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Tire guru question

SHX669

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 9, 2009
Messages
1,997
What size 17" tire has about the same dimensions as a 33x10.50x15 ?
I've been running 33x12.50x15s for a long time and now I'm thinking about narrowing down to 10.50s but It seems there are limited options for 15 " wheels.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
49,236
Common theme these days it seems.
I would first measure your tire diameter to find out just exactly what it is though. Most 33's are about 31.5 to 32, so it might be good to know what you have now so you can match it up to the new metric size.

In a 17 these days you might even find one listed directly as being 33x10.50 (if they exist) but the most likely width in metric is going to be either a 255 (almost exactly a typical 10.50) or 265 (wider, but narrower than a typical 12.50).
The aspect ratio is where I'm going to fall flat. My 255/85's are narrow but over 34" tall. A 265/75 is almost every bit a slightly narrow 33x12.50.

So from that experience I'd say that a 255/70 or 255/75 might be the ticket. Here again, IF that tire size exists.
But verify with a tape measure at a tire store!

Paul
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
49,236
Additional info. I just went out and measured a 255/70-17 on (on 7" wide wheels just in case anyone wonders) and they come in at just shy of 30" tall on the vehicle, full weight on the ground.
They "look" wider than my 255/85-16's, but I did not measure width. Just height.

So the 70-series is out for height. But looks like in the real world the 75-series could be very close to your old 33's.
Still be good to know what height they are on your rig however.

Paul
 

sprdv1

Contributor
REBEL
Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
81,983
Common theme these days it seems.
I would first measure your tire diameter to find out just exactly what it is though. Most 33's are about 31.5 to 32, so it might be good to know what you have now so you can match it up to the new metric size.

In a 17 these days you might even find one listed directly as being 33x10.50 (if they exist) but the most likely width in metric is going to be either a 255 (almost exactly a typical 10.50) or 265 (wider, but narrower than a typical 12.50).
The aspect ratio is where I'm going to fall flat. My 255/85's are narrow but over 34" tall. A 265/75 is almost every bit a slightly narrow 33x12.50.

So from that experience I'd say that a 255/70 or 255/75 might be the ticket. Here again, IF that tire size exists.
But verify with a tape measure at a tire store!


Yes sir..
 

rguest3

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 13, 2012
Messages
3,780
255/80/17s are 32.5" Tall when measured mounted on the Bronco. Toyo ATII and 17x7" Steel Dodge Wheel.

This combo can be seen on my 1969 Sport U15 Build. This Bronco had a 3 1/2" suspension lift.
 
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