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Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum
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Just an FYI post, I installed LT215/85 R16 tires on the 1954 3604 yesterday and wanted to just agree with so many who had recommended this size tire........the steering is greatly improved and the ride is a lot smoother, the same old bumpy roads seem a lot smoother. The 235/65 R16 tires were a real pain when trying to steer the truck from a dead start.


Ron - - Dusty53
1954 Chevy 3604
In the Gallery Forum
"You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell."
"They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
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W
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Dusty, I am trying to decide on tires and wheels for my '50 3600 and appreciate your feedback on the improvement from the LT215/85 R16 tires.

What width rim are you using these on?


1949/50 3600 Project
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I bought the same size for my build. Looking forward to taking the first drive on them hopefully later this summer.


~ John in Utah
1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine
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Renaissance Man
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LT 215/85 R16 tires fit very nicely on stock 4 1/2" rims. I run mine tubeless. I started with sand blasted rims and epoxied the rivets from the inside of the rims. I then epoxy primed and painted the rims.
I have two 3100s with this done to them and for several years now, they never lose air.

Last edited by 52Carl; 05/07/2025 8:43 PM.

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum
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WICruiser - the Rims are 6" wide.


Ron - - Dusty53
1954 Chevy 3604
In the Gallery Forum
"You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell."
"They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
Joined: Nov 2021
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Thank you Dusty. My current rims are not a viable option so I need to obtain both rims and tires. Others have suggested 5" rims over 6" but most of the tires I have reviewed specs for are measured on a 6" rim so I am glad to hear that you are happy with your combination.


1949/50 3600 Project
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Originally Posted by WICruiser
Thank you Dusty. My current rims are not a viable option so I need to obtain both rims and tires. Others have suggested 5" rims over 6" but most of the tires I have reviewed specs for are measured on a 6" rim so I am glad to hear that you are happy with your combination.

I’m in exactly the same boat with ‘55.2 3600. I like the idea 235/85’s for the larger diameter to drop my rpm’s a bit, maybe power steering is in order. Good info here.


Geoff

1955 2nd Series 3600 235 cid, 4 sp. - Current
1979 Chevy K10 350 cid 4 sp -Sold
1955 2nd Series Wide Window 283 cid 3 sp - Totaled
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Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum
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Rusted Nut - one of the very first noticeable differences with the narrower tires 215 vs. 235 was the steering wheel effort, big difference with the 215. My "turning from a static start" is greatly improved. My recommendation - the closer to the original footprint, the better.


Ron - - Dusty53
1954 Chevy 3604
In the Gallery Forum
"You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell."
"They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
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R
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Originally Posted by Dusty53
Rusted Nut - one of the very first noticeable differences with the narrower tires 215 vs. 235 was the steering wheel effort, big difference with the 215. My "turning from a static start" is greatly improved. My recommendation - the closer to the original footprint, the better.

What type of wheels are you running? Where did you purchase them.

Thanks for the info.


Geoff

1955 2nd Series 3600 235 cid, 4 sp. - Current
1979 Chevy K10 350 cid 4 sp -Sold
1955 2nd Series Wide Window 283 cid 3 sp - Totaled
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,300
Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum
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Rusted Nut - I'll send you a Private Message.


Ron - - Dusty53
1954 Chevy 3604
In the Gallery Forum
"You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell."
"They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,208
J
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That lesser width on the 215/85R does make a notable difference and thanks much for posting and helping to clarify this.


~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end

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