The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Need advice 8.25-20 tires too big on front

I've been rebuilding the brakes, bearings, etc on my 1940 1 1/2 ton.

I replaced the tires with 8.25-20s since I couldn't get 7.00-20s.

Anyhow, they rub on the front fenders.

I see a couple of options:

1. buy coker 7.00-20s for the front and eat the cost of the 8.25s (read very expensive)
2. put some sort of block lift kit in with longer u-bolts
3. manufacture new front shakles that are 3" longer to pull up the front 1.5"

Any other ideas or advice?

Greg

I would just buy the right size tires. Maybe you can sell the others, or put them on the rear.

John

I've already replaced the rears with 8.25s

I'm going to the Turlock swap meet tomorrow so I may find 7.00s cheaper. Coker's run close to $200 each.

well you can always resell the 8.25's .... might also look for 7.50's [trailer tires]

Bill

I wish you were on this coast, I need some 8.25's for my C50.

I might take the 8's if the price is right (email if interested), but the 'way' to do it would be to add a couple of leafs to your springs. I have a larger truck that way. I think the shackle raise idea will look a bit odd in my opinion. Most suspension shops will add leafs pretty readily. Our local place said "sure bring it in, we'll hook you up" when I wanted to remove a few.

do a search there was a post on tires much cheaper than coker out of missouri a couple of weeks ago. Plan your turns and back and fill that way you don't have to turn sharp. people are going to be looking at a 40 1.5 any way might as well entertain them.

Whom ever you buy the tires from make sure to specify bent stems for the tubes. I didn't for the ones i got from coker years ago and wound up with straight stems not as easy to access thru holes in wheel.

check thread titled big bolt tires

These 7.50x20's should work, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5516710528

If a guy wants the knoby looking type that originally were found on the back of some of these trucks, do they have a special name? How do I specify those both in ebay searches as well as tire stores so they know what I'm talking about?

called "traction", "rough tread", "mud tread" - the others are "highway" or "ribbed"

Bill

Thanks Bill

Thanks all,

I'll just go ahead an get 7.00-20s. I ran into Lucas Classic Tires at Turlock, but unfortunatley this was the year they didn't bring 7.00s with them.

I'll post the 8.25 on the swap meet once I have them switched over.

tomcoe regular hyway treaded tires will give you a somewhat better ride and possible better gas milage

Speaking of better rides: I had all bias ply tires on the 1951 firetruck but switched to radial tires(donated for free)size 825x20R front and rear. I noticed the other day, how much easier it is to turn the steering wheel with the radials. Is that normal?

The bias ply's required two men and a boy just to turn the steering wheel when the truck was stopped. With the radials, it seems easy. I'm no tire expert but somebody here is. Comments?

Thanks kb2csw. For my needs I'm going more for looks than for roadability. I suspect when he is up and running (with brakes and better wiring) less than 500 miles a year locally will be about it.

I appreciate the info however

Here's a source I've thought about trying when I get to that stage. Has anyone dealt with them before?

http://www.millertire.com/

Not me. Prices are not bad on a 20" size tire.

I used Coker for my 7.00-20's Tires,tubes,and liners.Was a smooth transaction.To me,tires are the least fun part to buy for a truck,I'm glad I got it over with and can go back to buying the bits and pieces to get this rig going again.

If you look at the Load Capacity Charts, in the back of the Operators Manuals, for these 'ol 'bolts, you'll see that it was ordinary for trucks of 1 1/2 ton, & larger, to sometimes be spec'd with tires on the rear, one size larger, than the tires on the front. Example: 7.50 20, on the front, with 8.25 20, on the rear. If it were my truck, I think I'd leave the 8.25's on the rear, & use the link I posted above, for a set of those 7.50's at $85 apiece.

Farmdog - I've dealt with Miller tire. A+ professional. They specialize in old and obsolete tires. Small volume. I got some tractor tires for a 1946 Case from them. Can't say enough good about them.

Va fire truck my 54 turns easier with the radials but also maybe due to proper inflation I was wary of putting much air pressure in the dryroted tires that were on there

kb3csw: Thanks.

getting radials is like getting power steering on these ol trucks, they not only turn easier, but ride better and have less rolling resistance

yes it's normal and to be expected!

Bill