1978 f-600 widow maker conversion help
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1978 f-600 widow maker conversion help
I have a 78 f-600 dump truck with widow makers on it. I'd love to get rid of them but I'm not sure what I would need or if it's even possible. One thing I've noticed is that the outer dual is part of the hub (unlike a modern wheel). I can't believe that it hasn't been done or can't be but would really like some direction to go with. Just would really like to check my air pressure without wondering if this is the day. Thanks for the help
Cargo Master
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From: Pryor, OK
We called them Dana style wheels at the trucking company I worked for. Nick named "Widow Makers" because when you are mounting tires on them, and you don't set the split ring on right, it will fly off due to the pressure in the tire and cause some pretty nasty damage if not kill you when they hit you. We would build our own trailers and in order to change over to the one piece wheel, you have to change out the hubs. It's a very common conversion so it shouldn't be too hard to change over. Look for the oldest mechanic at the local trucking company and I am sure he will point you in the right direction for parts needed. I remember doing the conversion, 15 years ago, on well over 20 axles but do not recall any part numbers.
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Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Central Illinois
Those are not the true widow makers, which in most instances used the Firestone "RH-5°" rims. Those are Dayton style spoke wheels having Goodyear split side ring (or lock ring) rims. They are generally safe to use if undamaged. There were also Goodyear "K" rims that were very common in Dayton applications that were also killers. These are the ones that gave us the name "split rim", because they have a split front to back and were held together by a solid/continuous side ring. Both the RH-5° and K rims were subject of a recall attempt during the 1970s. The recall effort failed, but both Firestone and Goodyear agreed to cease production of those designs in 1972.
You can switch to the use of tubeless 22.5" rims on your stock Dayton spoked centers.
Here is the Goodyear K, which in this example has a 28° mounting angle.
And here is the Firestone RH-5°. Stu
You can switch to the use of tubeless 22.5" rims on your stock Dayton spoked centers.
Here is the Goodyear K, which in this example has a 28° mounting angle.
And here is the Firestone RH-5°. Stu
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Redmond,Wa.
I was raised in a gas station in the 40-50's. My Dad used to give all the split rim jobs to me to do. I guess that's about when I figured out he did not like me much.
Raised in a gas station, sorry should say Service Station worked out well. Still do all my own work, just has to be older cars/trucks.
Raised in a gas station, sorry should say Service Station worked out well. Still do all my own work, just has to be older cars/trucks.
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So I'm assuming that when you say I can switch to tubeless rims it's basically a new outside rim of the wheel bolting on to the old spoke section. In doing this I can then get regular radial 22.5 tires then correct?
Marmon-Herrington Man
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From: Central Illinois
Yes, absolutely. You will see in the below diagrams that the 22.5" rim mounts in the same manner as your present 20s. The 22.5" design has exactly the same inside diameter as a 20" where it mounts to the spoke wheel. The extra 2.5" results from need for a "drop center" in the rim to allow the tubeless tire to be stretched over the lip in mounting. But you will also notice that the outside diameter of a radial 11R22.5" is the same as that of a bias 10-20". The different sidewall construction accounts for the difference. Stu
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From: fla
sorry to jump in on someone else thread...
Im just confused on these rims.
These are the same rims I have on my 74 l800.
If I understand correct all I need is a new outer rim that is 22.5.
It will then bolt up to the same inner spoke from my 20.
if so where can these be found.
thanks Al
Im just confused on these rims.
These are the same rims I have on my 74 l800.
If I understand correct all I need is a new outer rim that is 22.5.
It will then bolt up to the same inner spoke from my 20.
if so where can these be found.
thanks Al
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"Demountable tubeless rims"
Demountable Rims & Components - Accuride Wheel End Solutions
I see you are in Florida--maybe you can find a heavy truck tire dealer that sells them.
Demountable Rims & Components - Accuride Wheel End Solutions
I see you are in Florida--maybe you can find a heavy truck tire dealer that sells them.