lorber,
I put "modren" 8-lug rims on my '53 3/4 ton, too. Initially, I found that the tie rod end would interfere with the rim (but only on a sharp right turn, I believe), so I spaced the left front rim out from the hub with lock washers on each stud. Recently, doing some routine checks/ maintenance, I discovered that the tie rod end was interfering mostly with just the balancing weight on the inside lip of the rim, and that a rim w/o any balancing weights on the inside lip would work OK. For good measure I took a big file and shaved down the part of the tie rod end that was close to the rim, and now I have clearance (it's close, but OK) with no spacers, which makes me feel much better about my lug nuts. Of course, I don't know if my backset is the same as yours, but you might check out the balancing weight and the possiblity of trimming down your tie rod end... Food for thought.
Tyler
