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Apr 30, 2008 | 07:18 PM

mjwbyrne

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Newbie Questions

I went ahead and made the plunge and purchased a 1966 F350 dually. I have been spending a good deal of time going through the wealth of information on this site. I have been reading about the "split-rims" and have a couple of questions.

We all of the 16" dually wheels on these trucks "split rims"? Can the "split rims" support a tubeless tire? From what I have read the answer is no, but my truck has what looks to be the same rims on the front and rear, yet the front tires are tubeless and the rear tires are tube. Is there a way to visually determine a "split-rim" from a one-piece rim?

The rear rims on the truck are Firestone 16 X 5.5 FRHP (I think). I can not see any marking on the front rims. All of the rims are 6 x 7.25 bolt configuration.

Thank you.

Apr 30, 2008 | 07:26 PM

camperspecial65

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From: seattle

the split rims are easily identifiable...if you look at where the tire bead sits on the rim/ring and then look inward about another 3/4 inch or so you should see a definate split which would be where the ring sits.
My guess is the rears would be very similar..

- cs65

Apr 30, 2008 | 08:09 PM

mjwbyrne

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Newbie Questions

CS65

Thanks for your post. I uploaded pictures of the front and rear wheels to my gallery. I think I see the split-rim on the front wheels, but not on the rear wheels. This seems strange to me since the front wheels have tubless tires and the rears are tube. Am I incorrect in thinking the tubeless tires would have to sit on a one-piece wheel?

thanks

Apr 30, 2008 | 08:47 PM

Sam_Fear

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Davenport, IA

That front tire sure looks like a split rim, and the rear looks to be a solid rim. I thought it was next to impossible to seat a bead on a split rim. If I remember correctly my ring was not a solid ring, but had a break in it like a big snap ring. Maybe it's under your weights. Either way, the usual suggestion is to ditch the splits when it comes time to get new tires. WARNING: SPLIT RIMS ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO CHANGE TIRES ON.

Apr 30, 2008 | 09:07 PM

Customcab

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From: Clarksville,Tn

Welcome to FTE. Good looking truck what'sthe plans with the big boy?

Mitch

Apr 30, 2008 | 09:32 PM

mjwbyrne

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Customcab

Welcome to FTE. Good looking truck what'sthe plans with the big boy?

Mitch

Pretty much to drive it and enjoy it as much as possible. The truck is pretty much stock and in great shape. The truck had been used as a farm fuel truck for years and thus was only used for a month or two a year. The truck seems to be very mechanically sound, I just want to ensure everything is working correctly and make it as safe as possible, thus my questions about the rims. I have read alot about the split rims and yet I can't really understand the configuration of this truck.

Perhaps one of the previous owners replaced the rear wheels and they were able to get someone to install a tubeless tire on the front split wheel???

Apr 30, 2008 | 09:50 PM

camperspecial65

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From: seattle

the front wheel definately looks like a split rim...the rears appear to be one piece wheels...but there may be a split ring on the inboard side...prolly not, but i would look though...but your fronts are split rims...

- cs65

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May 1, 2008 | 01:31 AM

jhooch

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Joined: May 2005

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From: Spokane, WA

Split rims (actually the correct term is lock-ring wheel) can use tubeless tires however you must still use tubes and flaps. If you are using radial tires make sure your tubes and flaps are marked radial as well. Lock ring wheels are safe if serviced properly. Make sure the rings match the bases. A good tire store will have a RMA rim matching chart. Many of these had damaged rings which were replaced with improper ones. Post your ring number and base number (stamped on the ring and base) and I can tell you. Always air up lock rings in a safety cage. That being said, I would still ditch them for standard drop center 16" wheels. FYI "split rims" also known as the "Widowmaker" (correct term RH5) were 20" wheels found on 50's and 60's big trucks (i.e. F800) that actually join together in the center. Basically two rim halves thus the term split rim. Somehow the term was erroneously applied to lock-ring wheels as well. The RH5 wheels are very dangerous and should be scrapped. Not many tire dealers will touch those anymore.