The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1955 4100 axles for my 1951

Hello, I have a lead on some 1955 4100 axles with wheels and tire and was wonder whether these would solve my problem regarding the split rims and hard to find tires that I currently have?
From what I can tell, the ‘55 4100 had solid wheels and 7-20 tires. I haven’t gotten far enough to check the width of these axles but that is next.
Any help or suggestions on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Rich

Seems like going from a '51 to a '55 axle would be trading one set of rusty problems for another. If you have more money than time (to switch the axle itself) the easiest way to get a non-rusty set of wheels and tires you might still be able to buy, is to go with the new 22.5" tubeless wheels. I bought a set of 6 for my C-60 with two ton Chevy bolt pattern. Expensive-$1800-but you only have to buy once, cry once. Now my grandkids will still be able (probably) to buy tires for this rig.

RichieC - Take (or get the seller to take and send you pics) and post pictures of the wheels on the "1955 4100 axles" so we can try and provide better feedback on your question. A little snooping through the GM Heritage Info Kits shows the basic dimensions/descriptions for the 4100 series wheels seems to be overall the same. There are 2 wheel sizes listed: 20 x 5.0 (standard) and 20 x 6.0 (optional) for both 1955 1st Series and 1955 2nd Series 4000 model trucks.

That being said, reading through the 1955 2nd Series 1955 Chevrolet Truck Engineering Features document (extract attached below), it shows the 1955 2nd Series 4100 wheel axle pilot diameter openings were enlarged from the previous years 4-3/4" to 5-1/4". With that in mind, I think it's important to verify if the "1955" axles are 1st Series or 2nd Series.