Rims/Wheels/Tires

[wisconsinjim]

Hello,
I have acquired a 1971 Gladiator on a Ford Econoline Chassis, it was last licensed in 1996 and has been in the same spot since parked. I am going to put new tires on the RV but I would like some info on the size, right now it has 9.50-16.5 tires and I do not like 16.5 is there another rim tire combination that I could use? 16" are to big for the front but will work on the rear.
thanks

[38Chevy454]

Why is 16 inch too big for the front? A 225/75R16 should be able to fit. Or you can go taller with 235/85R16, or wider (and slightly taller) with 245/75R16.

Make sure that your new 16 inch wheels if you do that, not only fit the lug pattern but also fit over the hub diameter. Swapping form 16.5 which are nearly obsolete, to 16 inch is a very common change on older trucks with 16.5 wheels.

[wisconsinjim]

I never did like 16.5 as they had a tendency to slip the bead if pressure got to low, I put 16" on the rear and they went on just fine with plenty of clearance. The front was a different story as the tire is two big and rubs the fender in a straight ahead position. Could the tire profile be to tall and would have to down size a bit.