Just to correct myself:
Both the WRC and WRG2 tires are asymmetrical, but *not* directional.  That
is, they are inside/outside specific, but don't specify a direction of
rotation.

So you can cross-rotate, for example.

On Thu, Jun 28, 2012 at 9:33 AM, pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@gmail.com>wrote:

> So having looked through options more I see another option is Nokian WR C
> Van tires in 215/65/16.  Are these too tall for the brakes on an '84?
> Otherwise I think they'd be great.  The load index is 107.
>
> (The whole catalyst for my move to larger wheels is just to be able to run
> all-weather Nokian tires.  The 215/60/16's I'm looking at are XL rated,
> they're Nokian WRG2 tires.)
>
> The 225 option sounds good but I can't use tires that wide on the 16 inch
> wheels I'm getting without using spacers, which I want to avoid for now.
> (I don't relish the idea of removing those rear wheel nuts just to remove
> the hubs and change out to longer studs.)
>
> I know having a smaller spare is a fine option but I consider that a
> downgrade in capability for us.  When we have gotten a flat I've really
> appreciated the full spare.  (With Nokian's there's a 50/50 chance your
> spare is mounted in the wrong direction but I consider this a non-issue.)
> I think either of these 215's will at least go in the oversized van-cafe
> spare carrier.
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 27, 2012 at 10:58 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:
>
>> For that size tire you want to make sure you get the "XL" or "reinforced"
>> version. In that size the standard load index is 94, 1477 pounds without
>> the
>> derate. By going up one more size, 225/60-16 the standard load index goes
>> to
>> 98, 1653 pounds. There are also many more choices in that size. Depending
>> on
>> wheel offset sliding door clearance may be real tight.
>>
>> For the spare tire carrier later vans that came from the factory with the
>> 205/70-14's also had a different tire tray, hold down bars, and even
>> radiator hoses to make some more room. The later tray would be easier to
>> get
>> a 215 section tire in it. The 225's won't make without extreme effort. Be
>> careful that the tire does not rub on the steering shaft. Since it is not
>> a
>> syncro I would go with a thinner spare. The 225/60 are available if needed
>> while traveling.
>>
>> Dennis
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>> Of
>> Robert Stevens
>> Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 1:33 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: 16" wheel in front spare location?
>>
>> On Jun 27, 2012, at 9:33 AM, pickle vanagon wrote:
>>
>> What modifications would be involved to get a 16x7 wheel with a 215/60/16
>> tire to fit in the stock tire location?
>>
>> This is in a (non-syncro) 84.
>>
>> Your tire diameter is only just over 1/2" greater than stock, at 26.1".
>> The section width is wider but not enough to make fitting that into the
>> spare area a problem. It's when you get above 27" diameter that things get
>> crowded. If you do get rubbing, take the spring steel device out, which
>> holds the spare clamshell onto the frame crossmember, and use bolts to
>> hold
>> it on.
>>
>> bob
>>
>
>