Tire Options With Stock Wheels -- '53 F-100
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Senior User
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Tire Options With Stock Wheels -- '53 F-100
I need new rubber for my stock '53 F-100. Especially in the front. I have shopped Coker, Diamond, etc... I quickly came to the conclusion that shipping up here to AK is going to break me! So I got to thinking...
We have some almost new studded BFG 265/75 R16's with only about 6,000mi. from a pickup we no longer have. They won't fit my wife's Expedition (she has 17's). Would these tires fit my '53? Obviously I would have the studs pulled first, as I'll only be running it in the Summer.
If the above tires won't fit, what other options do I have in terms of sizing? I would prefer radials for the ride, safety, etc... even though they wouldn't be stock. Should I plan on using tubes regardless of what I end up with?
We have some almost new studded BFG 265/75 R16's with only about 6,000mi. from a pickup we no longer have. They won't fit my wife's Expedition (she has 17's). Would these tires fit my '53? Obviously I would have the studs pulled first, as I'll only be running it in the Summer.
If the above tires won't fit, what other options do I have in terms of sizing? I would prefer radials for the ride, safety, etc... even though they wouldn't be stock. Should I plan on using tubes regardless of what I end up with?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Harpswell Maine
The problem that you will have is the narrow width of the original rim. I believe that the 265-16 tire would normally be on a 7 or 8 inch rim. The original rim should be 5 1/2 inches wide. It will fit but you will have a pear shaped profile.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Central PA
Originally Posted by AK Fifty-Three
I would prefer radials for the ride, safety, etc... even though they wouldn't be stock. Should I plan on using tubes regardless of what I end up with?
abe
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From: Fairbanks, AK
After a little more research, it appears that 650 x 16 = 225/75 R16. So I'll probably order one of the two sizes. Any recommendations (Coker vs. Firestone vs. others)? Just looking for some advice. Thank you.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Southern New Hampshire
Id stay away from Coker if you want WW as they have a reputation of turning brown. There has been a lot of dissention on several forums about that.
My favorite is Diamondback for WW's.
If you want a good truck tire look at your local dealer for LT215/85R16. These are 8 ply rated and would be a bit stiffer giving easier low speed steering. That is a standard size on many box truck duallys and they are fairly inexpensive. Another is the LT235/75R16 which is standard on many 3/4 and 1T vans and pickups. I run those on my 1T van and it rides very nice, even empty.
My favorite is Diamondback for WW's.
If you want a good truck tire look at your local dealer for LT215/85R16. These are 8 ply rated and would be a bit stiffer giving easier low speed steering. That is a standard size on many box truck duallys and they are fairly inexpensive. Another is the LT235/75R16 which is standard on many 3/4 and 1T vans and pickups. I run those on my 1T van and it rides very nice, even empty.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: peyton, colorado
AK, 225/75r16 is pretty darn close to original height in a modern size tire and is available in both standard load and load range d or e ( 8 or 10 ply). That's the size we put on a friends 51 F-1 a few years ago on stock rims. Worked fine. He may go alittle taller on the next set for lower rpm on the highway. A 215/85r16 is 1" taller (30.3" vs 29.3), still fits the stock rim, and is readily available in load range d or e. Any good tire store should have a variety in both sizes.
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