Quest for the Holy Tire

[76C10Stepside]

My '76 C10 has P275/60R15 tires. When one gives out, I find a good used one to replace it. Was getting them for $20-25, then the last one cost $40. One of the four has been in need of replacement for the last 2 years, but could not find a good one. Well, it finally gave out, and my spare leaks too (rust on the rim). None of the used tire stores around here have one.
I checked prices for a new one, and WOW, they cost a lot. I don't want to pay $175-180 for a tire.

I got a Uniroyal Laredo P235/75R15 TPC SPEC. NO. 2306 mounted on a nice 15x7 5-Lug/4.5" bolt pattern (1/2" lugs), 5.5" backspacing, 2.5" centerbore from a wrecking yard to use for a spare. All the wheels/tires were just laying on the ground. This one was in the Chevy truck/van area, so I figured it would fit (duh), but the backspacing is way too much and it won't clear the brake caliper on my truck. I THINK it's for a Chevy VAN (see photos)? Would like to know for sure. I've never had to add air to it.
This tire is way taller than my other tires, and my current spare is way shorter, LOL. I need one that fits!

Anybody know where I can find an affordable replacement tire?
Looking for a cheap solution here, any suggestions welcome! Maybe two taller or two shorter (yuck) tires? What are y'all who have 15-inch wheels running on your truck? Thanks!

[meatwagon83]

i got 225-75-16 ten plys for $86 a piece, but they are cheap ass prime wells, but they are holding up well!


sorry i just saw you have a half ton and are running 15s, i got bf goodrich radial t/a 275/60/15s for my chevelle from summit racing for i think $85 each

[Tx Firefighter]

It's just the current state of affairs on 15 inch tires.

I used to build half a dozen trailers per year or so to make ends meet. I always ran truck wheels that we pulled off whatever truck we were parting out at the time. It got to where I couldn't find any 15 inch used tired of any size. Finally the guy at the tire store pointed out that if I went to 16 inch wheels I'd be over run with used tires, but 15s have gone the way of the buffalo nowadays. There's just too many people out there buying whatever used 15s are still left to make them easy to find.
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[tucsonjwt]

X2 on 16" tires. I got a set of Dodge 16" chrome wheels and used tires (maybe 30-40% tread left) to replace my 10 year old BFG commercial tires which are approaching baldness.) I paid $250 and plan to sell the wheels and keep the tires - I don't drive highway and only 2-3K miles per year, so I could not see spending $1000K on load range D-E tires. I test fitted the Dodge wheels on the old 83 Silverado and they did look nice, but too nice for me. A good new tire for my truck is easily $250 per tire.

Good used tires are a scarce commodity around here. A used truck tire on Craigslist of any quality goes for $50-$75, and a really good tire is almost as much as a new tire.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Funny cause I can't find sh!t for 16s now. Bf Goodrich is halting their line of radial ta's
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[76stepsidechevy]

Can't help ya with the tire except watch craigslist like a hawk but that looks like an 80s s-10 blazer wheel and tire.

[v30crewcab]

unless you plan on selling the truck, the cheapest solution is to buy a new set. alot safer also. at least you can get them for a decent price. I just blew 1200 for a set of bfg's for my truck. got 80K out of the last set so it just makes sense.

[mopar346]

Have had a few sets from these people and know of others who have been pleased. I think they will retread your tires for you. I was worried about retreads at first due to the ones 30 years ago but after some research I tried them and was pleased.

https://treadwright.com/

AND I agree, it's an S-10 wheel, off a 4WD to be specific, that is why the back space is so deep.

[76C10Stepside]

Thanks to all who responded!

$85 for a BFG would be nice! DANG. Summit's current price for a P275/60R15 BFG T/A is $159.95.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bfg-17476/overview/

I have an S10, but it's 2WD. Back to craigslist for me!

I've upsized one classic from stock 13-inch to 14-inch mags, from stock 14-inch mags to 16-inch, but never from 15s. I'm holding onto a set of 60s Chevelle 14-inch steel rims with nice whitewalls for a rainy day. Unfortunately, I have to sell my good ole stepside to pay bills, thanks to a deadbeat customer.

[meatwagon83]

Originally Posted by 76C10Stepside

Thanks to all who responded!

$85 for a BFG would be nice! DANG. Summit's current price for a P275/60R15 BFG T/A is $159.95.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bfg-17476/overview/

damn! wtf happened?! i bought mine about 3 years ago and i know i paid less than $100 for them!

[76C10Stepside]

Yeah, it's a real shock especially for cheap old me who buys used tires!
I found these other two tires at Summit for less than the BFGs:

Mickey Thompson Sportsman $139.08

Mastercraft Avenger G/T $132.97

[mopar346]

Also look at Coopers and some of the off brands Nexem and the likes. Tire rack, Discount Tire and even Pepboys can have some good deals at times.

[texas gmc]

I just bought some Cooper cobras 255/60 15 from discount tire for $100 a piece.
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[76C10Stepside]

Originally Posted by texas gmc

I just bought some Cooper cobras 255/60 15 from discount tire for $100 a piece.
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I'd be willing to pay $100. Just checked Discount Tire website and search on size 275/60R15 and they only listed ONE TIRE, the BFG. Did another search for Cooper tires in this size, and the price listed is $141.00. DANG. Rubber must be selling for $10 a pound or something...

[jon75]

I always buy my tires off of Tirerack.com. The only time I don't is if a shop will match the price. They always have the lowest prices on tires. (I am not affiliated with them at all) I was just checking on the tire size that you run now and they are around $160 each for the Radial T/A's. But if you were to switch to a 235/75-15 the price goes down to $76 each for brand new tires. That's because most of the 2wd trucks back in the day ran that size tire so they have been making them forever. If you keep your rims and go with this size tire, you should be good for ride quality, height, speedometer accuracy, and safety.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...75&diameter=15

[LEEVON]

I got a good replacement tire off EBAY once, believe it or not. I hate EBAY generally, but we had one that went bad, and needed to match the set. I found the same make, size and light wear fairly cheap. In my area, there are several shops advertising used tires. I can get 275/55/20's all day but 15's...gone. Ain't coming back, Jack!

[J Knight]

Yea, Im even considering going with 20's now.
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[Damon23]

I just paid 132 from summit for a cooler that size. I had summit bucks so it dropped some, I was shocked when I priced them.
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[MalibuSSwagon]

I would make the switch to 235/75/15's as well. Very popular size, new tires are cheap, and craigslist is littered with good used ones.

[76C10Stepside]

Thanks for the suggestions to go to 235/75/15's. The smoother ride, more accurate speedo and better mileage on the freeway will be an improvement. Only thing is, they will be narrower. 235 mm = 9-1/4 in, and 275 mm = 10-53/64 in. Maybe I can find 4 for a good price and sell the three 275/60R15s.

Since I installed the drop shackles I could swear the rear is HIGHER than before. What's up with that?

BTW, I saw a really nice stepside in Santa Rosa, CA last week.

[GM-power]

I got 235/75/15s all around on my truck. I believe thats ruffly the same size tire that came factory on half tons.
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[Sillyoldman]

I get my tires from dealerships as Take-Offs, it saves me aprox 50%.

[meter swinger]

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

I get my tires from dealerships as Take-Offs, it saves me aprox 50%.

Same here.
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[texas gmc]

I called them and they ordered me the coopers.

[LEEVON]

I buy all my NEW tires, late model or classic from discount tire direct. Good prices, free shipping and they're on my porch in a couple of days. I'm pretty sure the cooper cobra 275/60/15 are around $115. I bought a set of 255/60/15 a year or two ago. Keep checking in, last month they had like $75 off at checkout. A set of 255/70/15's was going to be less than $400 total, should have pulled the trigger, doh!