33x10.5 vs 235/85

[asalnick]

I have just installed a set of 2 leaf front and 3 leaf rear RM parabolics on my SWB series 3. As I am sure you are aware I have 15" rims that the tail end of the NA rovers got. I am looking for a good tire size that offers good clearance but doesn't totally destroy immense speed potential of the rover. Right now I am looking at a 33-10.50R15 MT and a 235-85R16 MT. The 33s have the advantage of fitting onto my rims which is a pretty big deal as I don't have to pick up extra rims. BF Goodrich's website shows the 33 at 32.8X10.5 and the 235 at 32X9.3 (both on wider rims than the rovers). That is not a TON of difference in size at the root of it. Anyone else out there running 33x10.50s or are most people switching to the 16" rim and the slighly smaller tire?

[Jim-ME]

I run the 33X9.5X15 BFGs. I'm not sure how well the 10.5s will fit on your rims but then again the 9.5s should be on a wider wheel. I think you will find that the 16s tend to be less expensive per tire compared to 15s and you will have more choices of tread and manufacturers. I'm starting to think about 16" rims for that reason.
Jim

[73series88]

i run 31 10.5 15 on my 88 with parabolic springs and have no clearence issues at all not 33s but close.
aaron

[Terrys]

I suspect you're not going to like the handling of an 88 with 33x10.5 tires. The wider the front tire the squirlier they get as it puts more loading on a steering system prone to wander. Between swivel pins, the relay, with an extra 2 ball joints, and a recirculating ball steering box, you're just asking for issues.