64 C20 Tire recommendation?

[Idaho64]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know how tall of a tire can be run on a stock 64 C20 with 16" wheels? Trying to compensate a little for the 4.57 gears since I'm needing new tires anyway. Right now I'm running 235/65R16 at about 28" diameter, and it looks like I could go a little taller, but I'm not sure what the maximum would be.

Thanks,

Nick

[63 Spud]

My '63 C20 has 265/75R16's with no clearance issues.

Mark

[blackedoutharley]

LT235/85R16 tires have an overall diameter of 31.7" (+/- depending on mfg) which is the same O.D. as LT265/75R16 with an effective rpm (revolutions per mile) of 672.

You may be able to go to a larger tire but bear in mind that every tire that is taller will also be wider which will limit your options depending on which wheels you use. This is because every tire has a recommended rim width range.

Having said that, and depending on which wheels you have (will not work on the original split rims!), you may look into a LT255/85R16 which has an o.d. of 33.3" (+/-) with rpm of 625. The narrowest recommended wheel width for this tire size is 6.5".

By increasing the O.D. you will effectively lower (numerically) the gear ratio (as you noted) but I don't know that you will see a noticeable difference while driving.

Additionally you are limited in tire selection with this size; as the OEM and aftermarket trends have gone to 17" and larger wheels the 16" offerings have slowly dried up which will affect available tread designs; some of which you may not be interested in.

In contrast, nearly every tire mfg still makes the LT235/85R16 LRE (10 ply rated) tire in a variety of tread patterns.

Might I suggest a Gear Vendors unit? LOL!

[Idaho64]

Thanks for the replies. I agree the taller tire won't help that much, but since I'm in the market for new ones I'll go that route. The LT235/85R16 LRE tires look good for my application. If I had the $, I would go with a Gear Vendors in a heartbeat. I need to hold back some $ for a MIG welder and doing the body work. I'm struggling with the dilemma of keeping the truck stock and going through it front to back, or swapping in a Goodwrench 350/ 700R4 combo I have in a 83 blazer. There's only 12K on the 350, with Edelbrock intake and carb. I could beef up the tranny and strip off all of the '83 emissions crap that has given me nothing but headaches for the last 15 yrs . Then, I would have an engine-less blazer which might have to donate it's bucket seats, console, gas tank and anything else I could use to the project. Where would it all end?
BTW, is it feasible or even possible to convert from the drive line e-brake to rear drum e-brake on the HO52 rear end?

[72freak]

235/85 would be my recomendation...I have run both 235 and the 265 with no issues

[Captainfab]

Yes it is possible. You would just need the internal hardware as well as the cables from another HO52/72. You might have to change the backing plates, but I would have to look to be sure. Then of course you would need the whole cable assembly plus the handle under the steering column.

Originally Posted by Idaho64

BTW, is it feasible or even possible to convert from the drive line e-brake to rear drum e-brake on the HO52 rear end?