When ford lists the wheel size for 57-60 ford trucks like 16 or 17.5 is that the actual diameter of the wheel when measured? I was looking at some split rims but the guy at the wrecking place said that some of the tire shops won't mess with them. Has anyone used them and have had problems with tire shops not wanting to work on them? Does anyone one know when the solid wheels were first made for 4x4's? Thanks

 

Split Rims are very dangerous, as the tire is being dismounted from the rim, the split ring can come off, and take someone's head off. That has happened. You do NOT want split rims. Most tire shops want nothing to do with split rims. You don't either.


Rims that are listed as 15" - 16" - 17.5" or whatever are the actual diameter.

 

If you have the option of using a one piece tubeless rim, clearly that is the best option. Some of us don't, however, have that option if we intend to keep our trucks original. There are two basic designs of multi-part wheels. One, a Firestone design, is termed a RH-5* (that's a degree sign which my key board doesn't allow). These rims lock together at about the mid point of the wheel. Ford used a lot of these through the Bonus Built years up into the 60s. They are the real killers because, as Number Dummy says, they can come apart violently without warning. A Google search of "Firestone RH-5" will yield you a good sampling of jury awards. The other basic design, originally by Goodyear, are called "lock ring" or "snap ring". They too are dangerous, and must be aired up using a cage or with use of chains wrapped around them, but to my understanding are still serviceable at tire shops that cater to trucks. The key is to ensure that there is no rust or other damage to the rim. Sandblasting to ensure a good seat for the lock ring helps too.

As to your question about sizing, the wheel is measured where the tire seats, not at the edge of the outer rim. The old multi-part rims commonly had different sized flanges one wheel design to another. I can't answer your question about when solid rims were first introduced because I'm on vacation away from my books. Maybe Number Dummy can help with that.

I'll edit here too if I may. I see from your profile that your truck is a F-250. It's my understanding that both Ford and Dodge used eight lug x 6.5" circle 17.5" tubeless rims during the 60s. I have a couple. If yours are the 6 lug design, though, I'd have to see my books to give a better answer.

 

...1959...

 

Thanks for the information.