Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

I have a 72 k20 with a 4 inch lift. I would like to keep the classic steel rim look on my truck. The truck currently has 7.5 16t lt tires on it which is almost 32 inches tall. I would like to get tires a little taller close to 35 inches if possible. The guy at discount tires tells me I need new rims to get to 35 inches. Is there a tall skinny tire that will fit our stock steel rims?

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

I'm not aware of anything that fits a stock-ish (i.e. relatively narrow) 16" truck steel wheel that can get you to 35, but others may know of some options. 255/85/16 is the tallest tire I've seen that can be safely mounted on a 6.5-8" steelie - just over 33". How wide are your wheels, inner lip to inner lip? that may help narrow down (or expand) your options.

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

There are lots of choices for 16 inch rims. The problem may be your current rims may be too narrow for a taller wheel especially if you want to stay with a radial tire.


https://www.4wheelparts.com/b/tires-...gories%7Ctires


What rims are you wanting to use?

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

I was wanting to use the stock rims. But I have my eye on some ion or pro comps in case I can’t go big on stock rims

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

Pretty sure that 255/85/16 at 33" tall is the tallest you can go on a 16 x 7 rim. Anything taller than that would need to go 8" wide.

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

Here's 3 tires I found that might work.

This is a military style tire and would need a tube inside of it.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cok-71025

These other 2 are more what you're wanting.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ict-sam-53

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ict-ssr-41r

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

nice finds roboticjunky!

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

Back in the day we would run 9.00 x 16s. Those were the equivalent size of a Q78 x 15, which was listed as 36.4 tall. Long gone are those tires, but here is a set from Coker tire, listed as Super Lug, 36.3 tall.

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/sta-...ly-900-16.html

Here's another 9.00 x 16 tire listed. These are listed to fit a 6.5 x 16 rim size.

https://www.stausaonline.com/tires/sta-super-traxion/

Both tires will fit a 5 - 6.5" wide rim.

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

The 9.00-16 is that tire if you already have a lift for clearance. Has the tread pattern of the more common old school 7.50-16 that was very popular at one time.https://www.ebay.com/itm/33479329762...Bk9SR7Sl5OfwYg

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

i only have a 4 inch lift on the truck. im not sure the 36 inch tires will fit. i might have to stick with the 33's or just swap out the rims.

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

Great looking tire

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

9.00/16 should fit with 4" lift

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

thanks everyone for the suggestions. im gonna see what deals i can find for some tires.

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

Do u have any pics of your truck

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

33's will fit with no lift so you should be golden.

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

Tire fitment is about clearance. With the skinny tire, rim and stock backspace there may be no issues while turning? If the tire does not fit in the wheel opening at full bottom the bump stops need to be lowered. For many that have pavement pounders (fine by me) clearance while turning at full bump is not really an issue.

Re: Tallest tire possible on stock steel rims?
 

You can occasionally find a 9.00R16 Michelin military surplus tire. I ran a set on a first gen Cummins Dodge I had around 15 years ago. They are the XL tread pattern.