Another tire size question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CG · 08-11-2018, 09:53 AM

So I have a set of those Ford 16x7 wheels I want to put on my K20. I also have a four inch lift on there now (all springs). My 33x12.5 16.5's look just great with the lift.

I have stock springs to bring it down, but then I need to get a stock steering arm, and then the hassle of swapping everything ... Ugh. Curious what size of narrower tire would look good on those 16x7 wheels if I just keep the four inch lift?

OldCreek · 08-11-2018, 11:43 AM

How about 235/85r16 or 255/85r16?

Wil

**Stocker** · 08-11-2018, 12:28 PM

My K20 has 255/85-16s on Ford 16x7s and 2.5" front springs with AALs & Hellwig overloads on the stock rear springs. It's an old-school look that seems just right for a working K20. That size should be fine for your 4" lift, just be a bit larger fender-to-tire gap. I think you'd need to go to a specialty manufacturer to get a taller tire that's still skinny, and possibly switch to bias-ply tires. Incidentally, 255/85s are virtually the same height (maybe even a smidge taller) as your 33/12.50s.

Edit: A few pics I posted when the tires were new: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...wheels&page=45

CG · 08-11-2018, 01:11 PM

Yours is one of the trucks that I really liked the tires size on for a small lift or stock. I feel like the ones I have now are definitely at the minimum height for this lift, 33"

Part of the reason I think they do work is because of the beefiness. Thinking about it I should probably get a tire size like yours since it is basically the same height and if it looks dumb go ahead and lower the truck. I really want to keep my lazy streak alive if possible =)

Miller's Metal · 08-11-2018, 01:21 PM

Here is a pic with a 285-75-16 on a 16x7 rim 33" tall.

Miller's Metal · 08-11-2018, 01:28 PM

Here is a pic with a 285-75-16 on a 16x7 rim 33" tall.

sweetk30 · 08-11-2018, 01:46 PM

235/85/16 is stock size .

255/85/16 is taller skinny . keeps oem look but taller .

285/75/16 is fatter version of the 255/85/16 . little more balloned out look on the rim .

CG · 08-11-2018, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetk30

235/85/16 is stock size .

255/85/16 is taller skinny . keeps oem look but taller .

285/75/16 is fatter version of the 255/85/16 . little more balloned out look on the rim .

Well thanks for all the opinions and pictures. This pretty much sums it up for sure. The 235 is probably a little short though.

**Stocker** · 08-11-2018, 04:06 PM

Just to add a bit more info, my stock tires were 7.50-16s, listed as just under 32". 235/85-16s are typically about the same at 31.7"

My 255/85s are 33.23" tall per Cooper specs. My old 33/12.50-16.5 BFG AllTerrains were (IIRC) 32.3" tall.... or was that 32.8"? Pretty sure they were something less than 33" anyway.

Gotta agree with ya Mark, beefiness of wider tires is better visually with a lifted truck. Decisions, decisions.....

**special-K** · 08-13-2018, 08:00 AM

285/75-16s are perfect with 4" lift. I have 255/85s on the 7" Accurides and it was a bit lanky. I have done trucks in the past the same but with 285/75s and they look much better. I now have a 4" lift with 8" wheels and 285/75s, so not quite what you are asking. But between the two versions on same truck it should help you judge

CG · 08-13-2018, 10:04 AM

Great comparison pics, thanks!

I actually like the 255 85s, looks good.

08-11-2018, 09:53 AM	#1
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,044	Another tire size question. So I have a set of those Ford 16x7 wheels I want to put on my K20. I also have a four inch lift on there now (all springs). My 33x12.5 16.5's look just great with the lift. I have stock springs to bring it down, but then I need to get a stock steering arm, and then the hassle of swapping everything ... Ugh. Curious what size of narrower tire would look good on those 16x7 wheels if I just keep the four inch lift?

08-11-2018, 11:43 AM	#2
OldCreek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 1,026	Re: Another tire size question. How about 235/85r16 or 255/85r16? Wil __________________ 1972 K20 Suburban 5.7/700r4/NP205 Dana 44/H052 Sold 1972 C10 5.3L/4L60E 12bolt 5Lug - Sold 1971 K5 Blazer 6.0L LQ9 4L60E NP205 Dana 44/H052!!! 1970 K3500 1ton CrewCab 8.1L/Allison1000/NP205 Dana 60/14B!!!! - Sold 1984 K10 SWB 7.4L/4L80e/NP208 Corp 10/12 bolt Sold 1988 V30 CCLB 7.4L/TH400/NP205/Dana 60/Dana 70/3.73!!! (Sold) 2003 K2500HD 8.1/Allison1000/NP263

08-11-2018, 12:28 PM	#3
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,731	Re: Another tire size question. My K20 has 255/85-16s on Ford 16x7s and 2.5" front springs with AALs & Hellwig overloads on the stock rear springs. It's an old-school look that seems just right for a working K20. That size should be fine for your 4" lift, just be a bit larger fender-to-tire gap. I think you'd need to go to a specialty manufacturer to get a taller tire that's still skinny, and possibly switch to bias-ply tires. Incidentally, 255/85s are virtually the same height (maybe even a smidge taller) as your 33/12.50s. Edit: A few pics I posted when the tires were new: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...wheels&page=45 __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay Last edited by Stocker; 08-11-2018 at 01:05 PM. Reason: Added link to pics

08-11-2018, 01:11 PM	#4
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,044	Re: Another tire size question. Yours is one of the trucks that I really liked the tires size on for a small lift or stock. I feel like the ones I have now are definitely at the minimum height for this lift, 33" Part of the reason I think they do work is because of the beefiness. Thinking about it I should probably get a tire size like yours since it is basically the same height and if it looks dumb go ahead and lower the truck. I really want to keep my lazy streak alive if possible =)

08-11-2018, 01:21 PM	#5
Miller's Metal Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redmond Oregon Posts: 70	Re: Another tire size question. Here is a pic with a 285-75-16 on a 16x7 rim 33" tall. Attached Images

08-11-2018, 01:28 PM	#6
Miller's Metal Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redmond Oregon Posts: 70	Re: Another tire size question. Here is a pic with a 285-75-16 on a 16x7 rim 33" tall.

08-11-2018, 01:46 PM	#7
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: Another tire size question. 235/85/16 is stock size . 255/85/16 is taller skinny . keeps oem look but taller . 285/75/16 is fatter version of the 255/85/16 . little more balloned out look on the rim . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

08-11-2018, 04:06 PM	#9
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,731	Re: Another tire size question. Just to add a bit more info, my stock tires were 7.50-16s, listed as just under 32". 235/85-16s are typically about the same at 31.7" My 255/85s are 33.23" tall per Cooper specs. My old 33/12.50-16.5 BFG AllTerrains were (IIRC) 32.3" tall.... or was that 32.8"? Pretty sure they were something less than 33" anyway. Gotta agree with ya Mark, beefiness of wider tires is better visually with a lifted truck. Decisions, decisions..... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

08-13-2018, 08:00 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Another tire size question. 285/75-16s are perfect with 4" lift. I have 255/85s on the 7" Accurides and it was a bit lanky. I have done trucks in the past the same but with 285/75s and they look much better. I now have a 4" lift with 8" wheels and 285/75s, so not quite what you are asking. But between the two versions on same truck it should help you judge Attached Images __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-13-2018, 10:04 AM	#11
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,044	Re: Another tire size question. Great comparison pics, thanks! I actually like the 255 85s, looks good.



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