I'm tired of not having a good selection of tires because they are 16.5, so I want to switch.

I'm guessing the most popular size is 15" or 16" but I'm not sure. I'd be looking at junk yard pulls so I just need something to fit, nothing fancy. Even steel aftermarket would be fine.

It's a 1973 F250 4X4 with the low pinion closed front, drum brakes.

I'm guessing a number of you have long since switch to something and I don't need 20+" fancy rims, just plain steel is fine. My 35" tires are falling apart after 20 years and I'd like a good selection of tires because I usually buy them used. Only put on 1K miles over some 15 years, so I don't need a new set when used will do fine.

What years will interchange back to 73 and is there something special I need to watch out for?

 

The issue is your F250 is a 3/4 ton- 8 lug (8 on 6 1/2) wheel pattern and most all OEM 15" rims will NOT have that pattern. Any Ford truck F250 3/4 ton rim, up to a 1998 will have the 8 on 6 1/2 pattern and probably be a 16's. Ford went to a 8 on 177 metric pattern in 1999. So your tire choices will increase. Even E250 VANS up into the 90's will work. Not sure of their cut off date from standard to metric on the van. I am sure someone will chime in and tell us.

 

You will have to go to a 16” or bigger to fit around the brakes. I went to a 17” on mine. Lots of tire choices

 

I changed my 16.5'' rims to 16'' rims, and they clear the 1 ton floating calipers with ease.

I would probably consider going to 17'' if I were to have to change rims again.

If I recall correctly, you have to make sure that the replacement rims are lug-centric, and not hub-centric.

Rims come with differing backing spacing, so I think that too has to be considered.

 

OP had drum brakes front and rear so clearing a disc brake caliper on the front is a non issue.

X2 on lug-centric, and not hub-centric matters.

 

Duh ! I see that now.

 

I am not the sharpest knife in the draw, but I do have a point. Lol

 

LOL

 

I went with 17s on my F350 because 16s rubbed the calipers hard. Most people go with 16s on their F250s, I've noticed.

 

Were the 16's aluminum or steel ? I went with 16" steel on my '79 because I knew they would just clear the calipers. I just didn't know for sure if an aluminum wheel would work without grinding which I didn't want to do.

 

They were aluminum rims. Yeah, I don't think grinding is a good idea.

 

lots of options for wheels and tires in 16" . and they look right.