Tires!!!!! Need some opinions

[jimschulz]

Ok, I know this subject gets alot of milage on here, but I would like some pros/cons of different tire sizes. I have a 69, 2.5" SL, 1" BL, Rims are 15x8 MT Sidbiters with 3 5/8" backspace. I know I am going with 33's, but am agonizing about wether to go with 10.5 or 12.5 width. My rears are cut and I have no problems cutting the front if needed, but I want to avoid rubbing on the radius arms and losing too much turning radius. If someone has 33x12.5's with the same suspension config, please chime in and let me know what, if any, problems you had with the 12.5 width. I like the stance the 12.5's give over the 10.5's. Thanks in advance!

 

[Glass Pony]

I have sort of the same set up with the exception I have a 2" bl and 3-5/16 bs on the wheels. With the 12.5's they do rub the radius arms but I like the tires a little wider as I run on beach sand and need the flotation.
It's against my religion but a lot of people use wheel spacers which may help you get away from the radius arms a little.

 

[bronconut73]

Just adjust your steering stops if the 12.50" tires rub.
I run 33x12.5" tires and they only rub under the worst circumstances. Very easy to live with.
I am running 2.5" sl and 1" bl.
On the front fender you may need to trim of bend a few pieces of sheet metal. Nothing that could be seen or noticed. All this is inside the fender.
I say go with the 12.50's the 10.50" are ok but better suited to the lifted and uncut crowd (lubers).

 

[bronconut73]

Check out the WH youtube channel. There old blue eb "Gramps" gets this inner fender surgery. They show exactly where to cut.

 

[pa69broncoguy]

tire info

heres what mine is
33x12.50x15 boggers
3-1/2" suspension
10" wheels with 4" backspacing
1" body lift
stock 77 disc brake knuckles
my fender wells are trimmed but im not sure they would have to be , my flares just wouldnt look right if they werent

the dust boots for my tie rod ends do rub the inside of my wheels so a little less backspacing or bigger wheels would cure this

 

[broncnaz]

The 12.50's will rub with that wheel and backspacing.I run a 2.5in lift with 15x8's and Im pretty sure 3 5/8 backspace although it may be 3 3/4. Its been awhile. But go with what you like. I personally like the 10.50s much better no rubbing with them on the same wheels. I also prefer the look of the 10.50's on a bronco. Especailly with 8in rims. 12.50's on 8in rims look more balloned than they should.

 

[jimschulz]

Thank you guys for your input. After researching some more and looking at the type of 4-wheeling I do, which is mostly trail running with mud or shallow to medium depth snow, the 10.5's will probably perform better. I dont really have a requirement for flotation so the 12.5's would just be added cost, and possibly require sheet metal mods. Function won over form for me on this one. Costco just started carrying BFG KM2's here, so I went with the 33x10.5s.