Enjoying my new tires

[TexasTruck72]

Not trying to brag, but just wanted to share some pictures of my new tires on my bump. Thought this would be just another resource for those who are trying to get an idea of what certain size tires would look like on a bump. I spent three years studying other trucks and reading tire sizes on trucks in parking lots everywhere. It's difficult now days because there aren't too many trucks with 15" rims anymore.

When I bought my bump in 2009, I wanted to go immediately to all stock configuration. I put the closest thing(radial tire) to the original bias ply that I could find within reason. I put a set of 215/75/15 Michelin Tires on the original rims. They were much better than the dry rotted tires that had been on the truck for the past 20-something years, but I soon realized I went on the "small" side with my tires. Wanting to get my money's worth out of them, I drove on those Michelins for three years while researching and saving up for another set. I got used to those small, original size tires over time. But, this year I found a local deal on craigslist that was too good to refuse. I bought a set of 4 BF Goodrich 31x10.5x15 All Terrain tires mounted and balanced for $455. They're only a year or two old and have 75%+ tread remaining. I am really glad I bought these tires for several reasons. First, they look really good on my old bump(which use to be a Texas ranch truck). Second, they ride better(not as hard). Third, the traction off road is a whole lot better. I do a lot of landscaping and odd jobs where I'm needing to haul equipment back in the woods and off road. These tires have increased my bump's off road capability dramatically. I drove through a sand pit last week where I've would've certainly gotten stuck before with the old tires. Overall, so far, this is one of the best purchases I've made for my bump. Wish I had made this tire decision three years ago, but I enjoyed my stock size tires(which I still have). I forgot to mention, two years ago I bought a second set of original Ford 15" truck rims, had them sandblasted and repainted. So, I have 2 sets of tires and wheels as of right now. Figure, I'd hold onto the Michelins in case I buy another old truck that needs a decent set of wheels/tires or might consider selling them(they still have lots of life left in them). The 31" tires are as big as I would go without doing a lift(which is something I don't care to do). Any bigger would be too big. These are just right for the size of my truck.

Here's a picture of what my bump looks like now with the 31" tires:









Here's what it looked like with the stock size Michelin 215/75/15 tires I had on it:







Hope this helps anyone who might have tire questions or thoughts.

[basketcase0302]

Jack, I like the tread pattern on those. Let us know how well they do for traction. I've got two different sets of tires for the rear of my DRW-and it's about time to put the "snow tires" on.

[68 Ford Stepside]

Sweet looking truck. What is the width of your rims ? Do the front tires drag if you turn really sharp ?

[jamesrtw]

Those bigger tires look nice! As you may have seen in a previous post I'm trying to fill up the wheel well of my 2 wheel drive truck too with bigger tires. I was looking at P265/70 R15 or P255/70 R15 or 30 x 9.5 - I'm running 15x8 rims though. It looks like you have the 15x5.5 or 15x6 stock rims.

BF Goodrich are nice tires. My dad used to do a lot of off roading (coyote hunting) and he said the BF Goodrich always lasted longer and he had less tire punctures.

[TexasTruck72]

Those bigger tires look nice! As you may have seen in a previous post I'm trying to fill up the wheel well of my 2 wheel drive truck too with bigger tires. I was looking at P265/70 R15 or P255/70 R15 or 30 x 9.5 - I'm running 15x8 rims though. It looks like you have the 15x5.5 or 15x6 stock rims.

BF Goodrich are nice tires. My dad used to do a lot of off roading (coyote hunting) and he said the BF Goodrich always lasted longer and he had less tire punctures.

Thanks! These BF Goodrich tires are pretty thick, especially on the sidewalls. Seem to be much hardier than any other tire. I am running the original 15x6? rims, I believe.

I've only had one or two cases of the front tires rubbing in extremely tight turns. I think it's because the aggressive side wall lugs on these tires. But, it only barely makes contact with the fender skirts/wells. Not a big issue at all. No damage done.