The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Tire suggestions

I am going to replace my tires soon on my 1952 1300 half ton . I like my original rims and hubcaps. I am running LT 215 85 R16 with tubes. Has any one used a tire with a lower profile ? If I went with a mag what is a good size to use - mag and tire ? I don't know a lot about tires so some opinions would be appreciated before I go shopping.
Thanks , Jeff

Alot of it is going to depend on what kind of look you're going for. For largest selection of wheels and tires, I'd suggest a 15" rim, 3 1/2" backspacing. Tire size will depend on whether you want a tall skinny tire, like the OE, or a fatter tire like a more modern truck. Something like a 235/75/15 would be a good size, lots of choices in LT ratings. If you can find a rim you like in a 16, with the same 3 1/2" backspace, you could also stay with the 215/85/16s, although I personally would consider a 245/75/16 for more tire selection.
I'd like to add one more thing, don't run tubes in tubless tires. They are not designed to be run with tubes, even radial tubes (which are intended for tube type radials, not for use in tubeless radials), and will have issues with friction caused by the tube and inner liner rubbing together. I work in the tire business, and have seen many tire failures from this, especially if the vehicle sees any highway use.

Bill, how about tube problems using radial tubes in bias-ply tires? I can only find radial tubes.

Hey guys , thanks for the advice. I'm taking my old truck off the road for the winter. I got time to check out rims and tires.
I'll let you know which way I go.
Jeff

I haven't seen any problems in that respect. It's more using tubes in tubeless tires.

Jeff I have been running 225front and 255 rear
X55X16 radials on aluminum rims for 2 years now and they are working so fine that I think I will replace them with 18 inchers. The only thing holding me back is the $$ Going to have to sell the present ones first. I havent decided yet if I will go to a 5 bolt pattern at that time

Olblu49, there's no problem with what you're doing. I don't think you could find bias tubes any more, but if you could, they'd be unsafe in radials. Radials flex more readily, and bias tubes were not designed to work under those conditions.That was a consideration in the early 70's when there were bias-type tubes around, but I'd say they're all gone now. We used radial tubes in everything on highway and off-highway working trucks, including tubeless bias tires which wouldn't seal.

Jeff, do keep in mind the change in engine rpms that come with going to a smaller diameter tire and wheel. I see from your gallery post that you are running the 216 and I assume you have a stock rearend. A lot of folks with older stovebolt engines prefer to run the taller tires to reduce engine rpm and increase highway speeds. Going from a tall 16" tire and wheel to a short 15" tire and wheel will significantly increase engine rpms at every speed. Just something to consider.
Steve O

Hey Steve O,
I never thought about RPM's. Thanks. Jeff

When I went from 650-16 Cooper to 650-16 Firestone there is about a half inch difference in the overall tire/wheel diameter. I always thought they would be the same.