bigger tires on stock wheels?

My '81 F100 came with 215-15 Firestones. They lasted less than 30K miles. I put 275-15 AS car tires on it and have kept that size through the years. Good mileage and car tires are not expensive. Dec 2003 I reshod it for less than $140 at NTW.

Dave S(Texas)

I want to keep the stock wheels, as I can't afford some "macho" mags, shocks, etc. I don't see many varieties of wheels anyway, 'cept the latter Ford factory mags... I think they're 225's (used) on there now - it's dark/cold out (2 a.m. EST)...but these tires sure look like skinny old VW tires... I'm open to ideas, like "get these wheels specifically from a junkyard", and then get some Wranglers, or... sorry to be ignorant - just want to tell the tire guy EXACTLY what size I want, and then be firm when he says it's not safe, etc. geez, I guess cheap and happy are a rare thing... THANKS!! Paul

T> Yes, and No. How much bigger do you want to go from stock?

That's sounding real good! Thanks! Paul

Sorry, I mis-typed the size. Should have typed; 235/75R-15". BTW: in my truck, only the original 215 tire will fit into the spare-tire well in the bed. Found this out the hard way. Picked out the best of the

Dave S(Texas)

I've been carrying my spare w/225 tire in the bed, tied down w/rope...about a year ago I went out there in the rain and fought with the under-bed mount for about 15 minutes! I got filthy, thinking just another case of "dumbest mechanic" (see other posts)... geez, now I have to go find a 215??? I donthinkso... J.C. Whitney had a setup that looked like H-bar, washer, and big nut, to clamp the spare to the side of the bed - but they don't even sell them anymore. It can't be difficult to make one up... the 235 is probably best for ride, mileage, etc. but I'm thinking BIG/FAT is what I want, 'cause I plan on doing some mildly rough driving in the Appalachians...