Rim sizing for deflation

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

My current tires on my project are losing air. As 2 of them I have to fill everyday practically to keep the Willys not looking abandoned, and the cops off my back.

Right now I think I have decided on 16 in smoothie rims, and 295/75r16 Cooper AT's. They go on a 7.5 to 9.5 inch rim width. They measure 33.5" on a 8" wide rim.

The height is great, as is the width, and there AT's. Which for my in my intended look, and function should work great.

As for airing them down. Is there a big advantage to go to 7 inch wide rims? Or will 8 inch suffice for airing down?

The Willys should weigh around 4200 pounds with me in it, and some gear. Factory they weighed 3200, but I have a different running gear + frame.

I am hoping to be lighter then 4200 ready to rock, but I will have to see.

[b454rat]

Being 16s have a safety bead, I'd think either would be OK. I don't think one size or another is gonna effect tread width, or keeping from popping a bead. IMO, that width tire would look good on an 8" rim.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Thanks,

This is my first attempt at building a 4x4, and I want to maximize as much as possible.

Any other tire advice I should look at while I move forward.

[b454rat]

If those tires will work for the wheeling you plan on doing, then should work fine!! Long as ain't mud, then might not be a great choice lol. ATs tend to suck in mud. If general off roading with little to no mud, crawling or snow they should be good to go.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I live in Southern california. Where everything is just a dirt road or a sand road.

Mud would be if I go to Northern california, and definitely over the Rubicon. But that would be a different set of tires for sure.

[special-K]

A/Ts aren't so good on rock either. I can't own a 4wd that doesn't have tires that enhance it's off road ability some. Like most people I drive mostly on pavement, want tires to last, and perform well on pavement. I run mild side of mud to wild side of a/t. On my '72 I have Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. They are smooth and quiet while being not so wimpy off road or in snow.

[cadillac_al]

When I tried to run 12.50 tires on 7 inch rims I couldn't get the tread to lay flat on the ground. I can't remember the tire pressures now but I think approaching 25 psi made the tires want to ride on the center of the tread. I think 8" is the minimum safe width for 12.50 tires.

[cadillac_al]

Originally Posted by b454rat

If those tires will work for the wheeling you plan on doing, then should work fine!! Long as ain't mud, then might not be a great choice lol. ATs tend to suck in mud. If general off roading with little to no mud, crawling or snow they should be good to go.

I won a stack of mud bogging trophies with my BFG All Terrains. I used to rub it in the faces of the guys trailering their trucks and running on Boggers.