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Not sure if this is correct place to post this or not.
I have a 51 all original and doing a 52 now. I want to go with bigger wider tires and rims on this truck. I have seen many good looking trucks here with modern tires. Have any of you tried 16 inch on the rear and 15 inch on the front? I was thinking of trying 255/70/15 front and 255/70/16 on rear.

I like how you think. Your tires may be a little wide for a stock rim. I believe a 6.5" wide rim is the narrowist you can use with a 255 tire. If you're using a 7-8" wide rim, no problem. If you're planning on using aftermarket rims, 4.25" is about the maximum backspacing you'll be able to fit under your truck. Try to keep your backspacing consistant with whatever you do. You don't want to dramatically change your scrub area.

going with 8 inch rims.

If you want to go with bigger tires/wheels on the back there's no reason not to. This is something hot rodders frequently do. It gives a neat look and also helps with getting the right stance you want the vehicle to have.

Hot Rodders.... By all means, have at it. I prefer to keep the same wheel diameters but use different wheel widths and different diameter tires. For instance I have 15" x 7" front and 15" x 8-1/2" wheels. Rear tires are 33x12.5x15; fronts are 235-75-R15. Rubber rake vs wheel rake.

My truck is about 15 years newer than yours.. but the concept is universal.

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/...0and%20Wheels%20June%202009/100_8253.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/...Status%20Photos/GEDC0535_zpsc951c34d.jpg

nice looking truck. I like the stance from the tires

Yes, I also do big and little rubber, but there is no issue with running big and little wheels instead (or in addition), it's just a personal preference and makes no difference in driveability.

Thanks
Bigger wheels than stock, no problem. Smaller wheels than stock may be a problem due to brake clearances, tie rod end to wheel clearances and due to scrub line issues.

Also, as was discussed earlier, wheel backspacing and wheel widths can also 'cause clearance / rubbing issues.

Bottom line, if you change anything from stock you need to due your homework, take measurements and double check your measurements. It's amazing how the little "planned" changes can lead to more "unplanned" changes.

It's all good though, if it was easy everybody would do it.