" 5.5" wide, 9 x 22.5 fit nicely."
I'm certain if you check with the Tire & Rim Association that will not be recommended.
I don't know how you measured the width but it really makes a difference. It must be taken from between the flanges of where the tires would seat against the tire. Rims are generally stamped on the underside with the size also.
5.5" is way too narrow for a 9:00 tire regardless of whether it goes on the rim or not.
Proper tire size must be taken into consideration especially on a dual tire setup because of the necessary clearance required between the tire sidewalls. That, proper inflation and the spacer ring if so equipped are important safety issues to avoid heat from friction of tires rubbing together.
