Biggest front tire size on a stock 3/4-ton?

[Sheetaki]

Hi everyone, I'll start by apologizing, as I know there have been a million tire/wheel size threads. That being said, based off all the one's I've seen nobody is asking this question. If they have, I missed it, and I apologize.

I have a '67 fleetside C20. It currently has 235/85/16's on it that are over 10 years old. The wheels and hubcaps are off an 80's pickup I believe, so far from original. I'd like to put some wider tires on it, and it looks like I can get some cheap 16x10's in 8x6.5 off Summit. Those would allow me to fit some 275/70/16's on all 4 corners, but I'm having trouble finding anything that says 275s would fit in the front. It seems like there's a ton of room up there as it's stock ride height, but maybe not. I'd like to go as wide as I can while keeping all 4 tires the same size (for rotation).

Has anyone done this before? Most seem to lower it and go wider in the rear than the front. I guess I could do that, as I'm not likely to drive this thing past tire warranty miles anyways. I'd rather all 4 be symmetrical though.

[toolboxchev]

lt265/75/16 is the largest. I found a thread here a few days ago about placing an 1/2 inch coil spring spacer gaining 1 inch or more of additional lift. I believe the OP was running a 285 at that point. Do a search its in here somewhere.

I also liked the stance of his truck. Did not see anything negative about it!

[CK67]

This a 67 1 ton with a 3 in body lift. The tires are 33s. I had them on before the lift and they rubbed a little at full turn. I thought they would not fit at all before lift but there is a lot of room under there. Don't know if this helps but thought I would add my 2 cents. Don't think there is much difference between 3/4 and 1 ton height wise.

[Sheetaki]

Thanks for the tip Toolboxchev, I'll look around for it. If he got 285's to fit 275's might be doable.

CK67, what width are those 33s? If I go with the plan of 275/70/16's they'll only be 31.2", so I probably wouldn't need the body lift. At that point it's just a matter of would it hit things when turning at full lock.

That's a good looking truck, I love trucks that clearly still put in work .

[special-K]

The 275/70s will not only be a tad narrower, they are 70 series vs 75 that the 285s are. I think a 10" wheel will be your biggest challenger. The wider the wheel the more challenge to fit from with same size tire due to steering. Also, 10" is too wide for either size mentioned anyway. 8" is proper for those and that will help with clearing the biggest tire

[Sheetaki]

I was trying to find a guide for tire size to wheel size and it seems to be pretty conservative. Most sites say that an 8" will have a max of a 245 or so. Maybe that only applies to car tires not truck tires, as they have a much taller sidewall and perform differently? My Camaro has 275's on 9.5", but they're only 40 series tires. If I could get away with 8" that would be fine, Summit has plenty of steel wheel options in that size and it looks like they run a little cheaper.

[71threequarterton]

I've got 265/75/16 on 8x16 w/ 4" backspace on my C20. It doesn't look like I could go any bigger than that.

[Sheetaki]

I assume that's the truck in your profile pic? That looks really good. It looks like tires for 265s are cheaper than the 275s too, so I think that's what I'll do. Cheaper and more likely to work is always a win.

Thanks for all the help guys!

[71threequarterton]

Originally Posted by Sheetaki

I assume that's the truck in your profile pic? That looks really good. It looks like tires for 265s are cheaper than the 275s too, so I think that's what I'll do. Cheaper and more likely to work is always a win.

Thanks for all the help guys!

Thanks, yes, that's what is on the front of the truck in the profile pic. The rear are 305/70/16 on 10x16 w/5" backspace

[CK67]

Not real sure about width on the 33s on my c30 as I don't have truck at my place, but they are not all that wide . If I had to guess I would say no wider than 10 in.

[Nomadicflyer]

I'm not sure I could do 275/70's on my C20. I have 265/75R16. They look like they should rub at the stops, but they don't!

Hope this helps,

Nomad

[Sheetaki]

Nomad do you know the backspacing on those wheels? I see 4" was recommended above, but I'm wondering if I can get away with 4.5". Summit has some alu wheels with a much higher weight rating (3600lbs instead of 3000) than their cheap steel ones for only $120/ea. I know more backspacing brings it farther in though, which is where I'm likely to rub, but alu wheels are so tempting.

Also to add to the discussion I found this thread which addresses the issue in a number of ways: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=504413 Looks like one guy managed 285/75s on all 4 corners on 8" wheels.

I've got a few more weeks of saving up before I make the decision, but at least now I feel confident I've done the research.,