Tire sidewall height and flex.....

LOGANSTANFORTH

LOGANSTANFORTH

WORKIN' MAN'S DOLLAR
Joined
Nov 23, 2007
Messages
3,553
lets say we are using the same tire but with different rim diameters, all rims are the same width at 10 inches, lets say a 35x12.50x15, 16, 17, 18, and 20, all those are pretty common sizes......here are a couple questions i got....

what affect does it have in causing a bounce?

what affect does it have in causing parts breakage?

what affect does it have on traction?

what is your personal preference?

what compelled you to run that rim size? (not financial reasons, technical reasons)

have you tried the same tire in different rim sizes?

and if so, what was the outcome? better? worse?



this is just an open discussion......
 
Have also often wondered, the same. Especially the shorter sidewalls on say a 20" setup. Not a big difference, but I know my 33x12.50r17 STS's have a lot flatter profile, and measure 1/2" wider than my brother's 33x12.50r16 STS's, and they are on the same width rim.
 
the reason why i ask is that when i buy my wheels and tires for my pulling truck im going to try and get the best setup possible.......
 
It would seem that the taller rim would lessen tire flex, you would have less tire height between the rim and tread. The larger wheels will weigh more, I had 20's on a gas burner it was factory i hated them so much i had the dealer take them back off got my money back and put regular 17's back on the truck had alot more power and the mileage went up as well. I dont like them at all, it just not me plus the tires prices for them are outragous. Got a little off track just my 2cents
 
A tire with more sidewall will have the ability to have a much larger contact patch when the weight gets put to it..
 
Look at what most of the big time Gas pullers around you are running. Around here they are all running 15" so that they can get down to a 6 ply tire to get the side walls to squat. So I would say softer sidewalls is what you want.
 
yes you want a large foot print, but also a soft sidewall can cause hopping. Most guys just let air out in front, and air the rears up tight. The sled pulling down puts tons of pressure on the rear.
 
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