Replacement for Widowmakers?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 520
Many of these old trucks, that are rebuilt, are actually safer than they were when they left the factory. Most folks will install seat belts and shoulder belts along with better brakes and in some cases, better suspensions.
The key is the quality of parts and the craftsmanship involved in the build.
In a post above, it was mentioned that Mustang II suspensions can vary in quality. Some are Chinese junk, and others are some of the finest craftsmanship out there.
When it comes to insurance, I recommend using quality parts, good craftsmanship and make sure your paperwork regarding the titles are in order. Do not give the insurance company a legitimate reason to deny a claim.
The key is the quality of parts and the craftsmanship involved in the build.
In a post above, it was mentioned that Mustang II suspensions can vary in quality. Some are Chinese junk, and others are some of the finest craftsmanship out there.
When it comes to insurance, I recommend using quality parts, good craftsmanship and make sure your paperwork regarding the titles are in order. Do not give the insurance company a legitimate reason to deny a claim.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 955
Likes: 199
From: Pratt Ks
I will do the best job i can to be as safe as possible within my budget, but feel free to share ideas for other options.
I have had no luck finding 20" lock ring rims.
Could an adapter be machined?
I have had no luck finding 20" lock ring rims.
Could an adapter be machined?
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,381
Likes: 1,791
From: Western NY
We are talking in circles again: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...on-option.html
You would need proper castings to machine, and mill / lathe work to finish them up properly. A chunk of metal, a router, and a metal bit isn't going to cut it at all.
You would need proper castings to machine, and mill / lathe work to finish them up properly. A chunk of metal, a router, and a metal bit isn't going to cut it at all.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 48
Original RH5
Cut the center out of a 7.5x22.5
Cut part of the outer half of the rh5 off...right at the edge of the rivets
Drops right in
1/4" gap is all thats left
See the gap
Cut just the lip off the rh5 so it is flush
1/4" x 1" rolled into a hoop by the fab shop
Fills the gap perfect
Tacked and spun on a brake lathe to check alignment
Welded on the face and the inside
Welded the 1/4" filler to the 22.5 and then welded again to the RH5....18 feet of welding per wheel
Rattle canned for now...powdercoat will happen before new rubber happens
Junk tire for now just to roll around
Fits great on the front...have a pair on the rear now too...may need to do 1/2" spacers...pretty close to the leaf spring but it does fit as is.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 955
Likes: 199
From: Pratt Ks
What is the clearance with the steering, does it rub or hit anything also how tall is the tire top to bottom?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 48
The 7.5x22.5 are gonna be better. I have 9r22.5's right now and they are about 37" tall. Also as narrow as you will find on a 22.5
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 48
Not sure on steering yet, steering is still completely seized on my truck lol...rolling was my first check point.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,887
Likes: 3,130
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I tried to search for the post by the guy who welded the holes of a 6-8 hole rim and then redrilled them with 5-6 holes. The person said he was a structural or metallurgic engineer. I searched for the post a few times and just can't find it. I think it was posted within the last year, or maybe a little farther back.
If filling and redrilling holes can be done I think that would be the best way to go.
If filling and redrilling holes can be done I think that would be the best way to go.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,381
Likes: 1,791
From: Western NY
Hammermanr2 and I are trying to relay that you need to be conscious of rim/tire width for the duals and steering. Thus, I gave original F5 specs on the wheels and their 22.5 equivalents.