Hey guys (& gals),

I've been away and haven't posted in a while. I'm still around just have been super busy and not too much time to tinker with my toy.

I bought some 16.5x12 wheels a while back as my plans were to go with some big rubber, like 15 1/2" wide x 38" or 39" tall tires. (Probably a rookie mistake). Tall and wide rubber is expensive and choices are limited so I've dragged my feet on buying. The new rims sit in the boxes in my garage and now, my old 35" BFGs are getting tired and cracking from dry rot. I need to do something.

I think my plans have changed and now going to change rims again and can hopefully sell my 12" new wide wheels and recover some of my cost.

Now, I am looking at some 16x10's with 4 1/2" back spacing and mounting some 385/70R16 Toyo M/Ts. These tires are 38 x 14.5 wide and seem to be good quality rubber. Actual diameter per spec sheet shows to be 37.7". I think when compared to my current 35x12.50 BFGs the new combination will look proportionally the same, just taller and wider.

The rims I found look like the old M/T Classic IIs but are Pro Comps. I could get Eagle Alloys or the M/Ts but they cost another $30 to $40 more per wheel. Anybody like the Pro Comps (Series 1069)?

My front axle is the stock Dana 44 (No idea of the gear ratio, tag is gone and I've been too lazy to measure revs). I'd like to add a locker or limited slip in the future, just for that rare time when I do want to use my 4WD or more importantly need it but for the short term I will be sticking with my stock open diff for a while longer. (I still have a paint job on my to do list).

My intended use is just a weekend toy and maybe some light off trailing or occasionally driving it to work. Having spent many hours cleaning the mud, grease and oil from my frame and then painting it, I don't see any slurpy mud pits in my future. Maybe a trip to a trail park or driving it on the beach. I don't see myself abusing it off road so I think I will be okay with this size and added weight, despite my light duty axle. Wheels weigh 21 lbs, tires show to be 97lbs, so that comes out to 118 lbs plus. My current setup is 35x12.5x16.5 BFGs, they're 62 lbs and the steel rims probably weigh 26 lbs, making this combo 88 lbs.

So, this newer setup will add about 30 lbs more of rotating mass but will not not stick out as much as the 12" rim. It will also add (37.7-34.6) ~ 3.1" of diameter and I don't think this will be any problem with my 6" lift as far as fitting and not rubbing and its already too tall and long to fit into my garage. I could be wrong but I don't think this will affect my braking distance too much... but that might be wishful thinking?

The added circumference I'm thinking will drop my rpms about 8% which should help on the short runs on the highway. (I'd love to have a 5 speed someday but that is another story).

I've considered getting some 16.5x10 rims and then buying some 37" military tires but then I'll be stuck again with the odd size and since the tires I would be buying blind, I'm not sure what I would get. I've heard good and bad stories. I'm not sure how heavy are those military tires either, I suspect they are heavier (10 ply?).

So, what do ya'll think? I don't want to make another mistake and would appreciate the advise of those who have been there and done that.

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome back, did you get you rear bumper figured out?

16" rims will give you a ton more off the rack tire options. Unless you order new 16.5 tires from 4wheel.com, used is about the only way to get 16.5 these days.

Military takeoff 16.5 that are the 37" are like 80 lbs a piece?

Eagle 101's, Eagle 185's

 

Thanks Rich and yes, bumper is sorted. Not terribly pleased with it though but I guess I got what I paid for.

What do you think of those 385/70R16 Toyos? Am I asking for trouble? I've searched and searched and have not found this same combo on a 78/79. 4WheelParts.com says wheels will fit but "might" need a 1/4" spacer to clear calipers? I've contacted a vendor locally (4WheelParts.com) to get a test fit so I'll see how they respond.

Here's some pitchers



ProComp Wheel - Just like the Mickey Thompson Classic II's or the Eagle Alloy 058's. Not sure where they are made though. The Eagle Alloys are made in the USA.



385/70R16 Toyo M/T Open Country (Made in USA)



A side view on a sexy shoe for a younger Ford.

 

I haven't experience with the procomp wheels but am wanting similar for my 79 F250

 

I think you will be ok or might have to use a spacer or maybe a bit of caliper grinding?? Test fit is the best way to go IMO.

I have a standby set of 37x14.50?x15 Toyo's MT OC's that are maybe going on the EB with some Allied beadlock rims, when the current 35" Bogger's give up the ghost....

Pro Comp AT's tires... NO WAY, NO HOW, never ever again on my Dodge diesel, they are JUNK tires IMO.

Eagle 58's, very nice old school style standard rim, compared to the ton of optional rims on the market today, I have a set on my Dodge.

 

Rich,

I'm not into grinding... my purdy red calipers oh no... hahaha

I'm not into the spacer thingy either.
I may wind up getting the Eagles because they're American made even though they cost more. (The 16x12 set I have are those and I'm very pleased with the quality). Hopefully someone running those can chime in here as to needing spacers on a 4 1/2 Back spacing wheel.

I like the old school chrome or polished wheels. My 16.5 chrome spokes are all rusty and all the chrome shops seemed to have disappeared. New ones just can't be found. I might save em though just in case I find a deal on some Military tires.

Black rims work too. I got em on my 2011 Mustang but not sure they'd work on my creme colored beast.

I'm with you on the ProComp tires... in fact many of their A/T tires are only 2 ply.