Quick tire and rim question

[Dano4163]

I'm in the process of restoring and doing a little custom work on a 1969 GMC C1500 1/2 ton 2wd. I ran across a good deal on a set of 15" fanjet style aluminum rims. Stock rims on this truck are I believe either 6" or 7" wide. The rims I'm looking at are 9 1/4" wide from outside to outside. What I'm asking is can I use these rims with a set of P235 75R 15s, will it clear everything and not rub when I cut the wheels? I am also converting it to disc brakes and I want to keep the suspension stock. I can't put them on and try them because I still have the front-end out of the truck and I don't have the tires yet. Thanks in advance for any input.

[Mike C]

Outside to outside measurements suggest an 8" rim. The 235 75 15 is probably about the narrowest tire you could run on the 8 but would likely work. You will have best luck if the wheel is near zero offset (4.5" back spacing from outside edge of the inside of the wheel to the wheel mounting surface) but because of the small diameter of the rim might not clear steering tie rod end.

Personally, I think 17's are the correct answer because you have so many more wheel and tire options to choose from and regardless of the deal limit you. But that opens a whole 'nother can 'o worms.

On my '69 I converted to 5 lug and discs. I used ECE 67-70 conversion kit. In the rear I swapped in wider 5 lug axle from 72. Front tires are 235 55 17 on 17x8 4.5" backspace and rear is 275 55 17 on 17x9 with 5" backspacce.

My truck a stepside, so the offset, axle width, etc important because of the minimal wheel well space on step truck.