Max Tire Size for 1983 F100: What You Need to Know

Fitting 33-inch tires on your 1983 F100 with a stock suspension is pushing the limits a bit more. While it’s not impossible, you’ll probably face some challenges.

Potential Issues with 33s

1. Rubbing: It’s very likely you’ll experience rubbing at full lock or when hitting bumps. This can happen on the fender wells and possibly on suspension components.

2. Trimming and Modifications: To avoid rubbing, you’ll probably need to trim the fender edges or modify the wheel wells. It might also require adjusting the suspension with a small lift for better clearance.

3. Performance Impact: The extra weight and size can noticeably affect handling, acceleration, and braking. It’s even more pronounced with a stock engine and the AOD transmission.

4. Gear Ratio: With 33s, your effective gear ratio changes significantly, which can reduce low-end torque and impact drivability, especially if your truck isn’t geared for it. You might consider a regear if performance drops off too much.

5. Speedometer Calibration: With larger tires, your speedometer will be off, and you’ll need to recalibrate it for accurate readings.

Recommendations

If you’re set on running 33s, consider a small lift kit to facilitate proper clearance. Alternatively, rolling or trimming the fender lips might suffice depending on how aggressively you drive.

For more ideas and setups others have tried, you might find useful discussions on the Bullnose Ford subreddit (reddit.com/r/bullnoseford) or potentially related videos on the Bullnose Garage channel. Always good to see what solutions other folks have come up with!

Going with 32-inch tires on your 1983 F100 at stock height is a bit more feasible than 33s, but still requires some consideration.

Fitting 32s

• Rubbing: You might still run into some minor rubbing issues, especially at full lock or when hitting a bump. This is less severe than with 33s, but something to watch out for.

• Minor Modifications: Depending on your specific truck and its suspension setup, you might get away with just minor adjustments, like possibly trimming the fender lips or adjusting the inner fender wells.

• Performance Impact: As with any tire size increase, expect some impact on performance — reduced acceleration, slight drops in fuel economy, and possibly more strain on your brakes.

• Gear Ratio Changes: The impact on your effective gear ratio is less dramatic than with 33s but still present, so keep an eye on how your truck feels, especially in terms of torque.

• Speedometer Adjustment: As with any tire size change, you’ll want to check your speedometer for accuracy and recalibrate if necessary.

Practical Steps

1. Check Wheel Backspacing: Ensure your wheels have the proper backspacing to help minimize rubbing. This adjustment can sometimes help fit larger tires without major mods.

2. Test Fit: If possible, try to test fit the tires before purchasing. This gives you a sense of clearance and any issues upfront.

If you decide on 32s and need more insights, the Bullnose Ford subreddit (reddit.com/r/bullnoseford) could be a source of firsthand experiences, and there might be related content over on the Bullnose Garage channel that could help guide your decision.

Retrofitting or upgrading the A/C system in your 1983 F100 can make a big difference in comfort, especially if you’re dealing with an older system or one that’s not functioning well. Let’s look at your options and what you need to consider.

Common Retrofit Options

1. R12 to R134a Conversion:

   • Overview: The original A/C systems in these trucks typically used R12 refrigerant, which is now obsolete and expensive. Converting to R134a is a common upgrade.
   • Components to Replace:
     • Compressor: Ensure it’s compatible with R134a or upgrade to a newer model.
     • Condenser: Consider a parallel flow condenser for better efficiency.
     • Drier/Accumulator: Always replace this component when opening the system.
     • Orifice Tube/Expansion Valve: Replace for optimal performance.
   • Seals and O-rings: Make sure all rubber components are compatible with R134a.

2. Vintage Air Systems:

   • Overview: Vintage Air offers complete aftermarket systems designed for classic vehicles. They provide modern A/C performance while integrating well with the original design.
   • Pros: More efficient cooling, modern reliability, and often cleaner installation.
   • Cons: Higher upfront cost and may require custom work for perfect fitment.

3. OEM Replacements:

   • Overview: If you’re keen on keeping things closer to original, you can replace the key components with OEM or equivalent parts designed for R12 but adapted for R134a.
   • Considerations: Availability can be an issue, as not all OEM parts are still in production.

Tips for a Successful Retrofit

• Flush the System: Before switching refrigerants, thoroughly flush the system to remove all traces of the old oil and refrigerant.

• Check for Leaks: Use a vacuum test to ensure there are no leaks before charging the system with the new refrigerant.

• Professional Help: If you’re not comfortable with A/C systems, consider having a professional do the retrofit. Proper handling of refrigerants is crucial for safety and legality.

• Resources: If you’re interested in a DIY approach, there may be a related video on the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel that walks through an A/C retrofit.

For more specific advice or shared experiences, the folks over on the Bullnose Ford subreddit (reddit.com/r/bullnoseford) might have some valuable insights. A/C work can be fiddly, but the comfort is worth it!

I specialize in the 1980–1986 Ford trucks, particularly the Bullnose generation. For advice on a Chevy C10, I recommend checking out forums or resources dedicated to that model. There are plenty of knowledgeable folks out there who can help with C10-specific questions. If you have any more questions about Bullnose Fords, feel free to ask!