The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Excelsior tires 7:50X17

Morning all, I've been doing a lot of research about upgrading the tires on my 3800. As we all know, it's not the easiest tire to come across, at least in the radial version! Excelsior does sell a radial that will fit our stock rims,unfortunately its twice the cost of a bias! The stock bias tire runs at a 75psi. The Excelsior runs 44psi, which in itself will give a softer ride. My question is, does anyone have the Excelsior Sport on their truck, and if so, are you satisfied with the tire? Most importantly does is soften the ride? As always, I appreciate your responses! Take care,
jim

I don't have those tires on my truck but I will throw this out there.i picked up a set of 8 lug 16" ford rims from a e250 van and tried them on.they fit,both front and rear.the fronts are close to the steering link but there is around 1/8" so it should be good.
now I can put on a decent set of tubeless radials and never look back and if I cut out the spring clips the hub caps will fit right on.
good luck

Icecold,
So you have a picture of your rims?

Icecold, I've seen that option and it does work! Thanks! Unfortunately I'm trying to stay authentic as to what the truck was born with. With your option, the tire diameter is smaller and for a stock power train that will slow my top end speed. I did upgrade my rear pinion to a 4:10. I'm really curious about the Excelsior ride and performance. Thanks again!

Fox, if you do a search on those rims there are pictures on this site. One fellow bolter actually has a step by step process on how to install the clips for the hub caps. Maybe someone else knows where it is off of the top of their head. They did s nice job with it!

Just a bit of fair warning from someone who has worked in the tire industry; Those Excelsior tires are not the proper load rating for any truck over perhaps a 1/2 ton. They are akin to putting a modern P rated tire on a vehicle calling for an LT D or E load rating. Use with caution, and never with a load.

Thanks, Bill. No worries there!
She's retired now. Just has to look pretty!! The curb weight is around 3k + a beverage cooler if you get my drift!!

Try 4K

Grigg, I'm fat but not that "fat" Didn't think she was that heavy, she's easy to push.
Since you chimed in, question for you and "Bill, Longbox55" Since the load rating is lower, Do you think the tire is stiff enough? And your thoughts on a softer ride. I'm not against on going with Bias ply but if I can get a better, softer ride that the Radial would offer, that would be nice and worth the cost. They will probably last my lifetime at least on wear. I average 1000 miles a year. Thanks, I really respect your opinions!!
jim

My 52 3800 weighed 4,400lb with me in it and has a steel plate in the bed floor about 3/16" thick ~300lb. I'd be surprised if another 3800 weighs much if any less than 4,000 lb.

I drove mine around for a few years on some very old bias ply 7.50-17 tires and it was a little stiff. Then changed to new 20 year old bis ply 8-19.5 and it was a whole lot smoother, perhaps because the tires weren't quite as old, perhaps the slightly taller diameter. I later put 8R19.5 on the rear and they also rode well. All were well rated truck tires and I ran 75-90 psi depending.

Personally I would use more than heavy enough tires to comfortably and safely haul a full load in the truck if you ever ended up doing that, after all it is a truck. The stiffer sidewalls should help it feel more firm in the corners, you can take corners pretty quick in these trucks, I've tried

Grigg

Grigg, I was afraid you'd say that! I'm just tired of hitting a bump and winding up half way into the other lane.. The truck will never be up to it's hauling capacity anymore!! That what the dually's are for! Anyway, see you at Billy's if your going,
jim

Update:
Rims were blasted and powder coated. (Original 3 piece) installed new tubes and 4 new Excelsior Sport Radial tires. Had them balanced. ( or as close as they would balance) Mounted on the truck and went for a long ride. Back roads, some in very bad shape and some newly repaired. Hit the highway, and ran at top speed. Overall, a good choice. The truck handled very well, absorbed the pot holes to a point that I barely noticed them. Didn't bounce into the other lane after I hit them. Stayed nice and straight, or as well as a 63 year old original suspension 1-ton could. I did notice a little tire singing, but not a big deal inside a noisy truck. Highway was a really nice ride. No tracking!
Can't wait to get the original sway bar done and installed now!! That should help with the roll.
Jim

So Jim, does that mean you are all ready to make the trip to Winchester??

Why of course Mr. Marlow!
I will be trailering thou. Too many highway miles at rush hour for a little old 216! Looking forward to seeing everyone! I will also have the important task of bringing an X rail-man with me. John will have to take her for a spin. Hopefully before Chris, in case he blows her up breaking the sound barrier again.
See you all soon, like it or not!!

Yea, Chris is getting a little bit of a reputation for his need for speed....
Looking forward to seeing you guys and that beautiful truck of yours.

You wouldn't by any chance have one old tire that came off that's good enough for a spare would you? I bought 4 new Tornell Highways for mine but I hate to spend that much just to have a spare hanging on the side of the box.