Running 16" Rims On Tons

[Upstate]

This comment is mostly from what I have seen on other sites like Pirate 4x4, but why are guys either run 17" rims or grinding down the calipers to run 15"? I can find tires not as cheap 15" but a lot less than 17" in 16" rims.

In example a BF Goodrich Mud Terrain in 37x13.50 x 16 (LT345/75/16) is $352 on Summit Versus 37 x 12.50 x 17 is $425

16" have the better bead than the 16.5 or similar to 15 and 17 rims, no?

Just curious, because I have some roller tires that would work for me to get my garage that 16" also.

16" do clear the rotors on the dana 60s, no?

 

[nvrenuf]

Yes, 16's will clear. 80's GM K30's came with 16's. As for why the bigger wheels, I think it's a popularity/cool factor thing. Bigger rims do equal less vulnerable sidewall on for the same size tire but it's not enough justification for me to change.

 

[K85 Octane]

yeah, my rollers are 16s.
my current setup is 18, cause they were stupid cheap ($800 with tires) off CList
my spare tire is on a 17
my beadlocks in storage are 16s
lol I run what I can find

 

[Upstate]

My luck sucks with finding anything cheap lately.

 

[izzy1776]

I personally don't like 16's because I hate the metric system of tire sizes. I don't want to convert anything, just give it to me in American!

 

[Upstate]

I personally don't like 16's because I hate the metric system of tire sizes. I don't want to convert anything, just give it to me in American!

Could always just look at the spec page.

 

[izzy1776]

True, I'm just being stubborn. What annoys me is when people only state the first number, i.e. 285's, as the tire height.

But to the original question, I would think it has a lot to do with popularity, the widest array of tire selections these days are in either a 17 or 20.

Also, I could be wrong but I do believe that most 16" tires are rated either D or E whereas tires in the 15/17 wheel size can have C load ratings, offering better sidewall bulge for offroad traction. I had 315/75R16 Baja Claws that were "E" where as the 35X12.50R15 Bajas were "C"

 

[Upstate]

True, I'm just being stubborn. What annoys me is when people only state the first number, i.e. 285's, as the tire height.

But to the original question, I would think it has a lot to do with popularity, the widest array of tire selections these days are in either a 17 or 20.

Also, I could be wrong but I do believe that most 16" tires are rated either D or E whereas tires in the 15/17 wheel size can have C load ratings, offering better sidewall bulge for offroad traction. I had 315/75R16 Baja Claws that were "E" where as the 35X12.50R15 Bajas were "C"

I am running 37" and plan on getting the same again. I know what you mean about people misunderstanding tire specs. Pretty much all 37" that I have found are D or E.

 

[82355]

80's GM K30's came with 16's.

It just depends on how they were ordered. K20's and K30's could have either most years in the 70's. I am not sure when GM quit using the 16.5" wheels.

In the early 70's you could get 16.5" wheels stock on half tons and K5's.

Martin

 

[82355]

Just went and checked. In 1982, 16.5" wheels were standard on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, with a few choices of optional 16" tires. In 1983, 16" wheels became standard on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, and there were no 16.5" tire options.

Martin

 

[82355]

Yep, in 1973 you could get 15", 16" or 16.5" tires from the factory on a K10. A K20 had the option of 16" or 16.5" tires. There was no K30 yet.



Sorry to clutter your thread, I just find that stuff interesting.

Martin

 

[Upstate]

No worries. Beside I bought (4) 37" x 13.50 x 17 Toyo MT today. Now I need rims.

 

[82355]

I'd look for a set of H2 wheels.

Martin

 

[Upstate]

I am sucker for MT Classics

 

[PresaCanario]

I've got 15"x14" wheels on 35"x16"x15R super swamper boggers mounted on a Dana 60. I use a 1/2" wheel spacer to clear the calipers.

 

[izzy1776]

I've got 15"x14" wheels on 35"x16"x15R super swamper boggers mounted on a Dana 60. I use a 1/2" wheel spacer to clear the calipers.

What's your backspacing?

 

[Upstate]

End up with Raceline 888 rims

 

[PresaCanario]

Backspacing is 3 1/2"

 

[Upstate]

17 x 9 with 4-1/2 backspace