Wheels/tire sizes

FROM STOCK 15" STEELIES TO WILD 24" WHEELS, THEY GO HERE.
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1Gary
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Wheels/tire sizes

Post by 1Gary »

We have all talked about how tire sizes impact gas mileage.We have also talked about how these mods in tire sizes and wheels impact the stock suspension parts like tie rods,idler arms,etc,which are not built for it and shorten those parts life.

The question here is with a 3" pipe lift and about the same in the rear,what is the limit I could go to so as not to have that adverse effect on the stock parts and gas mileage??.Ford 9"rear end ratio of 3.70's.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY

ihatemybike
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Re: Wheels/tire sizes

Post by ihatemybike »

What size? Stock, but that's no fun.

Usually people match the tire to the lift.
2" = 235/75R15 (29")
3" = 30x9.5R15
4" = 31x10.5R15



Any lift will cause you to lose mpg do to increased aerodynamic drag.
Aaron

2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86

astrozam
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Re: Wheels/tire sizes

Post by astrozam »

have a look at this...viewtopic.php?f=12&t=6561 :)
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1Gary
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Re: Wheels/tire sizes

Post by 1Gary »

The basis for this question is the compromise of tire sizes/rims that would not effect stock steering parts as much.Honestly I am looking for everyones input,but more directly from Lifted or Lockdoc.I have read Bill say that if you use this size tire it would result in a shorten life and that I think is a real assessment of the situation.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY

leadtrombone
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Re: Wheels/tire sizes

Post by leadtrombone »

ihatemybike wrote:What size? Stock, but that's no fun.

Usually people match the tire to the lift.
2" = 235/75R15 (29")
3" = 30x9.5R15
4" = 31x10.5R15



Any lift will cause you to lose mpg do to increased aerodynamic drag.

I don't want to hijack here.. But i was looking at puttinh 235/75R15 on my safari. It is stock height. Will i have issues with those fitting in the wheel wells???????
1999 Safari SLE. Stock. Proud owner since May 2010. So far I love it..

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P1050479 by leadtrombone, on Flickr

The old cars - my progression to here (most recent first)

1996 Honda Passport
1988 BMW 320i touring
1989 BMW 520
2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
2002 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab
1989 BMW 320i
1990 Toyota Tercel EZ
1991 Mitshubishi Mirage
1970 Mercedes Benz 250 Saloon

ihatemybike
I plan to be buried in my van
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Location: Elgin, IL

Re: Wheels/tire sizes

Post by ihatemybike »

I tried putting 235/75R15 BFG ATs on my 94. The rear was fine, but there was serious rubbing on the rear of the front wheel wells when turning. Looking under Grumpy, it appears that the sheet metal can be cut and made to clearance. I don't recall anyone ever doing it though.

I ran 235/70R15 BFG Radial TAs on my 2000, minimal rubbing when turning.
Aaron

2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86

leadtrombone
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Re: Wheels/tire sizes

Post by leadtrombone »

Well... a good thing i haven't already bought them... #-o

I guess i will have to stick with 230?? 225's


Hmmm.. Well enough hijacking for now.. I should start another thread for those questions...

Sorry to interrupt 1Gary.
1999 Safari SLE. Stock. Proud owner since May 2010. So far I love it..

Image
P1050479 by leadtrombone, on Flickr

The old cars - my progression to here (most recent first)

1996 Honda Passport
1988 BMW 320i touring
1989 BMW 520
2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
2002 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab
1989 BMW 320i
1990 Toyota Tercel EZ
1991 Mitshubishi Mirage
1970 Mercedes Benz 250 Saloon
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loopie
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Re: Wheels/tire sizes

Post by loopie »

1Gary wrote:The basis for this question is the compromise of tire sizes/rims that would not effect stock steering parts as much.Honestly I am looking for everyones input,but more directly from Lifted or Lockdoc.I have read Bill say that if you use this size tire it would result in a shorten life and that I think is a real assessment of the situation.
- For rims...it is only an issue of weight. The lighter the better (unless you're rock crawling or packing serious weight). I'm going to say that the stock aluminum rim would be hard to beat for weight and load rating without spending quite a chunk of change.

- Tires...the shorter and narrower and as solidly ribbed a tread patten as possible will give the best mileage and the least strain on the steering components. Every step you take away from that...equals less fuel mileage and more strain. I think the scale is pretty linear, a 235 will fair better than a 30 etc...

- Steering components(AWD)...leave the torsion bar in the factory setting for maximum life of the steering components. For 2wd...a spindle is the only way to get lift with no affect to the steering components.(not including body lifts)
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