Tire education...

[Huskerman]

So I have been doing a ton of reading about wheels and tires in a search for something with a little more "bling" so to speak. I found a tire size calculator and it says that my BFG 315/70R/ 17 converts to 34x12. 4x17. If that's accurate, then why do I see people looking for wheels that are 35x8. 5? What am I missing?



Thanks in advance.



Huskerman

 

[BColburn]

I'm guessing they want that old school look, Tall N skinny, like a 235/85/16 A nice set of buzz saws!

 

[Huskerman]

Ok, I think one thing I am confusing is wheel size (35x8. 5) with tire size (35x12. 50). If I understand correctly, a 35x12. 5 tire is meant to fit a 35x8. 5 wheel assuming the diameter is the same IE 17" or 18" etc?



Am I correct?



Huskerman

 

[GWBourne]

a lot of the time people mention wheels as the wheel and tire assembly. a 315-70-17 is 35 inches tall 12. 5 inches wide and mounted on a 17 inch rim. i have yet to see 35 inch rims on a non comercial off road machine.



you want to stay within the tire manufactures rim width sugestion if at all possible. going a little smaller or a little wider affects the performance of the tire.



all i understand is you want better looking rims and tires. do you have any other goals? how do you use your truck? 2 or 4 wheel drive? what and where do you tow if at all?



im all about tire and rim choices, but the problem there are not too many rims that "properly" fit the 3rd gen dodge. i will be going to a 19. 5 inch rim eventually... for less bling (i HATE chrome and will be going black) and for a better towing combination. also better RPM at all ranges.

Grant

 

[LaxCummins]

Wheel size = much smaller than tire size. Otherwise the ride would be a little uncomfortable, no? I'd like to see somebody running 35" wheels - but I digress...



Wheels: 16, 17, 18... 22 and wherever the gangstas take us...



Tires: Either metric (width - aspect ratio - wheel diameter) for example LT 255-85-16 would be a 255mm wide tire with and 85% ratio of sidewall height to width, for a 16inch diameter wheel (rim). Or, specifically, a 33. 1" outside diameter, 10" section width, and a 8. 5" section height. Skinny tires. Good calculators to be found on http://www.4lo.com



Recommended width of rim is based upon tire mfg recommendations combined with the look/performance attributes you're looking for... Such as protecting your rims against rocks, etc when you're 4 wheeling - you'd want narrower rims so that the tire bulges beyond the rim width.



For something with more "bling", get some 20's or 22's and some nice low profile matching tires...

 

[Huskerman]

Ok, looks like I fat-fingered something here. I know that there aren't wheels/rims that are 35x8. 5. I don't know what the heck I was thinking when I typed that!!!!



What I MEANT to say is 20x8. 5 or 18x8. 5. I am just not used to the non P-metric tire sizing. All the vehicles I have have had in the past used the P-Metric tires size so when I see 35x12. 5x17, I have a hard time getting my brain around it.



Thanks for the replies so far!!!



Huskerman

 

[Huskerman]

Thanks for the help to those that responded, much appreciated.



After doing a ton of research I came to the following conclusions.



1) I don't like the "street" look as much as I thought I would.

2) The difference in tire price between 20"s and 18"s was unbelievable!!!

3) I don't have a lift, only a leveler and I don't want a lift at this point as my truck fits in the garage.



In the end, I think I will be sticking with my H2 wheels although I might go with a 325 next time out instead of a 315.



Huskerman