Split Rims!
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2009
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Split Rims!
I'm in need of some assistance trying to cross reference some rims/tires.
I have a '73 Step Van on a P 400 Ford Chassis. It has 7.50x16LT tires mounted on split rims. The tires are junk. Shopping for new tires has been frustrating and expensive. I'm not worried about weight/ply ratings too much... it's an ice cream truck, (soon to be). I was told that the newer Dodge dually rims wil fit. But others say no. I've heard that tires would be easier to find if I could find 16 1/2 rims. I'd like to find a set of salvage tires and rims but I dont know what later model trucks to look for.
Here are some dimentions of the rims I have.
16"
1/2" studs
4 3/4" center hole
Approx. 7" offset measured from deepest part to edge of rim.
Any Input Appreciated,
TIA
I have a '73 Step Van on a P 400 Ford Chassis. It has 7.50x16LT tires mounted on split rims. The tires are junk. Shopping for new tires has been frustrating and expensive. I'm not worried about weight/ply ratings too much... it's an ice cream truck, (soon to be). I was told that the newer Dodge dually rims wil fit. But others say no. I've heard that tires would be easier to find if I could find 16 1/2 rims. I'd like to find a set of salvage tires and rims but I dont know what later model trucks to look for.
Here are some dimentions of the rims I have.
16"
1/2" studs
4 3/4" center hole
Approx. 7" offset measured from deepest part to edge of rim.
Any Input Appreciated,
TIA
Trailering
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Ioway
Look for Ford 16" solid wheels from the 80's to the late 90's. These newer wheels were made to run 215/85r16 or 235/85r16 tires. The 215s will be a tad shorter than the 750-16, the 235s about the same height but wider. Older solid wheels may not work because the spacing between the duals was too close, allowing the radial tires to touch or "kiss" under a load. Radial tires will be much easier to find as take offs, plus very few tire shops will work on split rims any more. Good Luck!
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Junior User
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I think I found something...
I found a set of tires & wheels off of a 1997 cube van. The center hole is the correct size and it uses 1/2" studs. The lugs are different though, using a washer like piece between the lug nut and the wheel. The wheel itself is only a little different, being that it has 2 locating holes (for pin on drum) in the rim vs. one for mine.
If anyone knows that these will not work. Please let me know asap, it will save me alot of time and trouble. There in a salavge yard and there's no power tools, just heat, breaker bar and a BFH.
TIA,
Bob
I found a set of tires & wheels off of a 1997 cube van. The center hole is the correct size and it uses 1/2" studs. The lugs are different though, using a washer like piece between the lug nut and the wheel. The wheel itself is only a little different, being that it has 2 locating holes (for pin on drum) in the rim vs. one for mine.
If anyone knows that these will not work. Please let me know asap, it will save me alot of time and trouble. There in a salavge yard and there's no power tools, just heat, breaker bar and a BFH.
TIA,
Bob
Trailering
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Ioway
First check your lug nuts. If they have a tapered seat the lug nuts do the work of centering the wheel on the hub (nut centric). if they have a flat seat the center hole of the wheel centers things (hub centric). If your current wheels are hub centric swap away! If not, remove one wheel from the donor and put it on the front of your van, snug up the wheel nuts and give it a spin. DO NOT USE TAPERED LUG NUTS ON A WHEEL WITH FLAT SEATS! Watch the wheel as it spins making sure it clears the brake calipers, suspension, etc and that it spins straight and true. A hammer handle can be placed next to the sidewall of the tire while you spin it to give a visual reference for run out. Good luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Yes, they will work.
The rims should have a small depression into which the washer goes. They are called two piece nuts, you are suppose to put a tad of oil on them so they spin easy. I forget the torque spec., but, it is between 150-180 foot pounds for the two piece nuts. So bring at least a 1/2" drive 24" long breaker bar (not ratchet) with a long 1/4" wall pipe. Two piece nuts were not uncommon on the older F-series or the 14,400 pound vans either.
Please note that there might be right and left hand tread nuts and studs on the 1997, I doubt it, but, you never know. It was common for older two piece nuts. So, if the nut does not move, look for a L on the end of the stud.
Since your wheel studs are 1/2" make sure they are 1/2" studs and not 9/16"
The rims should have a small depression into which the washer goes. They are called two piece nuts, you are suppose to put a tad of oil on them so they spin easy. I forget the torque spec., but, it is between 150-180 foot pounds for the two piece nuts. So bring at least a 1/2" drive 24" long breaker bar (not ratchet) with a long 1/4" wall pipe. Two piece nuts were not uncommon on the older F-series or the 14,400 pound vans either.
Please note that there might be right and left hand tread nuts and studs on the 1997, I doubt it, but, you never know. It was common for older two piece nuts. So, if the nut does not move, look for a L on the end of the stud.
Since your wheel studs are 1/2" make sure they are 1/2" studs and not 9/16"
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I'm getting the lug nuts that go with the new wheels. Tomorrow I'm going to get them and then try them on the truck. I hope all goes well with it. I'll post the out come tomorrow...
Thanks for the tips. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks for the tips. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
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FAIL! Nope didn't work out. The split rims I have are "nut centric" and my front hubs do not even have the usual hub lip. The newer rims were "hub centric" and the stud holes were a bit larger than the studs and used a non tapered nut and stud hole. So there was really no way to perfectly center the rim, or even keep it centered. Even with the lugs torqued to the max, I doubt the wheel would stay centered.
The rears wouldn't work either, also due to the above & alignment holes in the rim and hub being about a 1/4" out of place.
BUT I did get ahold of some (4) nice matching truck tires (10 ply rated) dirt cheap.
Now I have a strange thought. Would it be possible to put single 8 lug wheel from a non dually truck (0 offset) on the rear and still track correctly? I'm sure people have changed their dually 1 ton trucks to non dually. My stepvan is going to be used as an Ice Cream truck, so it's not like I need 4 10 ply tires in the back.
Yes, No, Maybe?
Thanks
The rears wouldn't work either, also due to the above & alignment holes in the rim and hub being about a 1/4" out of place.
BUT I did get ahold of some (4) nice matching truck tires (10 ply rated) dirt cheap.
Now I have a strange thought. Would it be possible to put single 8 lug wheel from a non dually truck (0 offset) on the rear and still track correctly? I'm sure people have changed their dually 1 ton trucks to non dually. My stepvan is going to be used as an Ice Cream truck, so it's not like I need 4 10 ply tires in the back.
Yes, No, Maybe?
Thanks
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