Just bought a set of Magnum 500s that are 14x5.5. Putting them on a '65 Chrysler 300L. TireRack is telling me that I can't do 225/70 or 225/60 because I need at least a 6" tire to comply with the manufacturer's specs. Didn't know if they are being overly conservative or not? That having been said, these tires are going to be supporting a 4,200 lb car with no top (conv't) and no seat belts. Don't mind a little rub with hard turns but don't want to increase chances of tire failure either.

Should I stick with the recommended 215/75/14? Or can I be a bit more aggressive with a 225/70/14?

I have 225 14's on my car, they're fine. From memory if it helps at all, G60x14 is too wide, they will not wear evenly. H70x14 is okay.

Robert

Thanks BigIronRam. I'm finding a BFG in 225/70/14 with a rim width range (per TireRack) of 6-7.5". You think these are okay with my 5.5" rims? TireRack keeps telling me I shouldn't do it as the 5.5s are outside the manufacturer's specs. Additionally, they're raising flags that the 26.5" overall diameter will cause the front tires to rub on extreme turns.

Conversely, the 205/75/14 tires they recommend (Kumho) conform to the rims with a range of 5-7" and a overall diameter of 26.1".

Doesn't seem like tire rub is really an issue so much as going outside the maker's spec. Did you run 225/70 on a 5.5" rim over long distances without issue? Have you seen others do the same? My experience on this front is non-existent, at the moment, and I can't tell how conservative TireRack is being.

Appreciate your additional thoughts on the matter.

i have 225 70 14 on set of those wheels

05dakota, how long have you been running that size and how's it working out? Appreciate the feedback.

A '65 300L needs the largest diameter 14" (70 or 75 series) tire you can find. If you could find some 225/75/14s I think they would be great (I need some for my '61 Starfire). What was stock 9.00x14?

225/70/14s, while not ideal on a 5.5" wide wheel, will work fine! My brother's GTX has 10K+ miles on this set of Goodyears.
225/70/14s on 14x5.5" (front) & 225/70/14 on 14x6.0" (rear) Spyder Wheels.

Thanks gentlemen! That solves it. 225/70 since 225/75 isn't available. Hello BFG with the raised white letters Much obliged for all the help!