Swapping tires for winter

[Irishmic]

I have 35/12.5/18s on my truck right now. It has a 6 inch lift. Finding some used ones has been difficult and the funding for new ones just don't seem to be in the cards.

My question is I'm finding rims and tire sets on the cheep, even winter tires (being in the north east snow will be needing to get through, lots of it). However they are smaller sizes. If I drop down to say 255/80/17 what issues would I run into if any? Side note, I have no speedometer so not worried about that.

With all this said any recommendations on what may be a good choice? Any ideas or thought would be helpful.

 

[HankScorpio]

I really like a dedicated snow tire. Studs or just a real snow rated tire. Currently have Nokian Hakapelita with studs on a Suburban and Cooper snow claw on an '05 Silverado. The difference in traction from my various off road tires is real impressive. Just don't run snow rated tires all year, they are real soft.

 

[Irishmic]

For a 1980 blazer do you happen to know what other rims would be a fit? Like if I'm looking at say a 2006 suburban should they fit? I know this is a vague question and there is probably a lot more to it

 

[HankScorpio]

6 X 5.5 Bolt Pattern Cross Reference: 16 X 7 Wheels

Bolt Pattern Chart - A list of cars, trucks and other vehicles that swap or interchange wheels with 6 X 5.5 bolt pattern. PCD size, centerbore, offset and wheel dimensions.

www.roadkillcustoms.com

6 x 5.5 is a real common pattern. The back spacing and center hole are the important part. You need a good sized center bore to clear the locking hubs. A lot of late model stuff went to a unit bearing without a locking hub so the center bore wont fit.

It kind of sucks but the best way to be sure is take a jack and lug wrench with you to test fit one. 10 minutes of work will save you from buying the wrong wheel.

 

[cheavyk10]

The factory rally rims on a 80's Blazer were 15x8, 6 on 5.5 with 4 in backspacing.
2006 suburban rims won't fit, you won't be able to get the hub through the hole in the center and there's way too much backspacing. (Positive offset).

 

[Irishmic]

Does the wheel spacing have to be 4 inches exactly or would 4.5 inches fit?

The idea of bringing the jack to test is a great idea. Very smart.