36" tires on a factory K20 4x4?

[CivilEGR]

I'm struggling to find the right replacement tires for my truck. I'd like to stick with the tall skinny look/feel (no power steering). In the photo of my truck, it has 7.5x17" tires on the factory split rings. I've decided to ditch these and go with a set of 16" steelies that I have laying around. The wheels that are on it measure 34" for reference.

9-16 Tires would be 36" in diameter and only 10" wide. Harder to find, but more options.

Interco Narrow SSL 9/34-16 would be 34" and section width of 9". Thinnest I can find, but I think the heavy lugs would ride terrible and be extremely loud.

Interco SSL - Bias Q78-16 would be 35.5" and has a section width of 10". Again, I think they would ride poor and be loud, and the wider tire would be harder to turn.

Or go with a 255/85r16 with an overall 33" diameter and 10" width. I imagine that any modern tire in this size would ride the smoothest and quietest, but again would the 10" look too wide and be hard to steer?

[bsarts]

I too am a fan of the tall skinnys, I think the 16" wheels and not-so-tall tires really detract from the looks of these trucks. I have resolved to keep the split rims and got some tubes and tires from Coker for mine. You might try looking there if you haven't already, they seem to have a selection of tires in smaller rim sizes that might work for you.

If you end up getting rid of those wheels, let me know, I might need some spares. Awesome truck by the way! Here's mine....

[j.kirn]

Specialty Tires Of America

[Short 3/4]

I have been running 235/85 R 16's for many years on these trucks. I think they look right on a stock truck, are still pretty common, so lots of tread options at a reasonable price, and they ride and steer very well.
Really like the look of your truck, a clean looking survivor
Tom

[Short 3/4]

When changing to 16" rims on a K20, be sure to check rim to drum clearance very carefully. Some 16" stealys, especially those assembled with rivets, will distort those hard to replace 12x2 front drums just enough to make adjustment impossible, and eventually ruin them (ask me how I know).
Good luck
Tom