what size wheels and tires to run?

[paujones]

Guys,

I'm about 1/3 through the restoration of my dad's original 69 Custom-10 1/2 ton 2WD truck. So far Ive focused on the drivetrain - new 383 V8, TH700R4, new drive shafts, rebuilt 3.73 posi rear and new brakes all the way around.

Ive had a set of steel 16", 6-lug '92 Blazer wheels on it for about 15 years and its time to go to something new.

With the 383, 3.73 gears and TH700R4 3.06 first gear, I have plenty of low end, so I'm thinking of sticking with at least a 30" tall tire/wheel combo. I'm leaning towards a set of American Racing Torq Thrust ST in 20x8.5 with a 255/55/20 tire all the way around. This seems like a nice, moderately priced combo - about $1700 complete through Tire Rack. The only downside is that I have to machine the center wheel opening to fit the larger '69 rotors and axle centers. Plus the wheels are fairly heavy at 35 pounds each (for the chrome ones.)

I cant really afford a set of custom billet 6 lugs and I really dont want to spend the cash on converting to 5-lug with everything dialed in in the brake and rear end department.

Any suggestions from the board? Anyone running lighter, moderately priced wheels? Tire and wheel size info would be really helpful.

Thanks, Paul