wheels and tires.. 245/75R16?

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Ok, please don't shoot me, but I did go back through all of the old threads on wheels and tires (2x, even) and didn't see an answer to my question. I have 15" wheels that had tubed tires and tried to mount a tubeless but the wheels are too rusted to hold air. Sand blasting and powder coating (at least here in Austin) cost about the same as a new 16"x7" wheel from Gulf Coast Rovers. This rig will be my forest service road runabout so I am looking at retreads from Tread Wright, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with a 245/75R16? I worry that this wide tire (8.2" tread width) will rub on turning. TW also has 235/85R16 (tread width 7") that look good but these builds are several weeks out. Any thoughts? Oh, the work on my rig continues. Was out of country for 3 months and on my return it started right up!

[SGS714]

I put 245/75r16 on my rig and have had no problem at all.

[rwollschlager]

If your truck is still undergoing a rebuild I recommend waiting for the 235/85/16's. They are tall enough to provide decent clearance, yet narrow enough to maintain a turning radius under half a mile. I was looking into a set of treadwrights myself a while ago and in my research I heard nothing but good things about them. The only reason I never purchased a set myself is I found a set of tires cheaper on craigslist.
I hope this helps and let us know if you order a set!

-Rob

[NickDawson]

I still can't wrap my head around tire sizes...
but for what it is worth, I put on 235/85/16s and they rub just a little on the tightest radius turns. I'd think that anything wider might be a problem.

[jac04]

...they rub just a little on the tightest radius turns. I'd think that anything wider might be a problem.

Remember that he is planning on using aftermarket wheels. Depending upon the wheel width & offset, the inside of the wider tire may be in the same place (or even further away from the chassis) as the stock wheel & narrower tire.

[Andrew IIA]

Remember that he is planning on using aftermarket wheels. Depending upon the wheel width & offset, the inside of the wider tire may be in the same place (or even further away from the chassis) as the stock wheel & narrower tire.

Well said. My 88" has been running for years with 265/75R16 on D110 steel wheels. This is orig. equip. NAS D90 size tire I believe. Lots of flotation; good for sand.

[LR Max]

I'd say stick with 15" rims and tires. Overall will be cheaper and more off road-biased tires available...a lot of used tires too.

Think of this: A set of 15" rims, painted to match your truck and then a set of 30x9.5x15 BFG ATs. They will be about the same as if you went 245/75/16, but you'll save well over $200 bucks

I say this since price seems to be a big issue for you.

[rejeep]

I still can't wrap my head around tire sizes...
but for what it is worth, I put on 235/85/16s and they rub just a little on the tightest radius turns. I'd think that anything wider might be a problem.

X2... full lock I rub spring

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Thanks so much for the replies. Site sponsor had two offers on used 16" wheels and tires this past week but they went FAST! I called all of the shops I could find in Austin TX to sandblast and powdercoat the 15" wheels I've got but most shops were ~$100 per wheel, which strikes me as a lot -- Gulf Coast Rovers lists the 16"x7" rims, 4-1/4" backspacing, for $89 each (cheap shipping to Austin from Houston). They also list 15"x7" rims but these are way out on delivery times (months) -- I have not been able to locate any other 15" rims with our 5 on 6.5 pattern. Any ideas on sources welcome. My old tires are nearly shot -- all I can do is putter up and down my alley, ha ha -- don't want to get too far from my driveway in case they blow!

[TriedStone]

I called all of the shops I could find in Austin TX to sandblast and powdercoat the 15" wheels I've got but most shops were ~$100 per wheel, which strikes me as a lot

Might be worth a trip up I-35. Here in OKC I pay 20 / wheel for blast and 20 / wheel for powder coating.

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TriedStone -- can you PM me the name of the outfit you use? OK is Ok by me!

[yorker]

It definitely shouldn't cost that much to blast/refinish the rims. How rusty are they really? If they are riveted construction the rivets often leak, use a wire brush and paint them yourself. You can use bead sealer too.

[J!m]

And I have an original 15" wheel that is is nice shape if you need a spare....

It is (as you know) heavy, so shipping may be a bit pricy...