D17DIV Rear Tire Size

Need to get started on an ol' D17DIV I picked up a few years ago. Came with newer MF or Case-IH rear two position rims and junk tires that barely hold air. Found period correct OEM rims/centers that I am having blasted before painting and would like to know what size folks are running for rear rubber.
Have seen some pics from shows where some used some "fatties" front and rear and although it looked tough, this will be a working tractor to earn her keep. Data I have shows 14.9-28's for s/n 42001 and up which is 1962 onwards.
All for the tallest I can get on these original rims.
Comments/pictures welcome.

I've got the 16.9x28 on my series IV's. Have the 18.4x28 on my one-eighty. Wouldn't want to go any smaller than the 16.9's. Dave

I would check the rim width of your period correct replacement rims before making your decision. .. actually, you have already made the decision..right? 

I have 16.9-28s on mine. I wouldn't go any smaller. The 14.9s just don't look right on them.

Here is the same tractor with short front spindles, 6.50-16 on front and 16.9 x 28 Firestones on the back....I think Firestone makes the best looking and riding tire out there!

Tim, I'd check what just how wide the rims are first, if you have let's say a 14" rim you can get away with running 18.4x28" but if you are going to plow or something that will work the tire hard using a 14" rim I'd run 16.9x28" tires. One more thing to make you think is if you lift the back up with 18.4x28" on the back and are using a loader you might need to go with a taller front too just to keep the tractor level.I like the old tried and true 16.9x28" on the back and 6.50x 16" fronts or if you have six bolt front hubs find a set of 9.5x16" rims and tires to mach-up with the 18.4x28" rears.

TimNearFortWorth wrote: Thanks guys, have 16.9-28's on the IV gasser and thought about bringing the rear height up a tad on the diesel.

Tim I would consider keeping both the same. It is always nice to be able to swap between the two if something happens sort of like having built in spares. I have a spare tire with industrial tread that fits my d15 and it has saved my butt s couple of times even though I don't like to run it. If it where me I would just try to keep as many common parts as possible.

Sugarmaker wrote: Tim, We have a 1958 D17 with the 16.9-28 (Armstrongs) Like others have said, don't go smaller. Sure wish I could find some Old Firestones like Eldon has on that 17. I think those look to be the original 23 degree type??? Any out there? I would like to try a set for pulling.  Regards,  Chris

2x I like the look of my serries 1 with 16.9 28 as well.
Chris there was a posting a little while back someone selling a set of pie weights.   They would look great on yours out there at the tractor pulls.

13" is for 14.9, 15" for 16.9, and 16" for 18.4
You can usually go one tire size either way and still be ok.

I agree with everyone else 16.9's are perfect IMO for a D17. I have a 185 with 18.4x28's. and it wouldn't seem quite right to have that tire on a D17.

I have 16.9x28's on 15" rims on my WD45. They look pretty mean, but just a hair big. They also set the tractor up just enough that if the plow has settled at all you can't get the tongue into the snap coupler bell.

16.9 x 28 ... don't go smaller.

These are Titan's "Power Mark"  once made by Kelly-Springfield / Goodyear

Scott B wrote: I run 16.9 X 28's as well. Came across a set of firestone 14.9's to have as a replacement. They've been sitting by the barn wall next tot he tractor and every time I look over at them I just think "too small"!

Now you need to buy a d15 to put those 14.9 s on.

Edited by Dan73 - 23 Jan 2017 at 10:08am

12.4 x 38's look a little weak....

Gatz, if that's the old gal you did up a few years back, I kept every pic you posted as I had not picked up a D17IV as yet and she gave me something to shoot for. Nice, very nice.
Eldon, I'll come out and be your swamper to swap tires around with you, just so I can check out everything in your herd.
Get a kick seeing how you rotate some of those gals into service every so often.
Wish I had your account for oils and hydraulic fluids as you must buy lubricants by the drum or tote to take care of all of them!
If you were located anywhere in the middle of the US, you would never get anything done because of visitors wanting a tour.

Yup. 16.9X28 Field and Roads.

I have 14.9 x 38" Firestones on a D-17 IV diesel. They should have come that way!