The split "ring" wheel is OK to use as long as everything is in good shape. There's a couple of different style of split ring wheels but it's obvious what kind of wheel it is. Some have a three piece wheel and some only are two piece. Rust is the biggest threat to these wheels. If the split is in the center of the actual wheel itself, then you'll be hard pressed to find someone willing to work on it. Even I won't mess with such a poorly designed and old wheel as the "widow maker".
Scott


Scott Ward

2 1948 1.5-ton Loadmasters
The red one and The snow pusher
1 1950 3100
1 1955.1 Chevy 6500
1 1954 Chevy 6500 2-Ton
1 1955 1st Series COE 5700
1 1963 K20 (454)
1 1964 C10 (350)
1 1951 1.5-ton Dump Truck
1953 and a 1956 Ford F800

Raising a teenager is like trying to nail Jello to a tree!