Happy New Year, Bolters.
My old truck is nearly roadworthy after 30 years. The next effort is on the wheels/tires. I spoke to Steve at Nebraska tires. He believes that in the near future, OSHA will make it illegal to work on split rims in all states. It is already a challenge to find a wheel technician who will do the job, which limits how far I'll drive in my truck.
Anyway, he suggested converting the 20" splits to 22.5 rims, and that the rim width be between 6 and 7.5 inches wide, to mount a 9R22.5 tire, which measures 38.1 inches high, nearly the same as the 8.25 X 20, which are already mounted on the back of my truck. The front has 7.50 X 20, so it isn't clear there will be enough clearance for the front.
He also suggested Cross MIdwest Tires, a truck fleet tire service, may be able to either match or manufacture wheels that will fit the bolt pattern.
Can anyone else weigh in on this and the general subject of the 20" splits and what to do about them? Is it possible to go smaller, is there a one piece modern rim that will mount and clear the hub and brake lines in an 18"?
When I first researched this 5 years ago, there was a company, I believe in Colorado, that had a single piece rim in the 20" size. Unfortunately, I don't have the information anymore. But Steve said the 20" tires are all bias ply, which means they don't last as long as a radial, and they are made to mount on splits.
I just found the Accuride Web site. They have a rim that is 10 hole, 7.25 bolt circle, 5.25" Bore. It is a 19.5 X 6" wheel, described as 'light truck,' for what it's worth.
Thanks for any info you can offer.
Joe
Last edited by JoeH; 12/31/2010 7:48 PM.
