73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Wheels & Tires => Topic started by: got2haul on October 03, 2007, 07:43:24 am
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First, my truck is an ’80 stepside. I’ve lowered the truck 2/4. It currently has 235/75/15 tires on it with 15 x 8 inch rally wheels. These tires are 28.9 inches in diameter.
Using the existing 15 x 8 rally wheels on the front, and 15 x 10 rallys on the rear, I want to put wider tires on the rear, with narrower tires in the front. I want the front and rear tire diameters to be close – maybe within an inch or so of each other, so as not to exaggerate any front-to-rear rake.
The tires I am considering are BF Goodrich Radial TA’s in sizes 235/60-15 for the front (diameter = 26.1 inches) and 295/50-15 with a diameter of 26.6 inches. This tire combination is about 2-1/4 inches less in diameter than the existing tires. I’m not so sure this will be enough to fill out the wheel opening with the amount of drop I have on the truck. I cannot find pictures anywhere of a truck of this era with a tire combination close to this, or even with 295/50-15 on the rear.
Another rear tire I’m considering is a drag radial in size 325/50-15. The diameter of a tire this size is 27.8 inches. However, I don’t know which front tire to use with these to come close to matching in sidewall appearance and tread appearance.
And finally, the Hoosier Pro-Street radial in size 29 x 12.5 - 15 (29 inches in diameter) with a matching front in size 28 x 9.5 – 15 (27 inches in diameter). Although this combination seems too close my existing tire diameters to provide the overall appearance I’m seeking, the sidewalls and tread would match exactly.
I’d appreciate any opinions and especially some photos of 73-87 trucks (stepside or fleetside) running tires of any of these sizes to help me make up my mind.
Thanks!
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the 325/50/15's are on the rear of my 74 on 15x10's and they look nice. How they fill out will depend n your back spacing and the stance of your truck with your springs. Use your tape measure and you'll get it right.
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24" WHEELS WILL SOLVE YOUR WHEEL WELL PROBLEM. ;)
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VileZambonie,
I've taken all the measurements and believe I have the correct backspacing for my 15 x 10 inch wheels to put the rear wheel/tire right where I want it. What I was concerned about was whether the 295/50s would look too short for the wheel opening. I'd like to see some pictures of your truck with the 325/50s. Do you have a link or can you send me some pictures via email? Also, which brand drag radial did you go with? Have you ever had to drive the truck in the rain while the drag radials were mounted? How'd it handle? What about tire wear? I understand the drag radials have a minimum tread depth of about 8/32 compared to about 13/32 or so for regular tires.
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This is all I have right now - I'm at work taking a quick break.... I have the BFG Drag radials. Basically they're not a good daily driver tire but more of a weekend warrior tire But they hook up well and even though they're legal that won't stop a cop from thinking you have bald tires so if you do get them take a photo ad of the tire and keep it in your glove box ;)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/gmc2-1.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/gmc3.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/GMC1.jpg)
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PS My truck is 2 inches lower than in those pix now too
Here is a treaded 325/50-15
http://superbuytires.com/tires/model/Nitto/NT+555+R/
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like this ;D
front: 20x8.5 w/ a 5" backspace 255/35-20
back: 22x10 w/ a 5.5" backspace 285/35-22
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/MIKEITH/truck.jpg)
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mikeith Can you snap some pics from rear view?? Please thanks
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yeah i'll try to tomorrow when i go up to hills... we have it up there w/ the airride partially done... but its on hold till we get back from sema
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mikeith, what does your suspension consist of as on the picture? ex.... size of spindles, flip kit- 5" or 6" ect......
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3.5" djm drop spindles 1.5" lowering springs up front and the rear is either a 6 or 7" flip kit... the previous owner just had cut springs up front so i redid it the right way. but the rear was done properly so i never messed with it
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MIKEITH....... SO NOW WITH BAGS, do you plan on selling unused spare suspension parts? drop springs.
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yea whatever i dont use i'll be more than happy to sell ya pretty cheap... prolly be able to sell the whole rear setup and the front springs... it'll be after sema though (three weeks) before i can send it to ya... dont really know how much to ask for so pm me with an offer and we'll go from there
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djm doesnt make 3.5" spindles...but ill take those front springs let me know what you want for em.
im runnin 255/70-15s front and 285/70-15s rear. THAT will fill the wells very nicely. you cant really see it in my sig, but from the side its great.
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mikeith , are you done with the airbag setup by now ????