Hello all, I bought some 18 inch wheels some time ago for my 1968 chevy pickup not knowing there were some limitations on tires for that size.
Currently I have 255/55-18 front and 285/50-18 rear, they are mismatched Nitto tires (different style front and rear). I am looking to match the style front and rear but not necessarily the size.
I have found Toyo Proxes ST in size 295/45 18 rear and 255/50-18 front and some Nitto NT404 285/50-18 that I can probably squeeze both front and rear.
I used to have 275/60R15 front and rear.

I know the 18s may be a bit unique when looking for something in this size range anybody have any additional thoughts on either these options or maybe a different tire? I need or want something that will hook good of course I dont drive the truck all the time but am planning on the power tour again this year so I will be in the rain some I am sure and want it safe.

 

AS I continue to look I have found a nitto NT555 in a 265/50 18 I will loose some width but maybe not much and can put those on all 4 corners so I can rotate them if necessary. This may be another option.

 

What are your rim widths front and rear? I presume you want to stick with an ~29" tall tire? I am currently running 255/55 up front on 8" wide wheels and 305/45 on 9.5" wide wheels out back and they are within .2" of each other in diameter. However, the tires are mismatched brands which you are trying to get away from.

 

Thanks, my wheels are the same front and rear. I bought them used and they are either 9 or 9 1/2 inches wide. I looked last night for some sizes on them and only found the dates and part numbers.
I chose that size tire because it seemed to look right. I am not a big fan of the low low profile tires. I like some rubber around the edges but I can go some shorter and still "look" ok.
I had seen those sizes too, sounds like the 305 fits on your wheels ok so I assume they would on mine also.
I was just trying to stay away from the different tire brands but that has not been ruled out.
I see you are running the Nitto 555R on the back how do you like them? do you drive this daily some with them or is it mainly for the track?
Thanks
Dave

 

i cant speak for the 555Rs but i have a set of 420s and i love them. huge improvement over the goodyear eagles i had before and they have been real good in both rain and light snow. i cant help you with sizes because im running mine on stock ss 20s. if you look on tire rack they can show you every option you can get.

 

Based on your response, I would do a 285/50 all the way around. However, a quick search showed a surprising few options in that size. Back when I ran a 285/50 there were quite a few tires in that size (I used a Yokohama AVS/ST). So it looks like a 295/45 will give you more choices but be about .5" shorter. As far as I know the only 305/45 are drag radials. I am running the NT05R now for my weekend warrior street tires. They are useless at the track and would be horrible for daily driving as they are super soft and are dangerous in the rain. As far as drag radials go, the 555R were much better for a daily. If you go with the 295/45, lots of guys love the Hankook RH06 although I have no experience with them. I did run the 555 in that size and they were an excellent performance tire for a daily (I drove my truck daily back then). They do get a bit hard towards the end of their treadlife though.

EDIT: Looks like the site sponsor simpletire has some old stock of the discontinued Nitto NT404 in 285/50. I would scoop those up as the 404 was a very good all around tire. I had a set in 275/60/18 back when the truck was stock height.

 

Thanks guys, that is what I found that it seems somewhat limited on what can be found in this size range. I am not sure I should or could stuff 295 tires on all four corners but that .5 inch in height would not bother me. I don't know that it would hurt but that is a wide tire for the front. I will do some more looking like I said I believe I can get the Toyo in the size I want but I was just looking for options and opinions. I too have heard good things about the RH06 tires but they are really limited on sizes.
Do you think the 295 will fit either a 9 or 9.5 inch wide tire ok?

 

At one point I had 295/45 on 9.5" wheels on all four corners, although different setups.

 

ok, I have ordered my Toyo Proxes ST2. They seemed to be the only ones with the sizes I was looking for. I think they will serve me good, I have heard nothing but good about them Just hated to turn loose of all that money...
Thanks for your input guys.