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#64318 08/12/2006 4:59 PM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 243 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 243 | guys, im restoring a 1951 5 window 1/2 ton truck to as close to orig as poss for use as a everyday driver, will be updating its unstuck 216 to full oil psi engine and updating the rear end gears to 3:55 for better milage.
ill be driving the truck at hiway speeds of between 55-65 65 being it's tops,and my commute to and from work is all hiway my truck has and came with 16x6 rims, i have been told that LT215-85R-16 TIRES will fit, question are and would these tires be safe at these speeds? ill be totally ground up restoring frame parts as well.. if not...what 15 in rims would fit the truck and what tires would make it look as close to factory as poss?? thanks in advance for the advice I LOVE THESE STOVEBOLTS... making allot of post latley but will try to conserve my egerness....thanks | | |
#64319 08/12/2006 5:32 PM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | Do not be concerned about the number of posts you make. That is why we are here!
There were stock 15" wheels available. Some are still around. If you have 16 x 6" rims there should be no problem mounting the radials you mention. However is that 6" measurement an overall width? You have to measure inside to get the minimum width requirement for those radials. My wheels also measure 6" outside width but are only 4" inside and that is where the problem lies for me.
I have the stock rear in my 49 and will drive 50-55 anything above that and I am not happy. A smaller wheel diameter will make your RPMs higher which might negate the 3:55 rear end you want. | | |
#64320 08/12/2006 7:26 PM | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | The original tire on an Advance-Design 15" rim/wheel is a little larger diameter than the original tire on a 16" rim.
Also, you can find 15" and 16" light truck radial tires that are up to 3" larger diameter than the original bias-ply tires (31.5" compared to about 28.5") .
My 16" rims were 4.5" wide and the 15" rims were 5" wide. Radial tires for 5.5" rims were easily mounted on both sets of rims. I checked different vendors' on-line specifications for LT (light truck) radial tire rim-width before I went to a local supplier (Cooper) to buy and mount the tires (I used an inner tube and valve protector). | | |
#64321 08/12/2006 9:12 PM | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 63 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 63 | 215/85R/16 radials will take those 65mph speeds no problem. By going with those taller tires your 3.55 rearend becomes the equivalent of a 3.31 gear ratio. Have fun with your truck! Wayne | | |
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