Tire size ?'s

[PoBoi850]

BIG BIG THANKS to ahardb0dy for getting me a lot of info for my HB and sending me in the right direction to get my truck back on track with the speedo issues.

[PoBoi850]

Upon further inspection, My speedo needle has been tampered with. Looks like somebody, at some point, has tried to straighten up the needle or glue a new needle onto the existing one. I never noticed before, but the speedo needle sits right under the small "10mph" hash, when parked and starts moving as soon as the truck starts rolling. So I am off to scour the forums for a needle adjustment or replacement thread, and then I'll get back to the tire size issue.

[PoBoi850]

[ahardb0dy]

Just take the cluster out, take the speedometer out, and while holding the round disc on the back ( looks like a small torque converter), move the pointer to where ever you want. I have a pic of what I'm talking about from my former 90 Sentra, should be about the same.


If you do this, be careful separating the clear plastic gauge cluster front from the middle, don't want to snap any of the clips. (also a good time to plastic polish the clear plastic)


You may have to install the cluster (without putting it completely together) and go for a test drive to verify the speedometer is reading correctly, I used a speedometer app on my phone when I did mine and it took a few tries to get it right. You still have to connect the plugs on the rear of the cluster and make sure the cable is engaged when doing the test runs, no need to attach the cluster to the dash completely, Maybe a screw in each corner to keep tension on the cable.



Also, although you don't have to pull the steering wheel to remove the cluster, it does make it easier.


Also, the bronze colored part of the disc in the pic, if you rotate that with your fingers it will move the pointer. What I was doing when I adjusted my speedometer is I would raise the needle up to say 35, than apply pressure to the bronze part and hold it (prevents the pointer from moving) than while holding it, move the pointer the amount you need. So in your case if the pointer is reading 10 when you are not moving and when driving the speedometer is 10 high, than rotate the bronze part up to say 30 and hold it than rotate the pointer down to 20. Let go up the bronze part and it should be at zero, Sometimes the pointer will not reset to zero until power is applied to the cluster.




pic below showing me holding the round part :

[89'HBV6]

Originally Posted by ahardb0dy

The reason your speed is so much further off is your truck probably came with either a 185/75/14 or a 195/75/14. The speedometer gear would be setup for the stock size tire so switching to a larger (or smaller) diameter tire will effect the speed reading.

<<snip>>

To match what the stock tire size was, would need to know what the stock size is, check the label as was suggested.

So, the original tire size was discontinued many decades ago. Can no longer get a 185/75... I don'r rely on my speedo, a Gamin is now my speedo. Use a beanbag mount on my dash and luv it. Quite accurate.

[ahardb0dy]

Not true, 185/75/14's are still available, Discount Tire has a few different tires, The selection is dwindling since most vehicles come with a larger diameter tire now a days but they are still available.


I would always recommend upgrading to at least a 15" wheel as there will be more of a selection in tires.

[PoBoi850]

Originally Posted by ahardb0dy

I would always recommend upgrading to at least a 15" wheel as there will be more of a selection in tires.

First post. I already have 15's, and the sticker has faded many moons ago. No info for anyone there.

i will try to move the needle like you suggested.

[89'HBV6]

Originally Posted by ahardb0dy

Not true, 185/75/14's are still available, Discount Tire has a few different tires, The selection is dwindling since most vehicles come with a larger diameter tire now a days but they are still available.


I would always recommend upgrading to at least a 15" wheel as there will be more of a selection in tires.

Hnmmmmmmmmmmmm OK, I stand corrected!

When I bought my 89', in 2000, I went searching for the correct tire size and NOBODY (I mean nobody) sold that tire size in Colorado. So, 20 years later and they are now making them? ...or they never stopped and I just stopped looking? (don't answer that)

OH, I'm sticking with my SE rims. Like the original style. Guess I'm stuck with 14's. It's all good!

[ahardb0dy]

I'm sure 14's will be available for a while, trailers use 14's, only problem is trailer tires are usually rated differently than pass. car tires.


Colorado has 14's now per Discount Tires site, 4 different choices !

[PorknBeans]

My '89 HB came with 195/75/14 as OEM.

My '97 HB came stock with 215/70/14 as OEM.