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Hey, I used the search button and the posts I found were from 10+years ago so I'm looking to see if there is some fresh info. I have a 2wd 64 f350 dually in decent condition, except the tires. No one will touch the widow maker rims. I'd rather have newer type wheels on it. Does anyone know if there is a wheel company that makes them in the 6x7.25 lug pattern for a dually? If not does anyone have any info on axle swaps?
First, a welcome to FTE. Your truck's wheels are not widow makers. The trade name for the widow makers' rim is the Firestone RH-5°. Yours are more correctly called locking side ring wheels. The trade name for their outer rims is Firestone RHP. Diagrams for each are below.
I see from your profile that you live in Texas. It would be understandable that no Walmart or similar tire store would service your wheels, but, knowing that the RHP was widely used across the industry for decades by all manufacturers, there have to be shops in rural areas that are servicing the ranchs and other trades.
No reproduction 16" wheel that I've seen mention of has become available having the 6 x 7.25" pattern. But companies like Wheels Now in WI are offering more old patterns in custom wheels so they may be able to help. Here's a link to them.
IMO the best tubeless replacement, if you are committed to that path and can find a set, is the original Budd #71320 (six hand holes) or #79120 (three hand holes) that were optional on F-350s, and similar Dodge, IHC, and Studebaker one ton trucks from 1956 to 1968. Ford through 1966. They are 17.5" x 5.25" wide. I don't know of any available sets right now, but they do show up on eBay and Craig's List. I'll also be doing a yard tour in coming weeks and always have my eyes open for them. Below are pictures. Stu
Yes, there are companies that will remount tube type center discs into new tubeless rims. Two that are well known are Stockton Wheel in CA and American Wheel Specialist in WA. Below are links to these companies. Phone calls to them might offer greater insights. American Wheel Specialist is a wholesaler to the huge Les Schwab and Commercial Tire dealer networks. If you live west and are covered by those dealers you'd have to work with a dealer. If you live east it's my experience having bought a set of wheels from them that they will work with you directly.
The DRWs on your truck are Budd #65340-1. Ford regrettably (imho) plays part number games and changed their assigned numbers for some unknown reason. I find Ford numbers C3TZ 1007-H, C3TZ 1007-L, and TCAA 1007-B all connected to Budd 65340-1. Bill may have a more current number as well. It is also listed by the National Wheel and Rim Association (NWRA) under their cross reference code X-45065. The wheel was also used by Studebaker.
If you call one of these companies, or others that can be recommended, they will want to know the diameter of your wheel center discs to see if they can be cleanly fitted to new tubeless 16" drop center rims without requiring a trim to fit or build up operation. None of my references cite the outside diameter of your center discs. However, Firestone rim references show that the inside diameter of their 16" x 5.50F RHP rim, measured at the semi-drop center mounting point of the disc, is 15.12". So, the inside rim diameter should equal the disc outside diameter. If that is the same as the inside diameter of a tubeless drop center 16" replacement rim you're in business. Stu
At first glance it could be a viable option. It might even be possible to mount up the wheels with modern washer style lug nuts, with minimal redrilling.
But, how close are the center openings of the two wheels. Without proper centering of the wheels, they will not last long.
Lug retention will only hold so long. And the wheels will, creep off center quickly.
That will result in disastrous repercussions in short order.
so im sure some one on this form will say something critcal about how we did this , but i got tired of 54 sitting in my garage not going anywhere because of the 6x 7.25 bolt pattern with widowmakers, we swapped the rear axle to a dana 60 and then did this.... it seems to work great , and now we can finally drive the dang truck with out fear of the old wheels and tires . ive now driving it down the road at "top speed" and have had no trouble what so ever
i will also say i got a lot of flack for drilling out our own custom wheels for the f5 and using trailer wheels on the f3 but they now have gone several thousand miles with no issues and had we not gotten creative all of these trucks would be be big old paper weights
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