Bigger tires on 2wd - what to do?

[tinkerwalsh]

Hey guys,

I have a all stock 1981 2wd long box. I need some new tires and I’m hoping to go a little bigger to fill the wheel wells out a bit more. I’ve got the classic 235/75/15. I think I’d like to keep the stock rims. I went to a couple tire shops today and they encouraged me to put on extra wide in the back and skinny on the front. It was a little out of my price point and I’m not sure that’s the look I want.

Anyway let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

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[Scott91370]

I would go a little taller but with the factory wheels I don't think I would go any wider.

 

[donnieray]

235/70s and 275/60s on 8” wheels though. Stock height.

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[DavesJimmy]

I think this is as big as you can go on a stock wheel to avoid rubbing issues. 32x11.5r15 or in metric 292/74/r15. You could probably also run a 33x10.5r15 like i run on my jimmys stock wheels with stock height but they rub a little when flexing off road

 

[crazy4offroad]

You may not want to hear this but lowering it a couple inches in the back would help the stance, but if you do a lot of heavy hauling that might not be the best plan for you.

 

[tinkerwalsh]

Hey guys!

Thanks for the responses. I am leaning towards the 275s on a rally rim right now if I can find them. I’m a carpenter and use the truck for work so I probably shouldn’t lower it as of yet.

 

[rpcraft]

Hey guys!

Thanks for the responses. I am leaning towards the 275s on a rally rim right now if I can find them. I’m a carpenter and use the truck for work so I probably shouldn’t lower it as of yet.

If you do you can always add some load leveling shocks (read as air shocks) or airbags to help equalize the payload. I'd be careful going with too large of a tire because it will throw your speedo off, as well as affect your power band. Too big of a change and it will affect your mpg's (ha ha, I actually lol'd as I typed that at work).

 

[tinkerwalsh]

If you do you can always add some load leveling shocks (read as air shocks) or airbags to help equalize the payload. I'd be careful going with too large of a tire because it will throw your speedo off, as well as affect your power band. Too big of a change and it will affect your mpg's (ha ha, I actually lol'd as I typed that at work).

Oh that’s a good point. I’m not super worried about the mpg - I have a small car when the truck is not needed. I should look into how it will affect the power band. Thanks!

Ps I do really like that look!

 

[rpcraft]

I'd stick with the sizes you are talking about. I think they are pretty close to what a period correct truck would come with. I'm sure your truck probably has 3.08's or something similar being an 81. If so then that tire size will be somewhat appropriate for the gearing as well. Once you start bumping up to 31 inch tires 3.08's are still fine as well but if you start going beyond that it's going to really start to suffer.

 

[shiftpro]

If you do you can always add some load leveling shocks (read as air shocks) or airbags to help equalize the payload. I'd be careful going with too large of a tire because it will throw your speedo off, as well as affect your power band. Too big of a change and it will affect your mpg's (ha ha, I actually lol'd as I typed that at work).

Except for air shocks, good suggestions here. Shock mounting points are not designed to support the weight of the truck and will only break off/tear a hole in the frame.
Air bags ...+1.

 

[shiftpro]

Your front springs are completely saggy baggy shot. Replace with springs from a BB truck. It will lift the front up a few inches. You will love how it feels/handles/looks.

 

[shiftpro]

Running fat tires in the back looks cool I admit, but it costs more $ in the long run because you can not extend tire life by 4 way tire rotation.

 

[tinkerwalsh]

Your front springs are completely saggy baggy shot. Replace with springs from a BB truck. It will lift the front up a few inches. You will love how it feels/handles/looks.

Thanks man - I’ll look into the springs. Quick question. What do you mean by bb truck?

 

[rpcraft]

Except for air shocks, good suggestions here. Shock mounting points are not designed to support the weight of the truck and will only break off/tear a hole in the frame.
Air bags ...+1.

I guess that is a good point overall. I suppose air bags are better situated to handle loads anyways.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Thanks man - I’ll look into the springs. Quick question. What do you mean by bb truck?

He’s probably referring to a big block (454) truck. 6.2/379 diesel equipped trucks will have similarly heavy springs.