Max tire size for 86' ?

[Stage1]

I tried a search on max. tire sizes for 86' one ton 4x4 and found no information. Therefor, looking for help in selecting new tires size ( diameter and width) for CUCV M1008. Currently has 235x86x16s which look pretty small. Will also consider a 2 to 4" suspension lift if needed. I am thinking about 34 to 37" dia. tires, something like BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires.

New solid steel 16 or 17" wheels will likely be part of this upgrade, thinking of somewhere around 8 or 9" width.

Walter, I notice your sig has 37" tires with 2" suspension lift, do they rub much, have you cut your fenders? I would like to avoid cutting fender, other then slight trimming.

thanks,
Les

[waorth]

For 37" tires with 2" add-a-leaf you have to cut the front fenders . Not very noticable if you use a kind of fender flares (recommended).
Even a 4" suspension lift may require some fender mods.

Now there's a little rubbing but only if fully compressed and wheels turned to lock at the same time. And this is with swaybar removed!

I love the lower rpms for street use (should be about 3.80 with the 37") and the added ground clearance while going 4x4. Still enough power in low gear for just every hill climbing. smile.gif

I'm driving Alcoa 16.5 x 9.75 wheels. Although it is a challenge to mount the Hummvee tires (37x12.5x16.5 rethreaded) on such a wide rim, I preferred the alcoas because of their backspace (or lower backspace, I'll never learn that thing :confused: ).
With the Hummvee wheels (steel, 16.5x8.5) you must use spacers, at least on the front axle.
Nearly all other wheel/tire combinations are either not street legal here in germany or do not satisfy me concerning strength.
If in the US, I would go with a 4" suspension and 17" rims. ;)

Currently I'm checking the available sizes for the original M1008 steel wheels (16x6.5L). I'll try to get a good 4x4 tire in the 35" range. So for serious offroading I'm able to swap tires. A good choice would probably be 280/85 16 (about 34") or 305/85 16 (36").

Did you already complete your window job?

Walter

[BARRAZA]

I have 38in tall tires on my m1008. But, they're very narrow. 11.0x16 michelin xl on the stock rims. They are about the equivalent of a 10.50 x 38, which in more available tires doesn't exist. No lift and only minor trimming of the front lower fenders. Good luck finding them, my source has dried up. I understand they are more common in canada, some used dealers advertise them there. Try here for some info

http://www.garbee.net/~cabell/photos5.htm

[Stage1]

Walter,
The windows are almost done, hope to complete tomorrow. More on your wheels, what is the back space measurement? If I go w/17" wheels, will consider 10" width.

Barraza,
Thanks for the info on the Michelin off/road tires, they look interesting if I can find some.
Do you think Michelin is still making the 11.00R16XL? What do you think about the XML tire?

thanks,
Les

[waorth]

Les
I'm afraid I wasn't correct with my wheels. They're not Alcoas, just Alcoa design, made by American Eagle.
Sorry for that.
For details, have a look at Eagle Alloys (http://www.americaneaglewheel.com/wheels_detail.cfm?id=23). It is part number 0589-6988.

Barraza
The Michelin tires 255/100 R16 (aka 9.00x16) indeed seem very interesting. Do they actually fit on the original 6.5Lx16 steel rims?

Regards. Walter

[BARRAZA]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PDFs/Michelin%20XL.pdf
Sizes and load ratings.

The 11x16 michelin is made for a 6.5x16 rim. I like them because they ride great, didn't require a lift, and fit the military look of the truck. Also 38 inches of height tames the 4.56 gears a little. Couldn't find the info on the michelin web site where I though I had seen it before, but michelin always made the info hard to find because they are really military tires and aren't generally available from your corner michelin dealer. There is a place in canada called dollar tire that still advertises used ones. I got mine from a guy in atlanta but last I talked to him, he didn't have any.

[84 Convert]

Probably a little short for your use, but I have 255/85 R16's on 16x7 rims on my GMC with no rubbing, swaybar disconnected, full suff, full lock. The height is just shy of the average 35" tire. The GMC has stock springs that seem to be around 3" taller than average. but the bumpstops are the same as with shorter springs, so I think these tires would fit with no trimming on most trucks of this body style.
USA 6X6 has some of those michelins, but mostly in 20" rim sizes. On the Earthroamer site he says he acquired some new 9.00x16 michelins from his local Discount tire. I've been thinking those might look good under the dually.


Gregg

[Stage1]

Barraza,
Thanks for the web site reference, however the Michelin XL file will not download on my computer. I was able to download the other two Michelin files. If you can download, can you e-mail me the pdf.file, thanks a lot. My e-mail is

aotte1@alltel.net

Walter,
I now have the windows in the truck, and ready to move on to the wheels/tires. The 4L80E trans is off being rebuilt, I got two of them for $50. The rebuild w/all high performance parts and converter will be about $900. Now I am looking for the computer to control it.

For tires I am thinking about the Michelin XL or very hard to get XMLs.

thanks,
Les