Author Topic: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel  (Read 6072 times)

Offline 3son

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16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
« 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

Offline choptop

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Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
« Reply #1 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.
76 C10 Choptop,76 C10 Swb
85 C10, 85 K10, 85 K20,86 C10,86 K10 (all extended cabs)
86 C30 extended crewcab

Offline 78 Chevyrado

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Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
« Reply #2 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...
Kenny

1978 C-20, 350/400, 3.73, Graystone Metallic, Raceline Renegade 8 Wheels - 18x8.5, 275/70R18 BFG KO's

Offline 3son

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Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2008, 11:40:04 pm »
Thanks, looked like they would fit but just wanted to make sure before spending the money.

Offline 78 Chevyrado

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Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
« Reply #4 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...
Kenny

1978 C-20, 350/400, 3.73, Graystone Metallic, Raceline Renegade 8 Wheels - 18x8.5, 275/70R18 BFG KO's

Offline dwg30

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Re: 16" wheel vs 16.5" wheel
« Reply #5 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.