I know there has been much talk about wheels for the old 5 lug F4 (and others), and feel free topost a link to help a guy out, but the question I have is, os the an adapter to run a 10 bolt 22.5" wheel on the 5 bolt pattern? Or an available 5 bolt 22.5? Ive read about stocktons issues (not sure if things have changed there) not sure what other options there are. All I know is that widow makers are coming off. Thanks taking a turn beating this dead horse.

 

There are several ways you can go to get rid of the widow makers. I think the least viable option is the use of adapters. A modern 10 lug wheel has an 11.25" pattern. A set of adapters would have to be custom made. The cost of adapters approaches the cost of four wheels themselves, then you get to buy wheels too. Do the math.

Five lug x 8" pattern 22.5s were available from Budd and Accuride until around 1982. They were made in three widths, 5.25", 6.00", and 6.75". I'll add a link below to the FTE classified section were you will find one or more listings for them.

There are precautions that I'll mention regarding old 22.5s. Only the very last 6.75" that was available from Accuride was approved for use with radial tires. I have an SAE study done for Budd that shows radials transmit lateral loads to the rims more than bias ply tires. Wheel failures were a problem when radials were introduced which prompted the companies to void warranties if radials were mounted. The companies later redesigned them to add strength. This will most likely be less of a concern today since these trucks are no longer used commercially and loaded to the max as in times past. A second precaution is that the smallest tire available new today is a 9R22.5" radial, which the manufacturers say is approved for either a 6.00" or 6.75" wide rim. Guys use them on the 5.25" and say they work fine, but be aware. A third precaution is the 38" diameter of a 9R22.5. This equates to an old 8.25" x 20" tube type.

Factory new custom Accuride 6.75" x 22.5", radial approved, wheels having the 5 x 8" pattern are available. Last I heard, Chuck Mantiglia of Chuck's Trucks had them available. Link to Chuck below also.

Last option is the 19.5" x 6" Budd #89340 that uses either 8R19.5" or 225/70R19.5" tires. The 89340 was radial approved. Your stock F-4 DRW widow makers were 18" and had 7.00" x 18" tires that have about a 33.5"-34" diameter. An 8R19.5" matches this at 33.5" while a 225/70R19.5" is slightly shorter at 32". You'll find ads for these in the FTE classified section too. Stu

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Edit - another alternative is the use of 20" two or three piece wheels having one of the many side ring, also called lock ring, outer rim designs. These predate widow makers on Fords, and were the dominant wheels used by Dodge and IHC throughout their history. These can still be found in yards with some looking. With these it's important to avoid mix matching rim and ring components. Stu

 

Thank you very mch, Stu! I have seen your replys in other threads as ive been lurking through the site. Very informative. My buddy is buying the 52 f5 from the aame fellow im getting my f4 from. The 52 has the lock ring 20s on it. Im not sure if he is going to use them or if I can get them from him. Thanks again.

 

There are other options than the 9R22.5 tire. There is a 245/75R22.5, and a 255/70R22.5. Both are a smaller diameter, but wider. Look for a FedEx, UPS, or RV "graveyard". You might get lucky and find some wheels, or try a commercial truck salvage yard. There are still some older trucks around with the 22.5 wheel with a 5 lug pattern, I still see them occasionally. Retreads ARE a good option for your rear tires. Don't believe the hype surrounding retreads. If you want to know how to tell a good one from a bad one let me know, I sell them every day!

 

I guess the main disagreement I'd have with the metrics you cited is their "design rim width". The 245/75R22.5" is designed for a 7.50" wide rim and approved for a 6.75" on the narrow side. The 255/70R22.5" is designed for a 7.50" rim and only listed as approved for an 8.25" on the wide side. My TRA reference makes no mention of it being approved for the 6.75". I agree, though, that generally you can go one width under and one over the design width. As a practical matter it's gonna be a real chore to find a set of good used 6.75" width 22.5s. Most that we find are the 5.25s and 6.00s. You're right that the metrics save a bit on outside diameter being 37" and 37.5" respectively. But then I'd wonder if the low profile of each would cause rubbing. Stu

 

Ive got some 6" wide 22.5 wheels and one 6.75" wide wheel. A set of six that need a new home.