Mixing tire sizes

[storm]

Have a ‘57 Single Cab with Bus Boys rear suspension. Because of the spring plate interference with a 185x65x15 inch tire, I went with a 175X70X15 24.6 inch tall on crows foot wheels without wheel spacers. The clearance is 3/8 inch from the spring plate. All is good. My question is about the front axle dropped spindles 2.5 inch. Can I choose a bigger tire say 205X60x15 inch which is 24.7. Same height but wider tire 8.1 inch compared to 175X70X15 of 6.9inch. I know some of the buses used a smaller tire up front and a larger tire out back. I just reversing this. Would this interfere with braking of other factors I am unaware of. If it’s not doable I can use the same smaller all around. Thanks
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always ready to learn and give advice

[mandraks]

the logic with having wider tires in the rear is usually for traction. On a bus this is really not a problem.

now, with having wider tires in the front you run into the possibility that your rear tires (which unload under heavy braking) lock up before the front tires do. You NEVER want that to happen, because at this point your rear tires start overtaking your front tires in a hurry.....

you ALWAYS want your front tires to lock up first.

This is the argument against running wider tires in the front. If you have a brake bias valve you can address that.

i would not do it. if you HAVE to, try emergency braking in a parking lot.....
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regards

Uli

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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel

[storm]

Thanks for the response. Sounds that its not a good idea. I will put the same tires all around.
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always ready to learn and give advice

[NUTSFORBUSES]

I wouldn't even think of this idea. I do have a pair of brand new 205x65 Yoko Avid asend GT If you like. First off. how wide are those Crows? 4.5"? Really not enough for a wider tire. 5" would be ok. Is your rear an IRS? And you say you have welded spindles? 2 1/2 drop? not flipped @ 3.5"?

How much room do you have to the REAR outer lip? b/c you can move the center of the rim. I also have a pair of knock-off smoothies (4.5") that have been modified outboard 5/8".

I think I would "flip" my spindles to 3.5" , not cut and weld to 2.5".
AS far as braking, need details-disc's? dual master? < that's the first thing I would do. A "good" set of front disc's will make all the diff. & a dual master is fine w/o a regulator b/c I tried it w and w/o-I found no diff., but I also have disc's in the rear w IRS. You have to ask "what are you trying to achieve"

[storm]

Was to achieve a softer ride up front. The rear tires have 40 pounds of air. Straight axle. Flip spindles. ‘66 front beam and type 3 brakes in rear. The SCab will look stock, but lower and a 2027 engine / super diff. My first project doing this modification.
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always ready to learn and give advice

[NUTSFORBUSES]

Got it

Buy some oil KONI's, you won't regret it. It may take a couple of tries adjusting them, but the ride improves a lot. A STOCK sway bar is a good idea also.

[widehatch]

[storm]

Wide hatch, thanks for your concern. Have my tires 4 and it seem ok going down the road.
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always ready to learn and give advice

[storm]

Well fellow Vw Samba members, As Wide hatch said a 185 tire can work. He is right. I tried a 185x70x15 tire on my Bus Boys straight axle conversion and it does fit on the rear. 3/16 inch clearance to spring plate. Thanks.
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always ready to learn and give advice