73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Wheels & Tires => Topic started by: 3son on February 20, 2008, 09:52:25 pm

Title: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
Post by: 3son on February 20, 2008, 09:52:25 pm

I'm new to the board but have been lurking awhile, I haven't been able to find this info so thought I would ask. Does anyone now if a 16" wheel will clear the 13" drum brakes on a 14 bolt rearend and provide adequate cooling, or do I need to continue running 16.5" wheels. Really prefer the tire size choices provided by the 16" wheels.

1973 Chevy C20
14 Bolt Rear
 Thanks James

Title: Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
Post by: choptop on February 20, 2008, 10:25:28 pm

I have put 16's on all my trucks in the past, and haven't had any problems.

Title: Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on February 20, 2008, 10:27:11 pm

I have a set of 16 inch OEM wheels from a 2000 silverado on my 78..  they are 16 inch and clear fine.  in fact the stock wheels were 16x6, so you should have no problems, i didn't...

Title: Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
Post by: 3son on February 20, 2008, 11:40:04 pm

Thanks, looked like they would fit but just wanted to make sure before spending the money.

Title: Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on February 25, 2008, 11:56:06 pm

from what ive been told by various tire guys...  the 16.5 inch wheel is so you cannot put a lighter duty than required tire on the truck.  all 16.5 tires are heavy duty, whereas 16 in tires come in light duty also...

Title: Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
Post by: dwg30 on March 07, 2008, 11:26:16 am

From what I've been told by dealers is that fewer and fewer tire mfg's are making 16.5 anymore. I just had to buy a set and let me tell you there are very few tires to choose from. If I were buying new wheels now it would be 16's.