The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 6" x 16 rims for 41 AK truck

Is there anyway to put 6" wheels on my truck to replace the original 4" rims and avoid clearance problems with the tie rod ends? I am converting the truck to disc brakes and am told the kits will put the mounting flanges in the exact same place. Original spec says 4" wheel had 9/16" offset which I thought meant approx. 3.06 backspace? New 6" wheels are available(customized) with a reverse dish close to that backspace. Seems that wouldn't look right. Any suggestions???? I have heard changing the tie rod ends to a modern design would buy some clearance but it didn't sound like it was enough to make up for the backspace differences. I don't have the original wheels to measure and really want to stick with 16" diameter.

It's all about measuring your back spacing looking for problem items like the tie rod end, steering arms etc, spend some time under the truck measuring backspace with the wheels you have. The available backspace shouldn't be to difficult to determine. With the measurements in hand, these custom wheel shops can install the center into the rim to fit your needs. I've had this done with Paulson's wheels, Stockton Wheel etc and other companies, pretty common issue they should be able to help you as well.

Don't know where you are located in CA but these shops are out there. Best of luck

Thanks JiMerit Boltr#43, ---I am in Cupertino,(near San Jose). Due to the state of disassembly I actually don't have anything to measure. I have established however that what I need is no larger than a 3" backspace. which seems to be what the original was based on the 4" rim with a 9/16" offset. I am told there was a 3/4" space between the wheel and the tie rod ends. I haven't been able to contact Stockton Wheel but Paulson's were very nice folks to talk with. Unfortunatly it appears they can make 6" wheels with a 2.75" or 3" backspace but couldn't do it with an original looking replacement hubcap. I am going to give them another call to make sure I fully understood everything. Appears I just can't get where I want to go with this.

I am getting fairly frustrated with this project and if I can't get the truck finished to the specs I want I may decide not to spend more $$ and years working on it. Might be time to unload and go on to other projects I want to work on. I will give it another try with Paulson's as they seemed to be very knowledgeable. In the past I have also contacted Wheel Smith, Vintique, Coker etc. etc. So far I can get 4.5" rims with the hubcap look I want but am not excited about limited tire availability to basically one source. I want 6" rims with original Backspace so I can get standard tires and hubcaps with the original look to them. Never imagined that rims and tires would be this big of a problem.

On my 46, had to convert old style tie rod to a smaller more modern tie rod end. I believe my friend used a 50s Ford truck tie rod and ends, shortened it to fit and had to remove the balls from steering arms and ream the holes to fit taper of Ford ends.
A lot of work for me but my buddy was a machinist, easy deal for him. These wheels are the stock 15" artillery type with drum brakes with radial tires. Running about a 2" dropped axle, which leads to other issues. I'm guessing you are going over to 5 lug pattern wheel? All these issues can be solved, just trial and error every step of the way. Also search youtube for info? My rear wheels have wider rims but old artillery center, another wheel shop cut the old center out and fit it to a wider outer rim, no sweat. But front axle and steering arms, tie rods are a puzzle to sort out, add radial tires makes it even tighter. Best of luck.

If you want original wheel measurements let me know and I will get whatever you want. Dave

Thanks to all for the good information :-)

JiMerit#43 -- I really don't want to modify the Tie Rod or ends at this point. I just want to get rims with adequate backspace so I can keep close to the original clearance without any rubbing issues with the rim or tires. Rear will be 5 Lug 5 1/2" pattern and front will be 5 Lug 4 3/4" pattern. I have found dual pattern rim centers. Only problem seems to be the correct backspace and original looking hubcaps. I thought I got lucky with a reverse dish but I was told it probably wouldn't fit over the disc brake conversion. One problem seems to get solved only to create another.

Homer 52 -- Since I am unsure actual original measurements I would very much appreciate any measurements you could provide. I found the original rims are 4" and according to several original books the offset is 9/16".
What I don't know is what the original clearance is between the rim/tire and the tie rod end is. Also, when the wheels are turned all the way to the right and left what the clearances are between the tire rubber and frame or any other possible clearance problems. I also don't know if I change the rims to 6" rims which increase tire width approx. 2" if that creates any clearance problems with the front or for that matter the rear fenders? I am kind of working in the dark since I don't have an assembled truck to make measurements. My initial math based on 3/4" tie rod clearance, 4" rims and 9/16" offset is that I need a 6" rim with no more than 3.06" backspace and original style hubcaps that fit a center with the dual lug pattern. It sounded like a plan but one of those requirements keeps creating a problem depending on who I speak to about the rims. Either I can't find the needed backspace, or hubcaps are not available, or brake clearance is unacceptable, or .... Measurements would be very helpful.

I will try and get measurements for you tomorrow. My 41 chevy is bone stock. Dave

The entire wheel is 5 1/4" wide offset. 3 1/4" don't know what you call the same measurement on the outside 1 3/4".

Wheels straight ahead. There is close to a 1" gap between the wheel and the tierod. Wheels full right there is 5" between the wheel and the shock ( I have tube shocks) wheels full left about 4 inches between wheel and shock. I saw no reason a wider wheel with correct offset would cause any interferance issues with frame or bumper. Dave

Dave,(homer52)
Thanks for the measurements. They are close to what I can gather from my existing parts and a couple of other sources. All measurements I look at seem to vary +/- 1/4". I am checking with a wheel shop now who thinks he can get me a rim and hubcap combo with 3" backspace.
I am going to look at all the brake parts, driveline, and differential costs and make a decision. Thanks again for the measurements and all the help from everyone on this site. Bill

Dave,(homer52)

Thanks again for the measurements.

Paulsons tells me they can make the wheels that will fit the front with the correct backspace so I won't have to modify the tie rod ends.

Now I am thinking about the rear fender clearance. If I put the 6" rims and new tires it will add about 2" to the overall tire width. Does your original truck have an extra 1" on either side of the tire to spare? Concerned about rubbing the tire on the fender.

Because I am moving to back country soon I may need to put some fairly aggressive tread or even occasionally mount chains on them. I just want to make sure I don't solve the front clearance issue only to create one in the rear. It just occurred to me if I am having a custom differential built perhaps I can have them narrow the dimension a bit to pull the outer tire back in if I need to. If your truck has more room on the inside than the outside that might work for me. Bill

Been busy, will try to get info tomorrow. Dave

oon my 41 chev 1/2 ton I found some 17 inch spoke wheels from a 37 chev car. They just look cool and they were cheep at a swap meet. noel in nm