The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Backspacing/wheel fit on '46 1/2-ton

Hello folks,

Truck is a late 1946 ½-ton pickup. VIN 6DPC8###. Stock suspension and drum brakes.

After investigating having tires put on the two-piece lock ring wheels, I am considering getting these Wheel Vintiques 15x6 smoothie rims to have the new 215/75r15 tires mounted. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-12-5606358#overview

Can anyone tell me if these will fit without interference? They list the backspacing as 3.625 inches. I have read that there is not much room to clear the tie rod and/or drag link up front.

Unfortunately, I am a 14-hour drive away from the truck, so I am not easily able to just take some measurements to verify the fit. I tried asking the tech support for Wheel Vintiques, but they did not know if the wheel was compatible.

Anyone knowing the allowed backspacing or running a similar setup, your input is welcome and appreciated!

Many thanks!
-Michael

I noticed one of the reviewers says the wheels worked on a stock '49 3100... Would a '46 3100 have the same suspension geometry?

It seems like it would be a fairly conservative change from the 15x5.5", 0-offset, two-piece lock ring wheels. I think the new wheel would only have about a 1/2" more backspace (considering half the extra 1/2" of wheel width, and 3 mm positive offset).

Some of the things I read about tie rods and the drag link possibly hitting have me a little nervous to just try them, given that I'm operating from a long distance away. Part of my intent is to make it easy for my Mother-in-law to have a friend do a simple wheel/tire swap. I would hate to just guess and complicate things instead of making it easy for the person helping with the labor.

Best,
Michael

Any comments on a 15x6 wheel with 3.625" backspace working on a stock '46 1/2-ton (31004)?

I found the same wheel in 15x5 with 3" backspace but it is back ordered,more expensive and slightly narrower than recommended for the 215/75/15 tire I would like to use.

Sorry for the shameless thread bump, got to get the 46 mobile so groundhogs can be evicted from the shed

Best,
Michael

Just an update to this thread- The Wheel Vintiques 12-5606358 (12 series smoothie) 15x6 rims and 215/75r15 tires fit great on the '46 1/2-ton.

Best,
Michael