Rick have you tried deflating one of the rear bogie wheels and than checking
the clearance. From talking to others including Wes Caughlan if a flat
occurs at speed you can do a lot of damage because of the reduced clearance.
I understand (maybe another myth) that they can actually tear out some of
the floor over the wheels.
>
>> .Can those of you who are using the stock , 16.5, radial,
>> steel rims tell us what brand of tire you're using along with the price
>> you paid if you still have it available.
>
>Jim,
> Sorry so slow to reply, but I wanted to check my records, and they're
>scattered. ;-) I have the Cinnabar replacement steel wheels (16.5 X 6.75 ,
>3,000 lbs capacity) which are slightly wider than the originals, IIRC. Since
>these rims can handle 9.50R16.5 tires, and since I always go for the biggest
>tires that fit, that's what I got last summer.
> Bought 4 Bridgestone R273 all-weather tires, 9.50R16.5, load range E, from
>GCR Truck Tire Center in north Denver, for $127 ea., NOT including mounting,
>etc. By the time the mounting, balancing powder, sales tax, and disposal of a
>couple old tires was included, they came to about $153 each. GCR had these 4
>in stock, which should comfort those who worry about availability on the road.
>I finally ended up with these 4 on the rear (long painful story recounted
>herein last summer), and had to order 2 more to finish up the job.
> For the front, I decided to go for maximum traction, and ordered a pair of
>Bridgestone M773 full-fledged snow-rated tires,also 9.50
R16.5/E. These have
>an aggressive tread that I hope will help with the GMC's greatest design
>weakness: poor traction. The one time I used them in snow they seemed much
>better than the old Michelins. GCR agreed to the same price as the R273s,
>although I think the M773s list for a little more. Oh, and although they have
>a pretty mean-looking tread, I can't notice any increase in road noise over
>the Michelin XPS Ribs (with the sidewall cracks...).
> BTW, there IS room for the 9.50s on the rear, with about 3/8" clearance to
>the air bags. Since steel-belted tires don't "grow" at speed as do bias-ply
>tires, I feel safe with this clearance. (But I wouldn't try 9.50 bias-ply in
>back. YMMV.) In front there's plenty of room for the 9.50s, with room left
>for the chains (which I carry) if necessary.
> The Bridgestones have polyester sidewall plies which I think gives a
>slightly softer ride, protected from curb damage by a molded rib on the
>sidewall. Some have voiced a preference for steel sidewalls, but the
>9.50
R16.5/Es have so much reserve weight capacity ( 3,170 lbs each @ 80 psi,
>more than the wheels! ) that I'm not worried.
> It's nice to get back out on the Interstate and cruise up to 75 - 80 mph
>without worrying about the tires! The 1" larger diameter of the 9.50s makes
>me want a set of 3.42 gears even more than before, but that's another story...
>
>PS: I think I may have reported getting R265s or some such in a previous
>post. I had so many tire types and sizes floating around in my mind that I
>must have gotten brain fade. Sorry for any confusion, M773 front/R273 rear is
>correct.
>
>Rick Staples
>'75 Eleganza
>Louisville, CO
>
>
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach
