Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
8 members (2-Ton, Peggy M, TUTS 59, JW51, walter74, moparguy, NJC, 1 invisible),
175
guests, and
1
robot. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,081 Posts1,055,955 Members48,430 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 Certified Bolt Nut | | Certified Bolt Nut Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 | What is the largest size tire I should run on my 5.5x15 rims? 235/75/15 ..or something smaller like 215/75/15. I don't want something that looks too fat on the rim, and I understand that a bigger tires doesn't actually mean better handling. Just thought I would kick around what everyone is running. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 1,002 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 1,002 | I try and keep the side walls vertical. That is the tread width no greater than the rim width. Cuts down on the side to side movement of the rim in the tire. The movement is probably no that notice in our trucks, but it was accepted practice in the rally group I belonged to many years ago.
Larry
I don't own a vehicle that isn't old enough to drink.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 198 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 198 | I have to check on the exact size.. but I have 285/60 or 50/15s on my '63 fleetside. They fit, but I can't put alot of weight in the box for fear of the inside of the fender cutting the sidewall. My fenders are kinda ratty inside, with a bit of cleaning up the tires probably would just fit past the inner edge.
Attitude - The difference between an adventure and an ordeal!
Deja Moo - The feeling you've heard this bull**** before!
'63 Chev Fleetside Longbox 'Rusto-rod' 'Big Red'
'69 or'70 or ? Mantaray DuneBuggy
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 684 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 684 | Be careful going to too wide a tire for the rim. You can split a rim when loading the truck. Don't ask how I know this.
Cleon | | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 Certified Bolt Nut | | Certified Bolt Nut Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 | are you sure those are factory 5.5" wide rim? sure sounds like a big tire if they are | | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,552 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,552 | I have to check on the exact size.. but I have 285/60 or 50/15s on my '63 fleetside. They fit, but I can't put alot of weight in the box for fear of the inside of the fender cutting the sidewall. My fenders are kinda ratty inside, with a bit of cleaning up the tires probably would just fit past the inner edge. He is trying to wrap his factory 5.5" wide rims. He is not asking how wide a tire will fit under the wheel well without rubbing. Tony Smith | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats | | Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 | a 5.5" rim should support a 6.5-7" wide tire. Converting to metric that would be a 165 or 175. You may be able to go to 185 195 range. Beyond that it is recommended to go with a wider rim so you dont run into beading issues.
The problems we face today can not be addressed at the same level of intelligence we were at when we created them - Albert Einstein Or with the same level of $ - Me
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 Certified Bolt Nut | | Certified Bolt Nut Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 | That sounds aweful small for tires on such a heavy vehicle. I was thinking either 215 or 235/75 R 15's would be the answer I would receive. Can you readily find 185 or 195 series tires at a local tire shop? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | try 700R15LT if you're really using it for a truck, narrow tread [like original] gives the best handling, best gas mileage, and is safest on wet roads - use the 235/xx/15 if ya want a soft modern car ride, less mileage and shorter front bearing life
Bill | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 | I run 31x10.50's on my '61 1/2 ton 2wd on 15x7 rims. They fit but look a little large. Never had a problem with rubbing or anything. They do great in the snow and handle loads effortlessly. I even have my front end lowered 2 inches and they fit. Hope this helps...
kyle
"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." - George S. Patton My Machine | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | The 195/75/15 is an obsolete size. 215/75/15 is pretty close to the OE, you could go with a 235/75/15, but that's pushing it on that narrow of a rim. If you realy want wider tires, 1-upgrade the bearings, and 2- get wider wheels, at least a 7". As long as you go with a fitment from an '87 or ealier GM 4x4 with the 3 1/2" backspace, you'll be fine. I've fit 32x11.50x15s under a '66 with no rubbing, although it was a bit tight in the rear.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 Certified Bolt Nut | | Certified Bolt Nut Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 131 | I'll just go with 215's...they are easy enough to find and should look good. Thanks! | | |
|
|
