75 X 15 tires. I do not wish to change tire size.

I have come across a set of Ford aluminum wheels from a 1994 F150 4-wheel drive and as best as I can measure [bead to bead] they are 8.0" wide. The online charts I have found indicate that this is too wide to safely mount the 215 sized tire. Am I correct in the information I have found?

Thank you!

Oct 25, 2011 | 01:53 PM

TheKirbyMan

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From: Mexia, TX

I've got 225/70/15s on 15x8 Dodge truck wheels and it's a perfect fit...sidewall is about vertical as opposed to being rounded like if it was on a narrower wheel. I think a 215/75 is about that size, or a bit taller.

Oct 25, 2011 | 03:21 PM

Archion

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From: Martinsburg, WV

The factory alloy wheels from a 94, the ones with the holes, are 7.5" wide. If it is the optional fanblade style, than they are 8". If you want, increase your section width, like say a 225 or a 235.

EDIT: Just looked at the catalog again... the fanblades are 17" rims... so the 15" rims you are looking at are 7.5" wide.

Oct 26, 2011 | 08:53 AM

1986F150six

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From: Sheffield, AL

Thanks to all for the responses. I spoke with the owner of the tire store where I purchased the tires and he looked up the specific tire [Michelin 215/75 X 15 LTX M&S] on his online site and the maximum recommended wheel width is 7.0".

Oct 26, 2011 | 09:19 AM

SideWinder4.9l

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From: Eastern Ky

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1986F150six

And most recommendations say that 1" is acceptable....8" wide tire on a 7" wide wheel....

1/2" on each side.....

Oct 28, 2011 | 07:42 PM

Terpfords

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For drag racing it is recommended to have wider rim than tread width. It makes the tire contact the pavement more instead of being rounded. It will be fine.