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33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:26 pm
by Baz
Hello all,

Per the title I want to fit 33"s to the front of my 69 d200. I'll be replacing the stock split trims. My question is do any of you have experience of how 33" tires fit and what wheels were used to get them to fit without issue? 8 lug options that have 3.75" or less of backspace yet are still wide enough for 33×12.5 seem limited. The rear will get matching wheels/tires. I also looked into options for lifting the truck but all I can find are kits for the w series, or earlier d200 years. Any help is appreciated, this is the last major hurdle before I can hit the road.

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:37 pm
by BigBlockTrucks
I have 33/12.50/16.5 tires on my late 65 w200 on old school Firestone wagon wheels. Nothing rubs.
The older trucks sat higher than the later ones. I would think you could use front springs from a w series to lift the front of yours and blocks in the rear.
Do not use blocks on the front axle!!

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:47 pm
by PwrWgnDrvr
BigBlockTrucks wrote:
Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:37 pm
.... I would think you could use front springs from a w series to lift the front of yours.....
And then you'll have to deal with ugly bump steer.

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 7:56 pm
by BigBlockTrucks
PwrWgnDrvr wrote:
Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:47 pm
BigBlockTrucks wrote:
Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:37 pm
.... I would think you could use front springs from a w series to lift the front of yours.....
And then you'll have to deal with ugly bump steer.
Well there is also no good reason to put 33s on the front of a 2 wheel drive truck in my opinion.
It always opens a can of worms when you start changing the geometry of any front end.

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 10:00 pm
by Baz
BigBlockTrucks wrote:
Sun Jan 14, 2024 7:56 pm
PwrWgnDrvr wrote:
Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:47 pm
BigBlockTrucks wrote:
Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:37 pm
.... I would think you could use front springs from a w series to lift the front of yours.....
And then you'll have to deal with ugly bump steer.
Well there is also no good reason to put 33s on the front of a 2 wheel drive truck in my opinion.
It always opens a can of worms when you start changing the geometry of any front end.
Why bother with old trucks when more fuel efficient and capable modern versions exist? Come to think of it, no good reason for anything in life.

So much breaks down when we start analyzing the "why" instead of just letting each other enjoy our journeys.

I'd like 33s on mine. Any other info out there in making it work?

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2024 9:46 pm
by nutz
if 33s are a must ...would fill the wheel wells nice
maybe a body lift ....its the easiest without messing steering geometry
or a set of 300/400 front fenders

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2024 6:17 am
by soopernaut
Back in the day a member, Trey (wideblock66 ?), seemed to indicate that 31x10.5 were the largest you could run in the front on a D100/200 with stock suspension and no rubbing. He also indicated wheel size and backspace.

There was a member, Jonte, that lifted a D200.

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:12 am
by PwrWgnDrvr
soopernaut wrote:
Tue Jan 16, 2024 6:17 am
Back in the day a member, Trey (wideblock66 ?)....
Trey's handle is Wideblock - no "66". He was an original member and forum moderator, left the forum in a dispute over "sheep boy".

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:40 am
by Baz
soopernaut wrote:
Tue Jan 16, 2024 6:17 am
Back in the day a member, Trey (wideblock66 ?), seemed to indicate that 31x10.5 were the largest you could run in the front on a D100/200 with stock suspension and no rubbing. He also indicated wheel size and backspace.

There was a member, Jonte, that lifted a D200.
I've seen Jonte's post in my searches, I recall his was a 68. Were there any differences in the suspension between the 68 and 69 d200?

Re: 33" front tires on a 69 D200

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:41 pm
by 712edf
I can't say on D series, but a 68 & earlier W series sits taller than 69.

Bucky