Tallest tire on 17" Dodge steelies

[BigB]

Hi Guys,

My 69 currently has black painted wagon wheels in 15" with some 37's on them. Fenders are cut and have 3.5" lift and 1" body. It has a D44 in it, 3 speed manual and 4.88's. Oh and a 357W.

It's also bright orange with bad paint, some black parts and white doors!

I'm looking to paint it in Massey Ferguson grey with International Harvester white(off white) on the roof/grill and thinking on steel wheels. Basically it will look like the old school grey icon Bronco.

I will keep the 37's for wheeling but was thinking of going for the 17x7 dodge steelies and was hoping to have a 35" tire on them. I haven't had any luck finding a 35" tire that is skinny enough to fit on a 7" rim.

Most threads I had found with these wheels are for uncut broncos with their associated issues and guys weren't looking to fit 35's. Think the biggest size was a 34".

Also want an all terrain tire.

My thinking for 35's was that any smaller will look odd with my lift and cut fenders.

 

[rguest3]

265 might be the widest I would put on the 17x7" wheel.

265/80/17, 265/85/17 if there is one?

 

[BigB]

265 might be the widest I would put on the 17x7" wheel.

265/80/17, 265/85/17 if there is one?

I've just found that the Durango wheel is 7.5" wide which will help get a wider tire. Though I do prefer the look on the 1500 wheels with their more rounded holes compared to the egg shape on the Durango's.

Though that could be splitting hairs if they allow me to get 35's.

 

[BigB]

Just found the Nitto Traill Grappler MT in 35 11.5R17 which measure 34.76 and will go on a 7.5" wheel.

Not sure how good a tire that is.

 

[Broncobowsher]

That name sounds familer. I think it is what a friend is running and is happy with. And he is picky, so it has to be somewhat good.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Interco has a few tall skinny tires in a 17" dia.

 

[DirtDonk]

Even a 255 looks good on a Bronco and is narrow enough to easily fit a 7.5" wheel. But I consider 11.50" to be the widest for that size wheel (it's what I run on mine) so you're in business with width.

A 255/85/16 is actually virtually a 35 on a 15. The typical 35x12.50x15 tire is only about 33.5 to 34 inches tall, and the 255's I have are right at about 33.5 on my truck.
If those other tire sizes you mentioned do exist, they'd be even better.

Paul

 

[BigB]

Interco has a few tall skinny tires in a 17" dia.

I had a quick look at Interco but couldn't find anything other than aggressive tires, which is not what I'm after, but thanks.

 

[BigB]

Even a 255 looks good on a Bronco and is narrow enough to easily fit a 7.5" wheel. But I consider 11.50" to be the widest for that size wheel (it's what I run on mine) so you're in business with width.

A 255/85/16 is actually virtually a 35 on a 15. The typical 35x12.50x15 tire is only about 33.5 to 34 inches tall, and the 255's I have are right at about 33.5 on my truck.
If those other tire sizes you mentioned do exist, they'd be even better.

Paul

Thanks, Paul.

Do you have wheels with a similar offset to the steelies?

I was thinking the 35's at under an actual 35" would look a little small. Just did a rough measurement on my goodyear mtr's and they are at 35".They are old though but gives me a visual.

 

[BigB]

That name sounds familer. I think it is what a friend is running and is happy with. And he is picky, so it has to be somewhat good.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[rguest3]

BigB - I have had a couple sets of the Nitto Trails. Very nice tire, and pretty quiet for a fairly aggressive tread. If you want more of an All Terrain I would recommend the Toyo AT2.

A 285/75/17 would be a nice fit on the Durango 17x7.5 wheels. These are 34" measured with a Tape Measure Mounted on the truck.

 

[BigB]

BigB - I have had a couple sets of the Nitto Trails. Very nice tire, and pretty quiet for a fairly aggressive tread. If you want more of an All Terrain I would recommend the Toyo AT2.

A 285/75/17 would be a nice fit on the Durango 17x7.5 wheels. These are 34" measured with a Tape Measure Mounted on the truck.

Great to hear, thanks!

 

[BigB]

I just looked through my notes and see my D44 is from a 76 Bronco and has disc brakes which I assume are Ford units.

Is that going to make a difference trying to fit these wheels?

I remember reading about some sizes and offsets not working with certain years/disc's but can't remember which.

I also have "bullet proof" heavy duty upgraded tie rod system.

 

[rguest3]

The 17" wheel should clear the 76-77 Knuckles with NO issues. A 285 (Not too wide) may rub the radius arm at Full Turn. The locks on the Knuckles can be adjusted to prevent this.

You will have to bore the Center of either of the Dodge wheels to clear the front hubs. I did mine to 108mm like other Ford Wheels. I also tapped holes for the Later Bronco Center caps and installed the 3 bolts.

Pictured is the Dodge 17x7" wheel with a 265/70/17 Toyo AT2. Great fit on an Uncut LUBR. On a 76 as well.

 

[JackHoleRacer]

Morning.... Hey BigB, Slightly off topic here. I would like to know how you are sourcing the Dodge wheels, salvage yard, new? I have been rolling this idea of steelies around in my head for awhile now and have come up with 3 options. Factory stock Bronco/F150 wheels, Dodge wheels or the new multi-lug universal fit steel wheel. Any info would be appreciated. Again, excuse the diversion. Thanks

 

[BigB]

The 285 75 R17 Nitto tire is a load range E and only slightly smaller diameter than the 35 11.5 R17 which is a load range C.

The 35 is 6lbs heavier.

Will the C range tire be noticeably more comfortable of a ride than the E?

 

[toddz69]

Morning.... Hey BigB, Slightly off topic here. I would like to know how you are sourcing the Dodge wheels, salvage yard, new? I have been rolling this idea of steelies around in my head for awhile now and have come up with 3 options. Factory stock Bronco/F150 wheels, Dodge wheels or the new multi-lug universal fit steel wheel. Any info would be appreciated. Again, excuse the diversion. Thanks

Vince: I bought some off CL for 1sicbronconut out in the East Valley a few years ago. So they're out there.

Todd Z.

 

[toddz69]

The 285 75 R17 Nitto tire is a load range E and only slightly smaller diameter than the 35 11.5 R17 which is a load range C.

The 35 is 6lbs heavier.

Will the C range tire be noticeably more comfortable of a ride than the E?

I'm rolling the 285/75/17 AT2s on my 17" wheels - wouldn't have any hesitation running them on 7" rims. The E's definitely ride rougher than load range C's. Unfortunately, as you've discovered, most of the 17s are E. When the Toyos wear out, I'm going to go with load range D BFGs.

Todd Z.

 

[JackHoleRacer]

Thanks Todd, pm'ed ya

 

[BigB]

The 17" wheel should clear the 76-77 Knuckles with NO issues. A 285 (Not too wide) may rub the radius arm at Full Turn. The locks on the Knuckles can be adjusted to prevent this.

You will have to bore the Center of either of the Dodge wheels to clear the front hubs. I did mine to 108mm like other Ford Wheels. I also tapped holes for the Later Bronco Center caps and installed the 3 bolts.

Pictured is the Dodge 17x7" wheel with a 265/70/17 Toyo AT2. Great fit on an Uncut LUBR. On a 76 as well.

Thanks for info.

I had read previous post's about opening up the hole. I'm going to ask my engine builder and see if his machines can take a wheel and get him to open it up.

Those Toyo's look good on there.