33X12.5 with no power steering (1 Viewer)

[Curtice]

I can get a smokin deal on some new tires of this size (which I want). I have to act soon though. I don't have power steering. I have read some comments that it's not a good idea to put these tires on without ps. But I have read other comments that say not that big of a deal.

Any thoughts - is anyone currently running these tires without ps?

 

[Poser]

Sure, I have them on a 1972.

Get them and run them.

Then, go to the FAQ and read about power steering conversions.

 

[Curtice]

Thanks. And I have been reading up, but I'm a newby mechanic, so taking baby steps . It is something I plan to do though.

 

[bkfj40]

as Poser mentioned, you'll be fine....they put a big steering wheel on the cruisers for a reason

power steering conversion is a great way to take the plunge...

 

[CruisinMT]

You'll look like PopEye in no time.

 

[Pighead]

It's not that big of a deal. I ran that size M/T on my Pig for years with manual steering. I think it makes you a better driver. And I never broke a birf...

 

[Curtice]

Hijacking my own thread

Can anyone eyeball and tell from this pic if I have a lift currently? It is parked on a incline, so it makes the back look a bit saggier than it is (I think, although the back does sag somewhat at level). I didn't think it had a lift, but shocks are Rancho so I wondered - I have no idea on the springs. Current tires are 31X10.5. I plan on putting on a lift, as suspension overall seems to be in bad shape, and I want to fit the 33's.

I guess my main question is I want to make sure if I get these, that they will fit ok on my current suspension until I can get the lift installed. I just don't know. From what I read, most people seem to think that 33's on stock won't work out very well.

Thanks again.

 

[landcrusher909]

It's not that big of a deal. I ran that size M/T on my Pig for years with manual steering. I think it makes you a better driver. And I never broke a birf...

X2 Run'em

 

[cjgoode]

You would only need power steering if you try and turn the wheel while stopped. If you are rolling they should turn fine, will not be much different at all the the ones you have now. To bad you are on the opposite side of the country as you old tires is what I want.

 

[fjjonnie]

X3, you'll be fine. It gets a little hard to steer when aired down to 8 psi, but you'll get used to it.

 

[Curtice]

To bad you are on the opposite side of the country as you old tires is what I want.

Same here. These tires have less than 100 miles on them (part of the reason I am selling is because I can still get some decent cash for this - I know i'll want to go bigger eventually).

 

[Trollhole]

I ran them for a couple years. On the road no issues. Off road it was a task wheeling for 6 hrs.

I think you will be fine.

 

[singletrackjunkie]

You'll be fine without the power steering but you will rub if you do any wheeling before you get a lift

 

[Brian in Oregon]

I have 33x1250x15s on my 71 FJ40.

If you have uncut wheel wells. you'll likely need 4"lift springs plus longer shackles. I have 2.5" lift springs and 3" shackles (1.5" lift at the axle) and they're inadequate for max articulation or running chains. At some point I'm going to add more lift.

I have no problem with manual steering under most circumstances. However, slowly backing up a short tongued trailer can be a royal pain in the ass. While you can turn the wheel, the problem is you can't turn it fast enough to steer the trailer.

Frankly, I'd rather have 950 or 1050 tires instead of 1250. But that's what's on there and they're in great condition, so they won't be replaced in the foreseeable future.

 

[Fast Eddy]

You need some wheels with less offset or spacers, or they'll hit on the drag link end, at least.

 

[Curtice]

Thanks guys.

So if I measured right, I have 9.5"rim width, with 3.5" backspacing. Do those measurements sound right?
On the current front tires, at full turn, there is still 4-5 inches of space between the tire and the springs. So I don't think there is a concern there.

I just want to make sure I will be able to drive with these new tires without any major problems, until I can get the lift installed. Won't plan any wheeling.

I also don't necessarily mind cutting rear fender if I need to, just don't want to do it unnecessarily. If I get a 4" lift on there, and still seems like I need to, I will do it.

 

[DSRTRDR]

when I got my truck, it had the 33x12.5s BFG MTRs on them (14 years old at the time )

I managed Poison Spider without problems as a total newbie with manual steering in the rain, sleet and snow

 

[coolcruiserfj40]

ive got 33x 13.5 r15s no lift no ps you should be fine

 

[Curtice]

ive got 33x 13.5 r15s no lift no ps you should be fine

Are your rear fenders cut? And what backspacing? If you don't mind me asking.