Posted by RDavis on Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 08:11:50:
In Reply to: Large diameter tires...is this the best way to go? posted by Roy Sanders on Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 07:03:49:
I would assume going to taller tires is an alternative to replacing two sets of low 5:83 gears for reducing engine rpms at higher speeds.It would seem to be a burden on the 251 flathead to run both 4:89 gearing and taller tires together and more so with the 230 flathead.A 318-360 V-8 conversion would be in order to run both taller tires and 4:89 gears but then never forget that the leverage and stress transfered to the drivetrain have multiplied as the tire diameter increases.I would recommend 36'-38' tires as these old PWs have good ground clearance as is with stock 36' tires.The lightest wheel and tire you can use will help relieve some stress on the axle shafts but the weakest link in the drivetrain (be it the shaft,u-joint,ring-gear,ect.)is at risk of failure in extreme driving situations where taller tires are used(39'-up)
Some people have the ability to drive anything setup anyway and never cause or have anything to break,but as I've always believed "don't tempt fate" stay within a safe operating range when modifing.
It would seem that the gear change would be the cheaper way to go,the gears last much longer than tires!