OLD DECODES
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
Truck would have came with all same size wheels, most likely 10.00-20 tube type split rims, you don't want them, local guy was killed years ago when the outer ring blew off while he was airing up a front tire.
22.5 & 24.5 tubeless first come on the market around 78 or 79, a company I was pulling for bought some new trailers in the summer of 79 that had 22.5 tubeless, first ones I ever saw, they had bias ply tires, steel belted radials were new to the market then and most of us didn't like them, made the truck feel squirrelly.
Bolt pattern is the same on all big trucks no matter what brand it is, I'd find a set of 22.5 front wheels and swap them on in place of the 24.5's, just make sure they are for the older stud pilot mount, the newer hub pilot mount rims won't work with your hubs.
22.5 & 24.5 tubeless first come on the market around 78 or 79, a company I was pulling for bought some new trailers in the summer of 79 that had 22.5 tubeless, first ones I ever saw, they had bias ply tires, steel belted radials were new to the market then and most of us didn't like them, made the truck feel squirrelly.
Bolt pattern is the same on all big trucks no matter what brand it is, I'd find a set of 22.5 front wheels and swap them on in place of the 24.5's, just make sure they are for the older stud pilot mount, the newer hub pilot mount rims won't work with your hubs.
So I was talking with a shop, and if they're all the same bolt pattern why did he ask me if I had 10 X 225 or 10 X 7.25 or if I had 10 X 11.25? Was he not referring to the bolt pattern dimensions?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 321
From: Harned, Ky
Because he doesn't know what he's talking about or doesn't know anything about big rigs.
10x225 is the new bolt metric pattern used on Ford F-450/550 Super Duties beginning in 2005, it's also used on Dodge 4500/5500 Heavy Duty trucks, this pattern is also for 19.5 wheels, my F-450 has these.
10x7.5 is probably the pattern used on the 90's Ford F-450 that still had 16" wheels
10x11.25 may be the bolt pattern size for big truck wheels but not sure, never heard anyone at big rig tire shops refer to the bolt pattern size, they always asked if stud pilot or hub pilot mount.
There is also a 10x285 that I believe is the same as hub pilot mount but I've only seen when referring to medium duty trucks that usually have 19.5 tires and wheels.
I suggest you talk to someone at a tire shop that specializes in big rig tires and wheels.
One easy way to tell is measure the lug nuts, if it takes 1 1/2" socket to fit the lug nuts it has stud pilot wheels, if the lug nuts are a smaller metric size somewhere near 1 5/16 US size they are hub pilot mount, these lug nuts also have a washer made onto the nut.
10x225 is the new bolt metric pattern used on Ford F-450/550 Super Duties beginning in 2005, it's also used on Dodge 4500/5500 Heavy Duty trucks, this pattern is also for 19.5 wheels, my F-450 has these.
10x7.5 is probably the pattern used on the 90's Ford F-450 that still had 16" wheels
10x11.25 may be the bolt pattern size for big truck wheels but not sure, never heard anyone at big rig tire shops refer to the bolt pattern size, they always asked if stud pilot or hub pilot mount.
There is also a 10x285 that I believe is the same as hub pilot mount but I've only seen when referring to medium duty trucks that usually have 19.5 tires and wheels.
I suggest you talk to someone at a tire shop that specializes in big rig tires and wheels.
One easy way to tell is measure the lug nuts, if it takes 1 1/2" socket to fit the lug nuts it has stud pilot wheels, if the lug nuts are a smaller metric size somewhere near 1 5/16 US size they are hub pilot mount, these lug nuts also have a washer made onto the nut.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
Because he doesn't know what he's talking about or doesn't know anything about big rigs.
10x225 is the new bolt metric pattern used on Ford F-450/550 Super Duties beginning in 2005, it's also used on Dodge 4500/5500 Heavy Duty trucks, this pattern is also for 19.5 wheels, my F-450 has these.
10x7.5 is probably the pattern used on the 90's Ford F-450 that still had 16" wheels
10x11.25 may be the bolt pattern size for big truck wheels but not sure, never heard anyone at big rig tire shops refer to the bolt pattern size, they always asked if stud pilot or hub pilot mount.
There is also a 10x285 that I believe is the same as hub pilot mount but I've only seen when referring to medium duty trucks that usually have 19.5 tires and wheels.
I suggest you talk to someone at a tire shop that specializes in big rig tires and wheels.
One easy way to tell is measure the lug nuts, if it takes 1 1/2" socket to fit the lug nuts it has stud pilot wheels, if the lug nuts are a smaller metric size somewhere near 1 5/16 US size they are hub pilot mount, these lug nuts also have a washer made onto the nut.
10x225 is the new bolt metric pattern used on Ford F-450/550 Super Duties beginning in 2005, it's also used on Dodge 4500/5500 Heavy Duty trucks, this pattern is also for 19.5 wheels, my F-450 has these.
10x7.5 is probably the pattern used on the 90's Ford F-450 that still had 16" wheels
10x11.25 may be the bolt pattern size for big truck wheels but not sure, never heard anyone at big rig tire shops refer to the bolt pattern size, they always asked if stud pilot or hub pilot mount.
There is also a 10x285 that I believe is the same as hub pilot mount but I've only seen when referring to medium duty trucks that usually have 19.5 tires and wheels.
I suggest you talk to someone at a tire shop that specializes in big rig tires and wheels.
One easy way to tell is measure the lug nuts, if it takes 1 1/2" socket to fit the lug nuts it has stud pilot wheels, if the lug nuts are a smaller metric size somewhere near 1 5/16 US size they are hub pilot mount, these lug nuts also have a washer made onto the nut.
Thank you again for the guidance. The gentleman was a big rig tire shop / salesman. Certainly won't be going back to them for any business.
I'm unfortunately not as well versed either. This truck is actually the same one my father had when I was a kid and he's getting older and trying to rely on him is proving to be more and more difficult. Ask him and he'll just say "His steel trap just isn't what it use to be and most be a little rusty"
Thanks again.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,472
Likes: 2,799
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
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Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
New User
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Vin decode
I'm new here and plan on buying my first Ford.
Would like to know more about this truck (fire truck).
VIN: C85RU552225
W.B.: 153
Color: J
Model: C850
Body: A91B
Trans: Q
Axel: --
Max GVW lbs: 27000
Cert Net HP: 235
RPM: 3000
D.S.O.: 320749
Thank you for what information you can provide.
Would like to know more about this truck (fire truck).
VIN: C85RU552225
W.B.: 153
Color: J
Model: C850
Body: A91B
Trans: Q
Axel: --
Max GVW lbs: 27000
Cert Net HP: 235
RPM: 3000
D.S.O.: 320749
Thank you for what information you can provide.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,472
Likes: 2,799
Welcome to FTE!
I can't do a proper decode, but there appear to be two things about that truck that make it quite a step up for a first truck. First, GVWR 27000 requires a CDL. You may have certain exemptions in your state for some vehicles, but you need to research that directly with your DMV before you buy something you can't legally drive. Second, it appears to have a 534 gas V8. Wonderful engine 40 years ago. Parts are fairly difficult to find. Usually a fire truck is fairly well cared for, but be prepared for 4 to 5 mpg and a bit of a chase if you need a water pump or other non-tune up part.
I see "first Ford", so maybe not your first truck?
Stand by, not sure who is on line for the full decode.
I can't do a proper decode, but there appear to be two things about that truck that make it quite a step up for a first truck. First, GVWR 27000 requires a CDL. You may have certain exemptions in your state for some vehicles, but you need to research that directly with your DMV before you buy something you can't legally drive. Second, it appears to have a 534 gas V8. Wonderful engine 40 years ago. Parts are fairly difficult to find. Usually a fire truck is fairly well cared for, but be prepared for 4 to 5 mpg and a bit of a chase if you need a water pump or other non-tune up part.
I see "first Ford", so maybe not your first truck?
Stand by, not sure who is on line for the full decode.
New User
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Welcome to FTE!
I can't do a proper decode, but there appear to be two things about that truck that make it quite a step up for a first truck. First, GVWR 27000 requires a CDL. You may have certain exemptions in your state for some vehicles, but you need to research that directly with your DMV before you buy something you can't legally drive. Second, it appears to have a 534 gas V8. Wonderful engine 40 years ago. Parts are fairly difficult to find. Usually a fire truck is fairly well cared for, but be prepared for 4 to 5 mpg and a bit of a chase if you need a water pump or other non-tune up part.
I see "first Ford", so maybe not your first truck?
Stand by, not sure who is on line for the full decode.
I can't do a proper decode, but there appear to be two things about that truck that make it quite a step up for a first truck. First, GVWR 27000 requires a CDL. You may have certain exemptions in your state for some vehicles, but you need to research that directly with your DMV before you buy something you can't legally drive. Second, it appears to have a 534 gas V8. Wonderful engine 40 years ago. Parts are fairly difficult to find. Usually a fire truck is fairly well cared for, but be prepared for 4 to 5 mpg and a bit of a chase if you need a water pump or other non-tune up part.
I see "first Ford", so maybe not your first truck?
Stand by, not sure who is on line for the full decode.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,472
Likes: 2,799
Thread Starter
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
I would like a VIN plate decoded, but thought I would give it a try myself and ask for any corrections I might need. (Just seeing if I can do it)
This is a 1964 N700 Grain truck.
N70MU501556
181 / - / N703 / 681A / L / 75E / 24000 / 160 / 3800 / 35
N70 = N700
M = 330 2V HD
U = Kentucky
501556 puts it in the 1964 range as advertised
181" is the wheelbase.
The dash in the color is a DSO
N703 is 24k lb N700
681A is a black vinyl reg cab
L is the trans, a Clark Model 2651-V1 5-speed Direct Drive
75 I think is a Eaton 1614-15 with a 7.17 ratio? 17k lb
E is a Ford Rockwell-Timken 9,000 lbs. capacity front axle.
24,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
160 net HP @ 3800 rpm and ordered through Lansing, MI
How did I do???
Everything else is OK
My first post since 6/19/2019