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I was gonna swap axles on my 53 M350 but I have since evaluated the pros and cons and have decided it keep it stock, it has the good ole 6 lug 7.25 17" RH5 splits. If I am unable to get different bolt-on wheels for it I am just gonna keep the split rims, I know, I know, no need for a lecture I'm well aware of the risks of these things but in the good will of being able to say I at least tried I have heard of some 17.5 inch tubeless rims that look bolt on, I just need to know some technical info on them because I'm pretty sure I could probably find some local to me. Thanks to anyone who has info on this.
Nice looking ‘53 tonner Express. Clearly you’ve done your reading on the 17” RH-5° stock wheels. The solution you are wanting is a set of 17.5” x 5.25” tubeless wheels, either Budd 71320s or 79120s. The 71320s have six hand holes and 79120s have three. These were optional on F-350s from 1956 to 1966. They use 8-17.5” tires that will be about 32” in diameter vs the 34” of your stock 7.50-17”. I see that you live in Manitoba. Our friend Mark Buck (buck5050) in Missoula has an available set if they would save you some yard time, but shipping might be an issue. I can text him to drop by if you wish to talk with him about them. Stu
Stu, you and mark do so much good for our little community, thank you guys so much.
I still have a bunch of 17.5 8 lug wheels I need to get rid of but shipping just makes it unreasonable...and I'd rather not sell them to some re-seller who'd gonna put 'em on FB for 4 times my price....
Those single rear wheel style, 8 x 6.5” pattern, 17.5s should be very sought after by guys having stock 48-51 F-3s having the 14” Lockheed rear drums. They fit the drums nicely, are tubeless, and are a great fix for the widow maker issue on the early trucks. No OEM 16” wheel has been found that will clear those drums. Stu
