I need some extra wheels to fit my 1942 (military) 1-1/2 Ton Ford. Can anyone tell me what other years (or makes) will also fit the (five lug) Bolt Pattern. I know later Military contract Trucks used the 6-lug GMC, but mine is not one of those.

I have a line on a 1937 1-1/2 ton locally. Does anyone know if the pattern is the same?

Thanks,
Tom

 

To replace a cracked wheel I just ordered a new one from my local tire store (Les Schwab). They got me one in a few days.

So check your local tire stores, especially ones that sell truck and farm implement tires.

Ford used the 5 lug 20" wheels for quite a long time. My 41 and 47 COE trucks both use that wheel.


Tom

 

Tom lives in Ohio, so Les Schwab won't be real helpful. They are western states only. That said, their wholesale supplier (American Wheel Specialist, Pasco, WA) will sell to us easterners directly as long as we live outside the service area of Schwab or Commercial Tire. I bought a set of custom 19.5s directly from AWS several years ago. I guess checking with other local tire shops isn't gonna hurt, but I'd bet you'll get a blank stare from the guy behind the counter. Members here are probably better sources.

Ford, Dodge, IHC, and M Series Studebakers all used the 5 lug on 8" bolt pattern with the Budd style dual cap nut/ball seat/stud piloted mounting. GMC and Studebaker R Series (and E iirc) used this bolt pattern with a hub piloted mounting. Avoid them. Ford used the pattern beginning in 1934 and continued its use through the 1970s. The others were similar, except Studebaker naturally that ceased sales in '64.

Be careful to avoid wheels having the Firestone RH-5° widow maker outer rims that became the Ford standard beginning in the late '40s. Dodge, IHC, and M Series Studebakers, along with early Fords like the '37 you mentioned, are good donors.

There's a guy on eBay that has a NOS 20" x 5" for sale now. You must, however, be aware that the wheel industry changed its measurement standards during the '40s. A 5" wide rim using the old National Wheel and Rim Association (NWRA) standard is a 3.75" using the current standard. The 5" rims listed in the Green Bible are actually 3.75". A 6" rim under the old standard is a 4.33", and a 7" under the old is today a 5". Stu

 

Yeah, the average tire store will probably not have a clue about wheels for our old Ford trucks. That's why I mentioned that he should look for tire stores that sell to truckers or farmers. They are more likely to want to look for more than family car tires and wheels.

I mentioned Les Schwab just in case Tom was on the west coast. Actually, with stores in Utah and Colorado now, Les Schwab is expanding eastward. From my perspective, Boise is "back east".

Thanks for providing all of that additional detail.

Are you saying that Ford trucks up into the 70's used the same wheels?

Tom

 

Same bolt pattern. The last Ford was probably one of the motor home platforms, 400/500 series, that came with 19.5" x 6" tubeless wheels. Bill (Number Dummy) might have an exact Ford date. Dodge RM400/500s used the same wheels throughout the 70s. The last catalog listings I have for companies offering this bolt pattern are Budd in 1979 and Accuride in their 1981/82 catalog. Stu

 

so if i get this right ,5 hole wheels are the same until 1970. i would like to find 2 tubeless wheels for my front steering. maybe a little off topic but i would like too know if its normal for my rear 2 speed axle too be 6 studs, and my steer axle too be 5 stud.

 

Not normal, swapped earlier in life. Tubeless wheels will be either 19.5" or 22.5" sizes. An 8R19.5" tire will be about 33.5" tall and a 9R22.5" tire will be 38" or taller. Those are your best size choices. You'll want to measure your current wheels/tires to see which is closest to what you now have. I can help with 19.5s, and have a few leads on 22.5" wheels. Stu

 

19.5 was what i was thinking. i,m in eastern canada ,transport would be killer on 2 heavy wheels i guess! was always trying too see on pictures if someone else had 5 stud front and 6 stud rear. couldn,t see a company do that it would mean 2 spares!

 

Yeah, each wheel weighs 45 lbs. If you got them from me, it'd be shipping from zip 62563. There's also a guy in Atlanta that lists them on CL if that's closer. Stu

 

Thanks Guys, that helps a bunch and gives me a good range of doners to keep an eye out for.

My local Gateway Tire does have 7.500x20" highway tires (in stock) that fit my rims. Probaly won't bother with the NDT's. I think they used civilian tires anyway.

Tom