I have a opportunity to acquire a set of original 17.5 rims for my 64 F350, that said before I buy them can I fit 235/75R17.5 tires on them, everything else seems to short in comparison to my 700/750 17s that were on it.

 

Why would you want to put a set of odd size rims on your truck? Tires will be hard to find and limited in choice. Whoever put 17 on 17.5 did no one any favors.

 

this way I can have dual wheels in the rear and keep my singles in the front as I have only located 5 17.5 rims

 

The reason to swap 17” widow makers for 17.5” tubeless wheels becomes obvious when wheel and tire safety is at issue. Too often guys think a 17” tube type and 17.5” tubeless are similar in size because of the seemingly minor difference in wheel diameter. In truth, the 17.5” is closer to a 16” truck wheel than it is to a 17”. The 17.5s are 5.25” wide. Finding a pair of F-350 (or Dodge or IHC) 16” DRW two part locking side ring wheels for the front would be safer than running the SRW 17” widow makers. Your 6 x 7.25” pattern limits choices.

Your plan to run the SRW widow makers on the front with 235/80R17” tires would yield about a 32” tire outside diameter. This is about the same as a 235/85R16”, or old size 7.50-16” bias ply. Your plan to run the 17.5s on the rear with 235/75R17.5s would yield a 31.38” tire outside diameter, but would far exceed the rim width specs by calling for a 6.75” or wider rim. Another option is an 8R17.5” tire at about 32”. That tire is spec’d for a 6.00” rim which gets you close on rim width. These tires are commonly trailer sizes so be alert to high ply ratings and rough ride characteristics. This is where your tire dealer should give guidance. Stu

 

My 17 in centers were cut out and put into new hoops by a local machine shop, have been running them for 2 years with no issues. Because I still use the truck for work I'd like to put duals on the rear. The tires you listed I have not been able to source in Canada in a traction tread pattern. No point of putting duellys on with hwy tires. My local tire shop figured the 235/75/R17.5 would fit because the said the gap was fairly big on these old duel wheel set ups.

 

Okay, good. More info helps. The 17s on front work fine, especially with traction rears. If your tire shop is okay mounting the 17.5” tractions on the rear then follow their lead. The 17.5” wheels have 4.75” of offset (going from memory) so they should check the section widths of the tires to ensure enough dual wheel spacing. The tires will crown somewhat mounted on the narrow rims which will help on the spacing. Stu