The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Rear Wheel Clearance

I just got some 19.5" wheels for my '48 3800 dually. Unfortunately, I made a dumb move and forgot about checking on crucial clearance. The wheels hit the brake drum and are about 1" from the hub. Since they are hub centric, I feel like a spacer is not a wise option. Anyone have other ideas? Is there someone that makes hub centric spacers for the 4.56" bore? I've only found bigger ones.

Any good machine shop should be able to fabricate a set of spacers, but be aware you'll also have to install longer lug studs to accommodate them. They will be e$$pensive! Do you still intend to run dual wheels? If so, remember to make the new hub-centric area wide enough to handle centering both wheels. I'd strongly recommend steel, not aluminum for the spacers.
Jerry

Try some other 19.5" wheels. The ones I found (used) fit on my 51 one ton dual just perfect, something like 1/4" clearance at corner of brake drums to wheel dish.

I do still intend to run duals in the back. Might have to see if I can find a machine shop in the area, different wheels may not be a viable option. It took me almost a year to find the 19.5's that I did, don't seem to be many in this area.

I have found hub centric spacers which have a 116.7 mm bor which converts to 4.59" (and change)...I am assuming that will not work, correct? My understanding is that 4.56" needs to be exact.

Let's see a picture of those wheels.
I remember now having owned a set of 8 lug 19.5 duals with an uncommon center style. They were more cone shaped, these might be what you have?
The 19.5" wheels that fit on my truck, and most all that I see out there have a concave, spherical shape to the center dish.

Wheel adapters or spacers just sound like a bad idea, and expensive.

Also, have you considered a 14 bolt rear axle swap to get faster gears and more modern drum brakes with available replacement drums on shelf at parts stores still?
That would likely also solve the problem and let you use wheels you have.

Grigg

The wheels I have are an Accuride 29015, I believe. I might call them more cone shaped so that very well could be what you're thinking of. Here is a picture of them: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xzqy9rwidwcb6gt/IMG_20170106_230551036.jpg?dl=0

And on the front of the truck, they fit perfectly there: https://www.dropbox.com/s/s0zpr10shgf25oi/IMG_20170427_194104209.jpg?dl=0

I agree, I do not like the idea of adapters/spacers either but I am not sure if there are any other viable options.

I have thought about doing a rear-end swap but I am not sure if I want to go that far into this truck, I don't currently plan to keep it. I am mostly just getting it in good running/driving shape for the next person to either take over and finish it or just take it and use it. I also do not have any equipment/expertise for welding, etc.; are there rear ends out there that will just be a direct bolt-on for the '48?

Nice truck.

Ed

Yes, looks like wheels I was thinking of.
Someone ought to trade you wheels, or find the other version and sell those. They're out there.

Spacers are usually just asking for trouble. Do it right and just get wheels that fit.

Or
The 14 bolt only needs spring pads cut off and new aftermarket ones welded on, you can hire the welding done.
Plenty of threads and discussions here about the 14 bolt rear swap.
I have some, but have not completed the swap yet, not enough time in the week.... make that year.

Thanks!



I guess the search continues for one or the other, I was already leaning away from spacers to begin with, as I mentioned but now I have been convinced against it by a combination of you and myself lol.

Found a few 14 bolts locally but they look fairly junky...though I haven't popped the cover off mine yet to know if it's even worth saving. I would assume I should be ok to just install my outer wheels to at least get it back on the ground?