I know this is an old subject, but I haven't been able to find an adequate answer in the archives, so here it goes again. I just got my 16 inch rims delivered yesterday. Yes, they are original with the hub cap clips and all. I will be bringing them to the powder coater if I decide to use them. I have a '55 first series, so my rear end ratio is 3.90:1 which is a little better than the older half tons. I am going with a stock 235 engine and SM420 Muncie 4-speed. I would like to be able to cruise at something close to highway speed without the expense of re-doing the rear with Patrick's bookoo bucks rear end gears (which is why I searched out some 16 inch rims). Any body running a stock setup like this with some suggestions for tire sizes? I am wanting to go with the tall and skinny suggestions I have heard from Nate, but just HOW tall and HOW skinny are we talking here? Plus, I know Nate has done the Patrick's thing, but his ride had 4.10:1 rear in it before he did the rear upgrade. Some suggestions for actual tire size on this type of stock setup would be greatly appreciated. Obviously, I don't want to have any clearance issues as well. Also, will I actually be able to cruise at 60-65 without revving the old 235 into the NO-zone? If I have to go with Patrick's gear set to accomplish this, then I will offer up the rims for somebody else (at my cost-really cheap at $10 each) and put some 15 inch mags with fatter tires for a cooler rat rod look. I would like to retain the original look of the truck, but will sacrifice that in order to get out of the granny lane. Any help here on this issue? Thanks, Andy
Remember Andy ; The diameter of the tire determines the total speed so if you go to 15" rims you'll play hell getting it out of the granny lane ...... With 16" rims you should easily be able to find a 32" diameter tire.... I'm sure others will chime in here , Dayton tires makes good radial truck tires , Just Tires (cheain) and America's Tire Store (chain) both carry them , maybe not in stock but cheaply...
Okay Nate, A 32 inch diameter tire on the 16 inch rims will allow me to cruise at highway speed then considering my one-year-only rear end ratio of 3.90:1? I knew I liked the '55 first for some other reason than the one piece front glass. Andy
3.90 F.D & 16" Tires Yes Andy , it should . It'll go faster but above that you'll begin to wind the engine up tighter than you should unless you're rich........
Thanks Nate, I am NOT rich. Remember, this is a LOW budget restoration. In fact, I wouldn't call it a restoration at all. It's just a work truck that needs a lot of work to get it rolling again. A project to teach my kids the basics. I don't plan on going any faster than 60-65 anyway. Doubt the truck could handle it. I've never actually driven an AD truck, so am not sure how they handle at all. Hence the tire questions. Anyone else feel like chiming in? Everyone's thoughts and ideas are always welcome and appreciated. I really love this forum. It's full of such nice people. Andy
I Talk TOO MUCH ! But ; It cannot be overstated how important it is to pony up for good quality radial truck rated tires ! esp. if you , like me , are going to work this old nail and drive it @ speed on the highway.... . Not just safer but easier to handle and longer tire life , less fuel useage and on and on.... We all love you too Andy
