The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Tire fit

I have a '57 6400 grain truck. All the tires are 8.25 - 20. Someone local is selling some 9 - 20. Does anyone know if this size would fit my existing rims OK. 2nd question: Unfortunately I believe my truck has split rims. I found one guy who would mount the two better tires I got with the truck. He charged a lot but I figured it was worth it. The tires for sale look like split rims too, but the rims are 10 lug. My truck is 6 lug. Any estimates or ideas on how I could find 6 lug wheels that arn't split rim to fit this truck? My financial situation is such that I cannot buy new rims anyway. Thanks for any help.

Have a look at this Tech Tip
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/wheels/

If you think the 9.00x20 tires will fit the fenders and under the bed OK then the only other thing to check is the recommended rim width. The tire manufacturer will have a recommendation, or for a pretty good guess check the Accuride Wheel Catalog linked in the tech tip, they have a chart with recommended rim widths for different tire sizes.

Are you sure you have "split rims" and not just lock ring wheels? if Lock ring wheels there is not so much to worry about, check the tech tip.

Grigg

The shop manual shows 8.00-22.5 as the standard size for the 6400, with 9.00-22.5 as the option for the front. It looks like the wheels have been changed from original equipment since you have 20" wheels.

I have a GMC that uses the same fenders and 9's have plenty of clearance. If your bed clearance is so close that going from 8.25's to 9's makes a difference, you are too close any way. Are you in a rural area of NE. There are still lots of bobtails that are only used during the harvest and almost all of them have tube required tires. Look around and I'm sure you will find someone to change them reasonably. What kind of wheels are the 10 hole? I'm looking for some to replace the Firestones on one of my GMC's.

Longbox55,

You are correct, 22.5 tubeless wheels and tires were "standard" equipment starting in 1956, however many new trucks were still ordered with the 20" tube type tires. Many owners were not ready to switch over due to the availability of tube tires (that's what they had on the rest of the fleet). The 22.5 six lug are a lot harder to find than the 20" six lug.

Mike B

That makes sense.

On the tire thing. I have 8-19.5s on my truck, I know it's only a 1-ton but....since no one talks much of that size. Would anyone have recommendations of where to purchase tires, or would it be smarter to upgrade to a 20 inch rim, if i could find a similar bolt pattern.

8R19.5 ties are still available for commercial use. But they are expensive. A little over $200 per tire. UPS uses a lot of them. Since it is a 1 ton it probably has an 8 bolt lug. I don't think there are any larger stock wheels available. 20" would probably be available in new custom wheels, but you are talking of really big money there.

Stick with or upgrade to 8R19.5 tires, they are nice on a 1 ton (my preferred tire size for a 1 ton). 20" if you could even find or make wheels would be a step backward.

I bought a pair of 8R19.5 tires from these folks http://www.ricksontruck.com/ had the best price I could find at the time by far. They can't be all that far from you.
Most any normal tire store can get them too. Commonly used on motor homes and step vans.

Grigg

Thanks a bunch I found some great tires that RV guys love (8R19.5) plus they have a semi aggressive tread to them. The Goodyear G622 RSD, the only prob is the $$$$ is a bit high, but No rush I can't drive it till i get the engine and trans in anywho. Looks like i might wait a few years and get the rims powder coated but that might also be a bit on the $ high side.

Powdercoating wheels is cheap. Including blasting I hear quotes from 30-50 per wheel. I paid 35 for my 22.5" wheels and they did an excelent job ASAP Powder Coating

Grigg

No way I got a quote from a local guy in PA round my folks place and he wanted a over 100 for each one! I'll have to give this place a call. How was the condition of your rims before you sent them out? I'm just over an hr from them. Looks like they might be my guys! Thanks

My rims were painted and some surface rust. Not really ugly, but not new either, and I did scrape all the grease off first.

Butch is they guy's name at ASAP, very helpful, may or may not help to mention that I suggested you call. He also did my entire frame and some other stuff too.

Grigg