The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Tire/rim sizing question

Well im about to buy a set of new rims and tires, and I wanted to get some input before I do so. For the record I have a 58 apache stepside. So basically what I was wondering is what size rims are you guys running and what size tires? Take into account the axle is flipped so it sits a bit lower. I was thinking about 8 inches wide for whatever I pick out. But like I said give me an idea of what you guys are running. Offsets would be great as well! Thanks for your time

Howdy, You didn't say what the theme of your truck is, but I'm guessing it's not stock.
Run what ever you want to run that works for the final look your after.
The things to consider are handling, ride quality, and final gear ratio which the size of the tire will have some affect on.
I don't know how you intend to use the truck so I can't suggest much, but how you use it should be a consideration to get the best results and enjoyment out of your truck.

Picking a tire/wheel combo consist of looks,function, and what will fit and you have to decide which tops the list based on what you want out of the truck.
Dan

I appreciate your input. But mainly what im looking to see is how big of a tire I can run and how wide of a rim I can run. Picking out a style is not my issue at all, I just dont want to order stuff and realize it doesnt fit when it shows up.

Glasman has it right. Tires/wheels are so subjective and personal that there is no real answer that will do much for you. Your best bet is to find a tire & wheel dealer your comfortable with and let him guide you through the process. Tell him what your after and don't go in with a bunch of pre-conceived notions based on what somebody said. If he doesn't know his apples you will soon know it. We can't see your truck or know what you want so be sure to take it in with you.

Rather than give you a "life" lesson, I'll try answer your question..

I'm running 7" wide 15" rims. The tires are 225/75R15. I'm not lowered and when loaded, I don't have much room, but don't rub either.

I throw mine in the mix. I'm running 15 x 8 Blazer Rallyes, 3.5" backspace, for tires, I have a set of 30x9.50x15 C load range Michelins. Plenty of clearance in the front, rear is ok, but i think any larger might get too tight around the outer lip of the fender. My truck has stock ride hight suspension, with the factory 8 leaf HD rear springs.
BTW, if you use aftermarket wheels, you will have to remove the rivits from the front hubs, as the will prevent the wheel from seating properly to the hub.

Sounds like you have a catalog or web site to order wheels and tires from. It's a great way find a good deal on a wheel/tire combo, the downside is if you pick wrong you pay the freight to return them.

There is no simple way to go bigger/wider. Measurements from tire specs can be used to try and determine fit but it usually comes down to putting the package on and finding out if it will work.

What I have done many times is put some old thing which is close to the size I want on the vehicle and take measurements from it, adding to it what I need to see if the tire I want will work.

The rears are always easy but the fronts are hard because of the turning angles along with the height changes.

The suggested tire sizes are a working size, but it sounds like you changed the ride height on your truck so that will have to factor in.

Find a tire store that will mount up what you want and try it.
I would think some where in Chi-town you could find a dealer who would work with you on that.

You might have to buy from him, but in the end it might be easier

Dan

Take a piece of plywood and cut it into a circle about the size of the rim that you plan on using, drill holes to fit the rim. Now you can measure to determine back spacing and tire width, just remember to subtract 1" off of both the outside and the inside of the tub for clearance.