Author Topic: 235/85R16 on '80 K20  (Read 2737 times)

Offline 1980K20

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235/85R16 on '80 K20
« on: February 28, 2021, 08:47:24 PM »
Hey, I've finally made one decision on tire size and wheels after months of on/off looking at used and new tires.  It feels like a decision, but I haven't made the order yet. I was thinking about finding some rollers off a van with the same or similar size, but have decided against that.  I've spent probably 6 hours on this topic alone this weekend.

I'd prefer 17" wheels, but have scoured the internet for just what I like and have yet to find them.  Whereas I've found some 16" wheels that I really like and they're reasonable price.

Original tire is:  8.75" wide x 29.5" tall.  Options:
- 245/75r16 (9.6" wide x 30.5" tall)
- 235/85r16 (9.3" wide x 31.7" tall)

I'll talk to sales person before I order, but the website only recommends the 245/75r16.  I see posts where people use the 235/85r16 so sounds like it should work.

Wheel width recommendation surprised me:
- 8" wide, 0mm offset (OEM replacement)
- 7" wide, -6mm offset (optional)

I was surprised at the 7".  The original tires were 8.75" wide, seems that i should be going with 8" wide rim.  I've had bad experience with hitting fenders, favor narrower tires.

This truck has a 2" lift, favoring 235/85r16, but my wife wants me to take it back down to stock.   She doesn't ask for much on the truck, so maybe I'll do that.

My question to the forum is on the wheel width.  My default is the 8" wheel, but is there a reason to go with the 7"?

Thanks,
Mark
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1952 International L112 - waiting for EV conversion
1967 Camaro - 250 six cyl, 200-4R
1980 K20 4x4 Fleetside - 350 SBC roller Cam, TH350

Offline Shifty

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2021, 08:36:27 AM »
Meh, I ran Michelin 235/85-16's on my stock wheels for many o' mile, before switching to Wheel Vintiques 16x8's to run my current BFG KO2's.  FWIW, the Michelin's, while expensive, will give the best ride possible for us Square-types.
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline 1980K20

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2021, 10:47:22 AM »
Meh, I ran Michelin 235/85-16's on my stock wheels for many o' mile, before switching to Wheel Vintiques 16x8's to run my current BFG KO2's.  FWIW, the Michelin's, while expensive, will give the best ride possible for us Square-types.
Thanks Shifty!

I was looking at Cooper tires, I'll check the Michelin out.

Do you have any lift on your truck?

Mark

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

--------------------------------------
1952 International L112 - waiting for EV conversion
1967 Camaro - 250 six cyl, 200-4R
1980 K20 4x4 Fleetside - 350 SBC roller Cam, TH350

Offline Shifty

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2021, 11:18:46 AM »
No lift for me! 
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline 1980K20

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2021, 09:02:43 PM »
No lift for me!

Excellent, thank you!
Mark
--------------------------------------
1952 International L112 - waiting for EV conversion
1967 Camaro - 250 six cyl, 200-4R
1980 K20 4x4 Fleetside - 350 SBC roller Cam, TH350

Offline JohnCaldy

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2021, 04:50:56 PM »
Hello, 1980K20! I've asked around as well with regards to the size, but I wasn't able to find any definite answer. I may recommend looking at 4WheelOnline instead. They have a huge selection of wheels and tires. You may just find the right size on the site.

Offline Shifty

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #6 on: June 01, 2021, 09:57:39 AM »
Added note:  The Michelin's on the stock square-body steel wheels migrated to my 98 C2500, and they look and ride great there as well.
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline 1980K20

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #7 on: July 16, 2021, 12:21:20 AM »
Hi JohnCaldy and Shifty, thanks for your replies. For some reason I missed them.

Here's what I went with.

American Racing AR23 16x8 wheels.
Open range all terrain from les schwab 235/85r16

I've got the open range on my traverse and am very happy with them, so I did the same here.

Enclosing pictures of the tires and how they look on the truck.
--------------------------------------
1952 International L112 - waiting for EV conversion
1967 Camaro - 250 six cyl, 200-4R
1980 K20 4x4 Fleetside - 350 SBC roller Cam, TH350

Offline Shifty

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #8 on: July 16, 2021, 09:25:10 AM »
Burly!  8)
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline 1980K20

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Re: 235/85R16 on '80 K20
« Reply #9 on: August 05, 2021, 11:18:13 AM »
Thanks, shifty!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

--------------------------------------
1952 International L112 - waiting for EV conversion
1967 Camaro - 250 six cyl, 200-4R
1980 K20 4x4 Fleetside - 350 SBC roller Cam, TH350