I may be confused about the tire diameter in inches. My big tires are 215/85-16, small ones are 215/75-15. If I recall, just that change alone results in around 3.5mph difference at a given rpm. It's very noticeable when driving. Truck had 15s on it when I got it and fortunately, the G78-15 recaps on my dad's Ferd at the time would also fit my truck. So when searching for tire for these current 15 rims, discovered that old size translates closely to 215/75-15 by the modern standard. And they're not recaps anymore.
Your 215/85-16 tires should be 30.5 inches tall.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
