The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline New tire advice????

I have a post in the greasy spoon about the reason for this post. I have 215/75/15, on the front and 235/75/15 on the rear. What would be a good size for the front and rear? I do not haul big loads it is more of a pleasure vehicle like most trucks are in this day and age. The reason for wanting the same tire size is that I have wheels with multi-lug patterns so if I get a flat they can be switched around. My spare wheel is not.

Looking at your truck photo, go with 215's all the way around.

The one thing I forgot, is Tire Brand suggestions.

I put Firestone's on my truck because they were the cheapest I could find in the size and appearance I wanted. $96 each on Amazon.

For the type of driving you do, I'd find the least expensive tires I could find.

If it was my only vehicle, I'd go with Micheliens. They easily last 80,000-100,000 miles.

What is the width of your rims?

I don't know the width, they are wheels that will fit different lug patterns. The front is Amc Pacer and the back is 79 Nova. I think I am going to follow Otto's advice. I am an active participant in Amazon purchases. I can buy the tires through Amazon and have them shipped to Tire Barn at one price for tires and mounting. I am hoping to go to KC in September and it may be my last long trip in the truck.

If you have been satisfied with what you are currently using then buy the exact same thing. As you say this may be your last long trip so enjoy it without having to worry you made the wrong choice in tires.

Ron -- FWIW -- I've been buying Kumho tires for years. I'm pleased with the brand.

Firestone Destination LE2 is absolutely the smoothest riding tire I've ever run (at least the last 20 years or so I can remember), with very low steering effort needed. 215 75-15 as pictured. Street tread, light duty.

I've got a set of 16 inch wheels with larger diameter 215/85-16's Capital H/T's I run about half the time. Steel belted but ride like bias plys in comparison to the Firestones.

Looks like they're calling them LE3's now. Bought the LE2's about 5 years ago.

Skooter - I was looking for a stock look on my '51 3100. Are those 215/85 16's on the stock wheels? Look good on your truck!

Thanks. The two earlier pics show 15 inch wheels with Firestone Destination LE2, size 215/75-15.

Below are pics with stock 16 inch wheels with 215/85/16 Capital H/T tires.

I have those exact Capital tires on my '39 Packard. They're excellent.

They do look great and have a basic retro style tread pattern which I like.

Skooter, I really like the looks of those 16s. What size rim would I ask for, 16x5? Is there an offset? This wheel & tire stuff is confusing to me.
Paul

They are original GM wheels. If memory serves, they are four and a half to five inches in width. So they may not all be exactly original for 1952 3100 pickups, which I believe were 4 1/2" wide.

Paul, I have 16x6 rims from Wheelsmith on my truck and I'm happy with them and the way they look. I can put correct size tires on them without any trouble.

If I were to do order wheels again, however, I'd order 16x5 which would be nearly identical to the original rim width of 4.5".

I have master craft 215/75/15 on the front of my lowered 54 3100 and I am getting 2 new tires for the rear I am seriously thinking of 215/75/15 Mastercraft on the rear. I have 235/75/15 on there now and they need to be replaced.

Do your 215/75r15 tire sidewalls rub your tie rod ends? I have old 225/75r15 on my 37 & they really rub. These are just spare tires to roll the truck around. Also, how do they look height wise?

215/75-15's do not rub anything on my '52. Your '37 could be an entirely different story and was probably designed for a skinnier tire than an AD truck (although I don't know that for sure). If you want to see how they look height-wise take a look at my pics earlier in thread.
The black wheels are 15's.
The red wheels are 16's.

John. I looked up Kumho's but they don't show white walls. I am still considering porta walls.

Skooter, thank you for your reply. Last question, what is the minimum required clearance between the tire sidewall & tie rod end?