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looking for 16" 5 on 5 rims

2K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  threeimpalas 
#1 ·
Really I'm trying to get snow tires. The options in 15" have pretty much dried up. But many good snow tires are still made in 16". I was looking at a reference book at the tire store and it listed a 16" 5 on 5 rim as an OEM option on '88 to '98 GM 1500 series trucks. So that's what I'm looking for. However, none of the junk yards around me have any and most claim there's no such thing. Any help appreciated.
 
#4 ·
There are plenty of winter tires still available in 15" sizes that work for the B-Body...

215-70-15 (equivalent to SS diameter):
@Discount Tire
  • KUMHO I ZEN KW11
  • KUMHO I ZEN KW19
  • COOPER WEATHER MASTER ST2 STUDDABLE
  • GENERAL ALTIMAX ARCTIC STUDDABLE
  • GENERAL ALTIMAX ARCTIC 12
  • FALKEN EUROWINTER HS449
  • GT RADIAL CHAMPIRO ICEPRO SUV STUDDABLE
  • NOKIAN TIRE NORDMAN 5 SUV
  • HANKOOK WINTER I CEPT IZ2 W616
  • GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP WINTER STUDDABLE

@Tire Rack:
  • BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS80
  • MICHELIN X-ICE XI3
  • FIRESTONE WINTERFORCE 2
  • GENERAL ALTIMAX ARCTIC 12
  • TIGER PAW ICE & SNOW 3


215/75-15
@Discount Tire:
  • HANKOOK WINTER I PIKE RS W419 STUDDABLE

@Tire Rack:
  • FIRESTONE WINTERFORCE 2 UV


225/70-15:
@Discount Tire:
  • KUMHO I ZEN KW11
  • COOPER WEATHER MASTER ST2 STUDDABLE
  • GENERAL ALTIMAX ARCTIC STUDDABLE
  • DUNLOP GRANDTREK SJ6

@Tire Rack:
  • YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR I/T G072


225/75-15:
@Discount Tire:
  • KUMHO I ZEN KW11
  • COOPER WEATHER MASTER ST2 STUDDABLE
  • HANKOOK WINTER I PIKE W409 STUDDABLE
  • YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR I/T G072

@Tire Rack:
  • FIRESTONE WINTERFORCE 2 UV
 
#7 ·
I'm not sure if you're talking about wheels or tires being available. Here is a wheel chart that may help you out. And too FYI Chevrolet truck rally wheels are available in 15 inch from Jeg's & Summit. 15x7, 15x8 & 15x10. All have a 4 inch back space. https://www.roadkillcustoms.com/wheel-bolt-pattern-cross-reference/

Mark: Snowman-33
 
#8 ·
Really I'm trying to get snow tires. The options in 15" have pretty much dried up.

If you already have 15" winter rims expand your search. 235 is a truck/suv size and you will find a different selection than the car tires. The bonus is a stiffer sidewall that improves handling. Forum members say this was stock size on some wagons. There are many tire size calculators on line that will compare speed and tire dimensions.


I find much more selection in 215 and 235. Your tire shop should know this.
 
#9 ·
Yeah, I read that and just did a brain dump. My car came with 235/70 R 15s. That size may be a little closer to a 215/75 and not make a real difference in the speedometer. As you said there are sites with the calculator to find the speed difference.

Mark: Snowman-33
 
#10 ·
Really I'm trying to get snow tires. The options in 15" have pretty much dried up. But many good snow tires are still made in 16".
I was looking at a reference book at the tire store and it listed a 16" 5 on 5 rim as an OEM option on '88 to '98 GM 1500 series trucks. So that's what I'm looking for. However, none of the junk yards around me have any and most claim there's no such thing. Any help appreciated.
The 2000 Tahoe Limited (GMT420) came with 16" wheels. Tough to find those wheels these days.

I've made the heretical decision to use 235/75R15 tires, OEM on Cadillac Fleetwood V4U limos, GMT400 Chevy C/K & GMC Sierra light duty pickup trucks, Tahoes, Yukons, Suburbans, and countless 1971-1995 Chevy & GMC vans.
Of all the tire sizes that ever came on B- & D- bodies, only 235/75R15 has a decent selection of tires left (maybe because of all the other vehicles that used them).
BridgeStone Blizzak DMV2 is a damn good snow tire, but it's only available in 235/75R15.
 
#11 ·
Keep in mind that for a WINTER tire, you want a NARROWER section width. A 215 would be a better choice than a 235.

The narrower width will help the tire cut through the snow and get down to the pavement, whereas a wider width will tend to ride more on top of the snow. Think pizza cutter vs. rolling pin. This is especially so in states around the Great Lakes, upper Midwest, and western mountains.
 
#12 ·
Keep in mind that for a WINTER tire, you want a NARROWER section width. A 215 would be a better choice than a 235.

The narrower width will help the tire cut through the snow and get down to the pavement, whereas a wider width will tend to ride more on top of the snow. Think pizza cutter vs. rolling pin. This is especially so in states around the Great Lakes, upper Midwest, and western mountains.
Then a 205/75R15 would be an even better choice [for deep snow] than a 215, yes?

205/75R15 WAS [originally] an OEM option for '91 Caprice sedans with the 4.3L LB4 V6 or the 5.0L L03 V8.
FireStone WinterForce 2 (studdable, if you're into that). $79

215/75R15 quickly replaced 205/75R15 in '91.
FireStone WinterForce 2 UV (studdable). $96

225/70R15 eventually replaced 215/75R15 in '94 (and substituted when 235/70R15 was not available on 9C1s).
Yokohama GeoLandar I/T G072. $104

225/75R15 was for wagons that LACKED V92.
FireStone WinterForce 2 UV (studdable). $99

235/70R15 was the OEM upgrade option for all cars equipped with V92.
Yokohama GeoLandar I/T G072. $101

235/75R15 (not a misprint) was OEM for Cadillac Fleetwood limos (V4U), nevermind light duty vans, and '1500' pickup trucks and SUVs from 1971-2000.
BridgeStone Blizzak DMV2 costs a bit more, known to squirm a bit at highway speeds, may not be the best in really deep snow. $138
Michelin Latitude X-ICE XI2 costs a bit more, and is probably not worth it. $141
FireStone WinterForce 2 UV (studdable). $107
 
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