1947 Panel Truck Frame swap with ’88 k2500

[Second Series]

The transmission is shifting fine now, I went on a second test drive around the neighborhood and got a thumbs up. I put a piece of tape on the steering wheel where I thought it should be centered. Re-installed the steering wheel and now it seems centered. The third test drive was to the tire store, my son rode with and said he was hating me. He’s never ridden in it and I’ve been working on it for four years, it wasn’t too bad. The salesman wanted to sell me some 235/75R16 tires, but had to order them. I made an appointment for next Monday. The old tires were LT215/85R16 and measure 30.4”x8.5” rated for D-Load. A firm tire that sits under the front fender. The modern equivalent comes in E-Load range = stiff ride and I wanted all terrain. The only tire in that size ad D-Load was one called commercial traction. Next width up tire I found with the softer load rating is the P225/75R16 standard load measuring at 29.3”x8.9”. The Tire salesman said inches look like feet and I should go with the 235/75R16 at 29.88”x9.25”. I accepted his suggestion, but later noticed the estimate was for 225/75R16 and not the all terrain tread I wanted. Later that week I went to get a new spare tire to see how it fit. The shop that sells used tires gave me an estimate for 4 new tires. The spare tire fit well so I got the new tires the next day. They are Patagonia Milestar. From what I read about them on-line they are made with a hybrid compound, softer rubber along with tread pattern, a softer and quieter ride. Rated at 50,000 miles although everything I read suggests they might last 40,000 as the softer rubber wears faster. My steering is noticeably firmer with the new tires. The 215/85R16 tires were just under the front fenders, the 225/75R16 tires .4” wider are about ¼” out of the front fenders. I’m glad I didn’t go with the 235/75R16 .75” wider as they would be out more and the tire salesman was right that inches do look like feet. I enjoyed the short trip back from the tire store and looking forward to more driving. Still a few more things to do before daily driver.