The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts best tires

I am going to have to break down and replace the old bias
tires (they are square) and wheels on my '72 C60. I am thinking to replace with radial tires (ie 285/75R 24.5)and aluminum wheels. What is the best tire on the market for the money with emphasis on good
ride characteristics. And should the front end alignment
be changed going from bias to radial tires? Toyo, Bridgestone, Michelin come to mind as possible choices
but I need some good feedback.

Not sure why you would want to go with a tire that big. I think you will find clearance issues with them.
What bolt pattern and hub type does your truck have?

I agree about tires that big. Unless this is working semi tractor or wrecker it seems terribly big to me. Original tires on a C60 were likely 8:25 x 20. And why such major name brands ($$) unless it is a working vehicle. I've run a lot of so/so brands with good success for the occassional useage. But as always it's your truck and your money. Just curious.

Does your truck have 10 hole stud piloted wheels? Otherwise you will probably have to get custom wheels made. They are not going to ride good because you need to keep 100 psi in them. These are what we call lopro 24.5. I run lowpro 22.5. I buy a lot of tires from this guy.

http://www.worldoftires.com//index.php?cPath=43_45

If you have Michelin or Bridgestone in mind, add about $200 per tire.

Thanks for the replies. My truck indeed has 10 hole stud pilot wheels. The reason for the tall tires is to try to get some more
mph for highway speeds. The current tire on the front measures
about 41 inches tall and if my calculations are correct a 285/75R 24.5 is 41.3 inches tall. The tires on the rear currently are a
mixed mash with the shortest one about 38 inches tall. Why I am on this subject can anyone also give some input to aluminum wheels. One additional item will the lugs have to be changed out for length
when changing from steel wheels to aluminum.

If you have room, an 11R24.5 will give you even more speed. You will need longer studs. If you go to a Euclid distributor, they can probably fix you up. Euclid is a brake and suspension part distribution network owned by Meritor.
In the trucking industry we find it much easier and accurate to use revolutions per mile to calculate road speed. Here is the calculator I use.
http://www.roadranger.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@eaton/@roadranger/documents/content/ct_062746.swf

For some reason it will not post as a link, but I think it will copy and paste. If not, Google Roadranger speed calculator.

Good input, thanks. I would still like some input on aluminum wheels ( 10 lug stud pilot) Who's got the best for the price,
Alcoa, Accuride others?

Stud piloted are almost a thing of the past and its not the manufacturer but the dealer who makes the deal. California is about the only place that still has interest in stud piloted 24.5 wheels. I sold 8 really nice 8.25 x 24.5 to a guy in CA not long ago for $75 each. He figured he got a real bargain, and I was glad to get rid of them because no one wants them and I was about to run them across scales for the aluminum. Salvage dealers are glad to get rid of them too. However salvage dealers charge all the market will bear. If you appear anxious to get them, you will be quoted a fat price.

after reading crenwelges post I have to ask does anyone know a source for used 24.5 aluminum wheels. I live in the Nashville Tn area.