Need new rims and tires

Wow, I have read across this site about all the rim and tire sizes that you have put on your Mavericks and Comets. There doesn't seem to be much of a consensus on what is best, so let me get your input from your experience. I have a 71 Comet GT. It is stock suspension with front disc brakes and rear drums. I am currently running 15" Magnum 500's, 7" rims. I have the BF Goodrich Radial T/A's and want to stay with those tires. I am fine with the front rims and tires, but that size looks pretty wimpy on the rear and want to buy new Magnum 500 rims and T/A tires. Yet, I don't want to look redneck or have any rubs. I sure don't want to have to mess with the stock fender well. You can see the picture of my Comet and it is perfect, so I won't or adjust any sheet metal. I have standard gas shocks on the rear, but may go with a lite air shock to lift the rear just a few inches. I am debating whether I go with a 15" X 8" or 15" X 10". Will I have enough clearance? Or, do I look at a 17" wheel? Then again, I don't want that 'jacked up' look on the car. I appreciate the factory look but am willing to flex just a little. I appreciate what you may think, but need to hear from you who've got actual experience on this. I don't want to buy new rims and tires, then have them rubbing or bumping. Thanks.

 

All four rims are the 15x7 rims with 225/60-15's on them. I am told that is the maximum sized tire I want to put on a 7" rim. That is why I was thinking of an 8" rim. I can then put a 255 or 245 on them.

 

Thanks. I've never seen that chart. I wonder what would be better with the 7" rim... 245/60-15 or the 235/70-15? Isn't the 235/70-15 a touch taller but not as wide?

 

Just for reference this is a 255/60-15 on a 15x8 wheel.
Car is on the ground, jack is just under the car while I was test fitting.


I believe this is a 225/70-14, he changes tires more than most people change their socks.

 

I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder... but I like the larger tire a very much. Is there any problem with it rubbing?

 

It will depend on the condition of the springs on your car.
The same wheel & tire actually fit better on my car.

 

From the pictures I see, I am leaning toward buying a new set of 15x8 rear rims and 255/60-15 Radial T/A's. However, I have not thought about the condition of my springs. How do I know that I have good springs? I will research this site, but all input is greatly appreciated on both rims/tires and on springs. Thanks.

 

Ron.....do NOT put air shocks on that gorgeous car!! Air shocks can and will rip (yes I said RIP) a hole into the sheet metal of your car. The upper shock area of a Maverick was never designed to hold the weight of the car, and that is exactly what air shocks do...they hold up the weight of the car.

Slightly wider wheel....or at least a wider tire....is your best bet.

If you want a slight lift, new rear leaf springs will do that.

 

Thanks, Craig. I do not see myself doing that, either. I guess I was talking with my mouth open and mind not in gear. I remember by brand new Comet GT (Bearcat) in Feb 1972. As all of us did back then, we put on Hijacker air shocks and ran super wide ties. I also remember having issues, especially when the weld on the top rear shock mount started to crack. You're super right, not on this one! I think I will stick with the 15x7 rims and put some 235/70-15's on. They will be a little taller and wider. I don't see the cost of the 15x8's and size difference all that much. Thanks!

 

Follow this link and you’ll be able to input different tire sizes and compare them to what you currently have.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc