I'm thinking about buying a '70 F350 dually. The truck has the original split rims. Will the one piece wheels from a newer truck fit if I can find a set?

 

the newer rims should work and as im sure you well know are far safer.

 

I thought so. Just how unsafe are the split rims? I've heard and read about the hazards when mounting tires, but how about driving with them? Do they carry less weight than the newer ones?

 

Look for a set of 16'', not the 16.5'' that are more expensive and harder to find the tires for. I put a 16'' set from a 1978 F350 on my 71 F350 and the tubeless tires are much nicer then the old tube type. Don`t go too wide on the rear, it can cause the side walls to run against each other. Similar tire size to the old 7.50 or possibly a size larger. Check with the tire shop first before buying tires.

 

Fomoko1,
Thanks. If I actually do buy this truck you'll probably hear from me often, as we'll have similar trucks. 1970 F350 dually stakebed.

 

Don`t forget to put more of your trucks in your gallery. I don`t have my red 71 F350 in yet but I do have other Fords in my gallery. Everyone loves looking at pictures.

 

the major safety concerns are in mounting and dismounting tires. however if a tire goes flat the split ram can become unhooked from the main rim and pop off while being reinflated. i have a very healthy respect for the rings as the first shop i ever worked in had 2 split rings embeded in the roof.

 

Fomoko,
I checked your gallery and was dissapointed not to see the '71. Mine has my current and only "old" truck. If I do buy the '70 I'll have pics right away.

So I'm thinking that the split rims are OK on the road, but dangerous to mount and reinflate. There's no urgent need to get rid of them, but to replace them would be good, right?

 

SAlexander
I am also dissapointed not having my '71 in the gallery, the other pictures were posted by a friend as I don`t know how. He hasn`t had time to show me how or to post the 71 yet. Soon I hope.
The things I don`t like about split rims is inflating them is a hazzard, having tubes in the tires or a low tire / blow out knocking the ring off. Like you say it's not urgent to get rid of them but it would be good idea to replace them.
It also depends on how often you do use your truck and the loads you carry. Mine has the one piece tubless rims/tires on the front, I haven`t replaced the splits on the back as it`s a garage queen and sits most of the time. Not really a daily hard working driver, just a toy that can be used if needed.

 

Alexander, I had a 74 F350 dually with the same issue. I found rims pretty much one at a time at the salvage yards until I had all six. One problem was the salvage places would keep them for there own trucks but sometimes they'd let one or two go. They went from $25 to $75 a piece depending on the yard, weather, color, who was working, and all the usual salvage yard politics. One thing to consider is one flat repair/tube replacement labor and all would cover the cost of a rim and then any tire shop will work on the one peice. I ran the 235/85/16E as these were comparable to the 7.50/16's. Try and remember to ask the seller if he has a spare laying around since when you get a flat it may take a little effort to get it fixed.

 

Try and remember to ask the seller if he has a spare laying around since when you get a flat it may take a little effort to get it fixed.[/QUOTE]

No spare with this truck. I have a 235/85-16 from my F250. I'll just need a wheel.