Can anyone tell me what my options are for tires for my '59 f350 dually? It has 17.5 diameter rims(not widow makers) which seem to be very hard to find tires for.

I'd like to find a nice knobby traction tire for the rears and then just a regular steer/highway tread for the front. Found a couple brands who sell steer/highway tires in 17.5 but can't find any knobby tires for the rear.

Is it possible to get different rims? I have the large 6-lug pattern.

 

I'd say you've already got the best wheels available for your truck. Most guys we hear from would trade you in a blink. The fact that yours are one piece style makes them very sought after. Nobody makes the 6 lug x 7.25" pattern wheels anymore, and IIRC without looking it up, DRW style weren't available in the 19.5" size. You for sure won't find that bolt pattern in a normal 16" light truck type tubeless wheel.

There are bias ply traction tires available at Universal Tire, as well as regular highway tread. Below are the links. Off the top of my head I don't know of radials, but would think they'd be available too with some Google searching.

Depending on how you use your truck, be aware that these old 17.5s were not designed or intended for use with radials. The manufacturers specifically stated this in their catalogs and would void their warranty if radials were fitted to these wheels. It's pointless to think about a warranty after all these years, but it's something to be aware of. Stu

8-17.5 STA Super Traxion - Truck - Truck and Military
8-17.5 STA Super Transport Highway - Truck - Truck and Military

 

thanks, yea I want to keep my rims unless there was a cheap aftermarket alternative.

I'll take a look at those links, those seem like exactly what I'm looking for.
I don't want radials, I think bias ply looks way better on my truck.

EDIT:
just looked at the site some more, the traction tires are exactly what I'm looking for, just wish they make them a little wider and 33'' diameter.
Anyone know of any other places that have 17.5 traction tires?

 

The only width I'm aware of in a 17.5" truck tire is the 8". If you could find them wider you'd get a taller tire in the process, but otherwise it's gonna be about the same for all tires in that size. There are industry standards for outside diameter measurements by tire size. The other issue is wheel width. Your 17.5s are 5.25" wide and might not handle a much wider tire. You can also check with Lucas Tire, M. E. Miller Tire, and Coker Tire. I don't see the traction tire in their on-line catalogs but they can probably get them on special order. Links below. Stu

Military & Truck - Tire Brands
M.E. Miller Tire
Lucas Classic & Vintage Tires, wide white wall, Pirelli Cinturato, Goodyear, Denman, Lester, Universal

 

One option you might try is going to a local tire shop that deals with re-treads. they might be able to take the tires you have and send the to a capshop and get a "luggier" tread put on the casings you have. your truck would be sitting on stands while waiting for your tires to come back but that way you don't have to special order something expensive and be able to pick the tread you want.

 

I'd be interested in hearing from guys who check into it to know whether this works. It'd be a good, less expensive, option for guys dealing with these odd ball size wheels and tires. Stu