My '68 C/10 stepside was originally ordered with 17.5 [X 5.25 - 6 lug]rims and 7.00 x 17.5 bias tires. In the mid '70s, when I couldn't get 7.00s any more, I went up to 8.00 x 17.5. No problems, just more bounce and "slower" speedo readings but a 292 L6 was well able to maximize torque to make this work. In the '80s, I went to radials, 8R17.5. After about 300,000 miles of agressive driving, including a lot of 2-wheel off-roading, the factory rims were shot. I couldn't find any replacements in that size. I tried other rims more suited for V8s [8 x 15] but eventually went with 7 x 16 white spokes and 235/85/16RT radial rover Dunlops.
On the 17.5 rims, my favorite tires were Yokohama model 703. Kind of knobby but OK on the freeway.
Last edited by BT-K750; 09/26/2009 8:55 AM.
