Technical 205's on front of a '36?

I have 185's on the front of my '36 that I ruined because of an alignment problem and am wondering if I can run 205's on the front instead. I don't think there will be a clearance issue but am wondering if the larger footprint would be too much strain on the '40 steering gear box. Any thoughts?

 

I ran 205's on the front of my '36. It used to rub my split wish bones on a very tight turn but being a smooth surface it never got near dangerous.

 

Jimmy, thanks for responding. I too have split wishbones but I have 15" wheels with a 4" offset and it appears that I have plenty of clearance.

 

That wide of a footprint is going to make steering more difficult at low speeds.

 

'Footprint' depends on the height/width series. Are the 205s .50s, .60s, .70s, or .75s?
.50s or '60s will be notable, the others not so much. It's a 'series-serious' thing.

 

When I replaced the '36 steering box with a '40 it was like power steering, it's effortless even at low speed with the 185/65/15's. The tire I'm considering now is a 205/70/15 which is .8" wider than I currently have. I think maybe I'm trying to create a problem when there is none. My thinking is with the bigger tire it would raise the front end up about 1/2" as I think I have too much "rake" and would also help with cornering.

 

i have 165R15 on 6" wide wheels on the front of my `36 , seams about right to me

 

Think your 185 x 65's are spot on. Have run 205 x 65's also on the front of a '35 truck, but it's got a GM power steering box. Both on 6" wheels.
Curious, if that's your '36 in your avatar, what is the official color?

 

The color is a stock Ford color for '36, Cordoba Tan, have replaced the Poppy red pinstripe with an Orange pinstripe. My rims are 6" width, is that too narrow for a 205 tire?

 

6 is fine. My car trailer came with 205-70-15 on 6" wheels

I agree the 40 box is super nice if they are not worn out. My 40 did feel great without moving the car, just reaching in the window to steer. That car had an early Olds motor, not too much heavier than a flathead I guess. It had 6" steel wheels from a 70s ford pickup with tires that had to be 205...I just don't recall.

 

205 is most likely ,probably ,maybe ,possibly ok. But you need to Keep the profile tall.
Many moons ago we had 235 75 15 on the blunt end and 195x55 x15 (think the were 60 anyway , I don't think back then there was a lower profile) on the pointy end and after a few years noticed the 37 fords frame developing a crack near the steering box . Switched to 185 x70 x15 and low speed steering was noticeably better and no further frame issues , still none after 30 years.

 

The 6" wheel should be just fine with the 205's. Worked for me.
Thanks for the color ID. Nice.

 

I had 165R/15 on mine that worked well

 

I had to chuckle at this comment. How much "rake" is too much rake is all in the eyes and mind of the beholder. Since it is your car, you indeed have too much "rake"
John U