Wheel and tire advice.. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jason7698 · 03-07-2012, 07:14 PM

I have a 71 c10 lowered I have 20x9.5 wheels with 295/55 tires on the rear now what I'm wanting to know is should I go with a 20x8.5 or a 20x9.5 up front both will have about 5" of back spacing. I am wanting the nose down look so I will be going with a 245 tire up front any advice or suggestions?

**CC69Rat** · 03-07-2012, 09:37 PM

Got any pics? How far was it lowered? Step or Fleetside?

jason7698 · 03-07-2012, 09:53 PM

Fleet side... I know that a 20" wheel will fit I'm just wondering if I should go with 8.5 or 9.5?

**CC69Rat** · 03-07-2012, 09:59 PM

How far is it lowered? 2" front, 4 rear? .. 295/55 is a big ole tire.

jason7698 · 03-07-2012, 10:15 PM

I think its 2" up front I am going to run a 245 up front

**CC69Rat** · 03-07-2012, 10:22 PM

Most run a 20x8.5 on the front. 5" BS should probably work with a 2" drop. The only thing I'm not sure about is a 245 on an 8.5" wheel. Personally I'd think about maybe a 255 .. but your call.

20x9.5 with 5" Backspacing and a 295/55 would sit pretty much flush with the outer rear fender wells but would not really give you any 'tuck' under the fender .. just my opinion.

Do you already have your wheels?

jason7698 · 03-07-2012, 10:29 PM

I have the rear wheels 20x9.5 with a 295 but I have not ordered the fronts yet. I would be fine with a 255 up front. This is what happened I ordered 18x8.5 for the front with a 245/45 and when they were put on I hated the look up front to much fender well showing and the wheel doesnt have backspacing so now 1.5 years later I have decided to put a 20" wheel and tire up front but I wanted it to have some back spacing and fill up the fenderwell and be tucked..Thoughts

71swb4x4 · 03-07-2012, 10:25 PM

245 is the width of the tire, it is not the height, so it won't affect how tall the tire is.

A 245 will work on both wheels, but IMO will look better on the 8.5".

A 295/55 tire is nearly 33" tall, that's a big tire.

**CC69Rat** · 03-07-2012, 10:28 PM

That's what I mean, the 245 on a 8.5" wheel will not have any section width to it. Ex. the wheel bead will be about as wide as the widest point of the tire.

For example I usually run a 245 on a 7. It will work, .. yes but just personal taste. I understand the diameter and tire overall height.

71swb4x4 · 03-07-2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

That's what I mean, the 245 on a 8.5" wheel will not have any section width to it. Ex. the wheel bead will be about as wide as the widest point of the tire.

For example I usually run a 245 on a 7. It will work, .. yes but just personal taste. I understand the diameter and tire overall height.

I was responding to the original post, otherwise I would have quoted you so as not to make the original poster think I was replying to his original post. That sentence has a lot of original posts in it

**CC69Rat** · 03-07-2012, 10:36 PM

Need two measurements

> From the center line of the current wheel that's on it now to the ground.

> From the edge of the fender lip (at the highest point of the arc of the wheel well) to the ground.

We'll go from there.

jason7698 · 03-07-2012, 10:52 PM

From the ground to the center of the wheel- 12 3/8
From the ground to the highest arc in the fender well- 27 1/2

**CC69Rat** · 03-07-2012, 11:03 PM

71swb4x4 - No worries

It's difficult to type your true thoughts. No problem

From the measurements, I see you have a 24 3/4 inch tall tire on the truck now. Using this tire size, you're 27 1/2 from the ground. = 2 3/4 " air space between the top of the tire to the fender.

If you want to 'fill this gap' you can either lower the truck more or fill the fender with a taller tire. For example a 255/50 is going to be 27.1" tall (I think, don't hold me to that). But one thing to remember. If you put a 27" tall tire on it, the front of the truck overall height comes UP. Old tire vs. 255/50 in this case = 2.35"

You'd RAISE the truck 1.2".. But 1.2" of your air gap is filled up. Make sense? The taller tire you put on it, the more you need to lower it.. Hope this helps
Posted via Mobile Device

jason7698 · 03-07-2012, 11:10 PM

So I still want to go with the 20" rim up front so with a 20" rim what tire size should I run? And should I go with the 8.5 or 9.5?

Jay W · 03-09-2012, 12:26 AM

255/40 20 up front on an 8.5 wide rim 28 tall 10 wide

295/40 20 rear on a 10 wide rim. 29.4 tall

do some searches and look at pics,

jason7698 · 03-09-2012, 08:28 AM

I went with a 255/45/20 on a 20x8.5 with 5" back spacing for the front and a 295/45/20 on the 20x9.5 for the rear.Just wanted to say thanks for all the info and suggestions this is a great board with a bunch of great members!!

**CC69Rat** · 03-09-2012, 08:49 AM

Good call.. Please post up some pics when you get them installed!

jason7698 · 03-09-2012, 08:54 AM

Will do..Thanks for all the help RAT!!! I'm not to far from you ever get to Bowling Green Ky?

**CC69Rat** · 03-09-2012, 09:01 AM

I have been yes, but not for a while. I used to be into Corvettes a little..

I am going to GoodGuys in Nashville though. May 5 I think it is (?) Pretty cool show if you have never been .. ?? It will be worth your drive, I promise.

jason7698 · 03-09-2012, 09:08 AM

It's May 18-20 and I will be there its about an hour drive hope to meet you!

03-07-2012, 07:14 PM	#1
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Wheel and tire advice.. I have a 71 c10 lowered I have 20x9.5 wheels with 295/55 tires on the rear now what I'm wanting to know is should I go with a 20x8.5 or a 20x9.5 up front both will have about 5" of back spacing. I am wanting the nose down look so I will be going with a 245 tire up front any advice or suggestions?

03-07-2012, 09:37 PM	#2
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. Got any pics? How far was it lowered? Step or Fleetside? __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-07-2012, 09:53 PM	#3
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. Fleet side... I know that a 20" wheel will fit I'm just wondering if I should go with 8.5 or 9.5?

03-07-2012, 09:59 PM	#4
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. How far is it lowered? 2" front, 4 rear? .. 295/55 is a big ole tire. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-07-2012, 10:15 PM	#5
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. I think its 2" up front I am going to run a 245 up front

03-07-2012, 10:22 PM	#6
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. Most run a 20x8.5 on the front. 5" BS should probably work with a 2" drop. The only thing I'm not sure about is a 245 on an 8.5" wheel. Personally I'd think about maybe a 255 .. but your call. 20x9.5 with 5" Backspacing and a 295/55 would sit pretty much flush with the outer rear fender wells but would not really give you any 'tuck' under the fender .. just my opinion. Do you already have your wheels? __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-07-2012, 10:29 PM	#7
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. I have the rear wheels 20x9.5 with a 295 but I have not ordered the fronts yet. I would be fine with a 255 up front. This is what happened I ordered 18x8.5 for the front with a 245/45 and when they were put on I hated the look up front to much fender well showing and the wheel doesnt have backspacing so now 1.5 years later I have decided to put a 20" wheel and tire up front but I wanted it to have some back spacing and fill up the fenderwell and be tucked..Thoughts

03-07-2012, 10:25 PM	#8
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. 245 is the width of the tire, it is not the height, so it won't affect how tall the tire is. A 245 will work on both wheels, but IMO will look better on the 8.5". A 295/55 tire is nearly 33" tall, that's a big tire. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

03-07-2012, 10:28 PM	#9
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. That's what I mean, the 245 on a 8.5" wheel will not have any section width to it. Ex. the wheel bead will be about as wide as the widest point of the tire. For example I usually run a 245 on a 7. It will work, .. yes but just personal taste. I understand the diameter and tire overall height. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-07-2012, 10:36 PM	#11
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. Need two measurements > From the center line of the current wheel that's on it now to the ground. > From the edge of the fender lip (at the highest point of the arc of the wheel well) to the ground. We'll go from there. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-07-2012, 10:52 PM	#12
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. From the ground to the center of the wheel- 12 3/8 From the ground to the highest arc in the fender well- 27 1/2

03-07-2012, 11:03 PM	#13
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. 71swb4x4 - No worries It's difficult to type your true thoughts. No problem From the measurements, I see you have a 24 3/4 inch tall tire on the truck now. Using this tire size, you're 27 1/2 from the ground. = 2 3/4 " air space between the top of the tire to the fender. If you want to 'fill this gap' you can either lower the truck more or fill the fender with a taller tire. For example a 255/50 is going to be 27.1" tall (I think, don't hold me to that). But one thing to remember. If you put a 27" tall tire on it, the front of the truck overall height comes UP. Old tire vs. 255/50 in this case = 2.35" You'd RAISE the truck 1.2".. But 1.2" of your air gap is filled up. Make sense? The taller tire you put on it, the more you need to lower it.. Hope this helps Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-07-2012, 11:10 PM	#14
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. So I still want to go with the 20" rim up front so with a 20" rim what tire size should I run? And should I go with the 8.5 or 9.5?

03-09-2012, 12:26 AM	#15
Jay W Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fort St John, BC Posts: 85	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. 255/40 20 up front on an 8.5 wide rim 28 tall 10 wide 295/40 20 rear on a 10 wide rim. 29.4 tall do some searches and look at pics, __________________ 69 c10 lwb

03-09-2012, 08:28 AM	#16
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. I went with a 255/45/20 on a 20x8.5 with 5" back spacing for the front and a 295/45/20 on the 20x9.5 for the rear.Just wanted to say thanks for all the info and suggestions this is a great board with a bunch of great members!!



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03-09-2012, 08:49 AM	#17
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. Good call.. Please post up some pics when you get them installed! __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-09-2012, 08:54 AM	#18
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. Will do..Thanks for all the help RAT!!! I'm not to far from you ever get to Bowling Green Ky?

03-09-2012, 09:01 AM	#19
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,206	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. I have been yes, but not for a while. I used to be into Corvettes a little.. I am going to GoodGuys in Nashville though. May 5 I think it is (?) Pretty cool show if you have never been .. ?? It will be worth your drive, I promise. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

03-09-2012, 09:08 AM	#20
jason7698 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auburn,Ky Posts: 69	Re: Wheel and tire advice.. It's May 18-20 and I will be there its about an hour drive hope to meet you!

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