stock tires 71 f100 4x4

[greenweenie]

My 1971 f-100 4x4 shortbed has aftermarket 10x15 wheels w/31x10.5-15 tires. I got this truck in high school almost 20 years ago. Back then, turning it in a parking lot or in tight quarters wasn't a big deal with the armstrong steering. I'm tired of it! I see the procedure for addition of power steering, but I'm sort of a purist. I want it to be stock. I remember when I got it, the old man who gave it to me sent an extra set of 16" pizza cutters (narrow and bias) wheels and tires. He said that was what the truck came with and he ordered it that way for fuel mileage/ ride comfort?? Anyway, those rims and tires are long long gone. what would be stock appropriate wheel/tire combo for my old pickup? Surely they would be narrower and much easier to turn. Also, would it have had hub caps? if so, which ones would be appropriate for 4x4s? Thanks in advance, love the site!

[cep62]

Welcome to the site
stock was something like a g or h 78 15 , which is around a 225/75 /15 pretty small.
I wouldn't go any smaller than a 235/75/15 those have a old timey look but still have some height and load capacity.
Hub caps were an option most I've seen use a 68 ish dog dish (steel or stainless) and cut the center out.

Figure 4 in the hubcap guide.
(look under technical on the home page) .

[greenweenie]

Thanks for the reply cep62. Anyone have an opinion or any further knowledge of the 16" narrow rims. The guy was an engineer, so I believe he knew what he was doing when he ordered the truck with 16" wheels.

[1972hiboy]

Im not aware of any 16' wheel for a half ton. only real advantage is tire size availability for higher load ratings. Maybe they were custom made? Or maybe there was an option but for the most part ive only seen 15s for half tons and 16s for 3/4 tons