Hi guys,

I'm considering the purchase of some Alcoa wheels and 235/85-16 tires for my '92. I currently have 265/75-16 tires on Centerline alloys and am wondering if the ride and handling would change for better or worse by going to the narrower/taller sidewall ratio tire. I sure like the looks of the standard 8-hole Alcoas, though. Any feedback is appreciated...

 

worse
trust me
worse

 

12valve,

Worse in what way? I'd appreciate it if you could expand on that...

 

the 2 should be the same height but the sidewall on the 235/85 is probably going to be stiffer.

 

Understood on the tire size being the same. I should have worded it differently.
Perhaps a better question would be "What is the benefit of a 265/75-16 tire on a 16x8 wheel over a 235/85-16 tire on a 16x7?"

 

If you are looking for those 8 bullet hole alcoa's, check out the oem aluminum alloys on the Ford early 90's thru pre super duty srw pickups. They're EXACTLY the same as alcoa sells new! I think the ride with 16X7 alcoas and 265/75 tires is great.

 

alcoa that came on the fords is vary nice looking rim alcoa's are vary expencive rim! thay are allso tuff as nails

 

The narrower tire will not have as much of a likely-hood to hydro-plain on wet surfaces. They (the skinnier tires) will have more of a tendency to cut through the water rather than float on top. Handling, your truck will respond quicker (and turn a smidgen sharper) because there is not as much rubber in contact with the road and you will reduce the "drunk wandering squirrel affect" that comes with running wider tires at higher speeds (narrow tires ride in the grooves of the road, wide tires stay on top of). I hope this helps! It should not affect the ride or performance because the tires are basically the same height, and length of the sidewall is the same distance from the tread to the rim

 

Ira,

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to give them a try.