Help with C10 Short Box Front Tire Size

[Bowtie406]

Hi everyone, I’ve got a 1980 Chevy C10 short box 2wd. I’ve had it for over 20 years and this will be the first time putting front tires on it. It’s at stock ride height for now and I’m running the 8” stock steel rallye wheels. I’ve got a good set of 275/60 bfg radial ta’s on the back. I’m looking for advice on what front tire size would best compliment those rears and give the truck the best look. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

 

[bucket]

What size is on the front now?

I'd go 275/60 on the front too. If it was lowered a little, I'd probably choose a 255/60 for the front.

 

[Bowtie406]

225/70. I’ve never been able to decide if I like the skinnier tire up front on it. I like that look on cars like chevelles and novas but could never decide if it looked right on the square body.
Thanks for your input.

 

[bucket]

225/70. I’ve never been able to decide if I like the skinnier tire up front on it. I like that look on cars like chevelles and novas but could never decide if it looked right on the square body.
Thanks for your input.

For me, rim width plays a big part in it. I don't like the front tire to be much narrower than the rear if the rim widths are the same. That's just my preference though.

 

[Scruffy49]

I prefer to run what used to be called “Big & Littles” on 2wd trucks. Ralph, our 85 swb, shipped new with 15x6 rally wheels and P205/75r15 car type tires. Way too little on a stock ride height. Next was P215/75r15s, then a set of LT235/75r15. Better, but still too small.
With the rear axle flip, swapping to rear 15x8 or 15x10 with 285/70r15s, keeping the 15x6 up front, going to run a brand/tread matched 215/70 up front. Dropping the front via shock relocators, 2.5” drop spindles and trimmed springs. I have a 1t 4wd dually for actual truck tasks, the 2wd 1/2t swb is just a commuter/toy (if it ever gets finished).

If I wanted matched sizes all around? 255/70r15 or swap it to 16” alloys with 245/75s.

 

[Bowtie406]

Thanks bucket I definitely agree with you on that one.

Scruffy49, that seems so odd that they would ship such small tires on those trucks.
Thanks for your input guys.

 

[Scruffy49]

Thanks bucket I definitely agree with you on that one.

Scruffy49, that seems so odd that they would ship such small tires on those trucks.
Thanks for your input guys.

They also had 195s as an option, at least on the 6 cylinder swb jobs.

 

[Keith Seymore]

They also had 195s as an option, at least on the 6 cylinder swb jobs.

Price.

The dollars you save per tire you can multiply by five.

K

 

[Scruffy49]

Price.

The dollars you save per tire you can multiply by five.

K

Figured as much, even my K3500 (1999) dually c&c shipped with tiny LT215/85r16D HTs instead of a much more appropriate 235/85 radial or 7.50-16 bias ply all terrain.

 

[idahovette]

Spare tire was optional on my 75 K20.........got a wheel , but no tire