Split rim question

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Jul 27, 2006 | 03:32 PM

7283-F250

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 3,430

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From: NH

Split rim question

I have some old 16.5" split rims I want to turn into the local steel place to be used on some future F series truck parts.

My question is can I cut the rubber off these rims or will doing this release the spring tension on the retaining ring causing them to shoot loose and cut my head off?

There was a place near me that I know dismounted split rims but that was at least 6 years ago.

Jul 27, 2006 | 05:02 PM

mudgepondexpress

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 526

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From: Spokane, WA

Once you drain the air out of the tires there is no "spring" pressure left. They only install the wheels and tires in the cage when they are airing them up. Make sure the tires are flat before you start.

Does that help?
Kenny

Jul 28, 2006 | 03:30 PM

7283-F250

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Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

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From: NH

Yes It does. I did not know that.
I thought it had the spring pressure just to hold the rubber on without air.

Some have no air and the spring ring is still attached solidly. I should be able to use a pry bar to get the rings off????

And I think I might have found a shop to dismount them but they need to look at them and I still don't know what they would charge..

Jul 28, 2006 | 03:34 PM

mudgepondexpress

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Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 526

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From: Spokane, WA

Usually it takes pounding with a sledgehammer to get the rings off. Most of them are rusted to the rim making them 1 peice in effect.

Split rims run tubes (because they don't hold air) thus you might salvage the tube for floating/tubing if you want. It has been years since I broke one down (I was a lot hog at a small town Ford dealership) but once they are aired out they didn't scare me, I just hammered away.

Check out this instructional (add your www. to the front)! Nicely done!!!

4wdonline.com/Wheels/Split.html

Kenny

Last edited by mudgepondexpress; Jul 28, 2006 at 03:37 PM.

Jul 31, 2006 | 10:53 AM

7283-F250

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Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

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From: NH

Thank you for the link. A very interseting read and I feel I might be able to dismount these myself.

Aug 1, 2006 | 01:06 AM

FSC

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Joined: May 2003

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From: Alaska

Not trying to be picky but if you have 16.5 wheels, they are not split rims,
what you have are probably 15 or 16" split rims, Let the air out of them and there is no danger, just a lot of work.

Aug 1, 2006 | 11:47 PM

"Beemer Nut"

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: "Islander"

As long as the ring grooves are clean and the ring not twisted by a "Goober", assemble, add air till app 6 psi then check for proper ring seating. No biggie then just add air as it is safe.
You never want to drive that extra 1/4 mile on a split rim with a flat as you'll throw the ring, tire, tube and boot.
On F 250's they were 16" rims like 7.50 x 16 tires.

.....=o&o>.....