Wheel size and another question

[4lowNgo]

I found a guy selling "6-lug 16" Black Rock Crawler Rims" and was curious how to know if these will fit my stock 86 cruiser? I've read things about "offset", and don't know what that means. My current tire size is 235/75/15. Is that last number the one I need to be concerned about??

Also, I was out of town and the wife called to tell me that she was driving the LC and said "suddenly the belts started squealing, only when the truck was in gear". She coasted home as much as possible. Not many more details at this time, but I wonder what is siezing up? Gotta get it ready for a trek to Reno for Thanksgiving, so any immediate insight is appreciated so I can get the parts from C-Dan.

Thank you!!

Derek

 

[Doc]

Squeal- I bet ( from reading other posts here) your smog pump took a dump. Expensive to fix. Sorry!

16" rockcrawler rims will not fit your 15" tires. Here's how the numbers work.. (example 285/75-16)

The last number (ex- 16) is the diameter of the wheel you'll be using with this tire. 285 is the diameter of the tire.. and 75 is the percentage of the height that the tire is wide... I think... my explanation is fuzzy. Tirerack.com will teach you all you need to know.

Offset is the most fuzzy of the bunch generally I think the consensus is that our trucks need about a 3.5" back spacing to fit right. Back spacing explanation can also be found on the tirerack website.

 

[stinkyfj60]

On the rims you are most concerned about backspacing. Lay the rim down so the back side if facing up. Lay a straight edge across the rim and measure from the mounting surface to the straight edge. This is a good way to measure back spacing and you should end up with 3.5 or less to easily fit. Some rims at 3.75 will still fit. The best way to make sure is just to test fit one on the front end because sometimes the shell of the rim is shapped wrong and that can cause issues with your calipers.

If the rims are a good enough price you can always buy spacers/adapters to get them to fit. I think Marlin, All-Pro Off Road and others have those.

 

[stinkyfj60]

I didnt notice you want to run your current tires, no go on the 16s like Doc said.

 

[4lowNgo]

Thanks for the info.

On the squealing...I replaced my smog pump with a new NAPA one last year. FIgures, it probably just fell out of warranty. Not too many $$, though..IIRC it was under $100 for the part. Hence, it dies on me.


On the wheels, he's asking $200 for all four, and says they're in great shape (there are pix). But, I guess I'd have to upgrade my tires then. Would there be any other upgrades needed (ie; shocks?). These are noob questions, I know, so thanks for the schooling.

 

[Doc]

with 16" wheels you get the opportunity to run Firestone Destination M/T tires. That alone is worth the upgrade...

no shocks required.