The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 19.5 tires

I'm going to have some wheels made, and I'm hoping to use a 19.5 as it is the closest to stock AND the company I'm having build the wheels will use the original wheel faces and add the new rims to them...great. My question is this. What is the largest, NARROW, tire available. I'm hoping to get something simular to the 8.25 x 20 tire....can I do this in a 19.5? Any experience and help in this department would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom

I was looking into running 19.5 tires on my truck since I already had the rims. The problem I found was that there are not many choices for tire sizes. Most are around 32" tall and the tallest is a 8r-19.5 that is around 34" tall. 8.25-20 tires are just over 38" tall and 34" tires will probably look too small on your truck.

A 19.5" tubeless is the equal of a 17" tube type. Like said, an 8R19.5" will be 34" tall and would use a 6" rim that is commonly available. To replicate an 8.25 x 20" tube type you'll want a 9R22.5" that will have the same 38" height. This tire is spec'd for a 6.75" rim. Minimum width is 6.00 and max is 7.50, but I'd worry about rubbing with the 7.50. I talked with American Wheel Specialist in Pasco, WA, a few years ago about this and was told the 6.75" replacement rims exist but, at that time anyway, were not readily available. Since then I have seen where a fellow had wheels rebuilt by them with these narrow rims, so maybe supplies have improved. Stu

Here is a picture of what the 19.5 looked like in the wheel opening of my truck and one with 9r-22.5 tires on my chassis with the front clip so you can get an idea of the difference
http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/48661/2660412890102329435S500x500Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/47969/2876789630102329435S500x500Q85.jpg

a friend and customer of mine who has a F*$d commercial chassis pool told me last week that F#%d and all others are having a terrible time obtaining enough 19.5 tires to make production demand so that may prove valuable to you when chasing down tires.
This will make the costs higher if you can find them I'm sure.

Tomcoe, what bolt pattern is on your truck?

I haven't seen 8rR19.5 tires on anything new in a while, I think most manufactures running 19.5's are using the metric sort. Don't know if its hard to find the metric ones is it also hard to find a 8R?

I can't add anymore than I've posted unfortunately. This freind/customer was the first to tell me of it.

Would someone please repost the pics of the 19.5 rims vs 22.5 in the wheel opening?

I'm curious to see that as well

I don't have any 19.5's around here, but here is a 22.5 on late '50's, 5" rim as I recall. GMC T-18HD. Plenty of room at top because moved shackles to rear, used 2 leaf, parallel springs, modern axle with disc brakes, Saginaw steering gear. Unloaded view.

Ed

I doubt the inner dual rims on the rear would fit. With 20’s there is barely any room at all. This pic is on a 1940 1.5 ton.

Tony, are those run as singles or duals?

Ed

Mine are duals. The pic is the inner dual and the brake backing plate. If running singles, 19.5s would likely fit.