The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Wheel conversion

Has anyone performed the wheel conversion described in the tech tips section or something similar?

I have the 18x5 split rim wheels with the 7.00-18 tires and it is going to cost $12-1300 dollars for new tires. I am hoping to do it for half that and so I'm looking into changing the wheels. Which, would be more expensive, if I went new. But I'm researching if I can get 6 wheels/tires for less than 6 bias-ply tires.

Basically what the tech tips describes for 1 tons with this wheelset is a a direct, modern replacement. The tips suggests using 8-lug dual 19.5" wheels from a 1975-99 “step van” and 8R19.5 tires (radial).

Has anyone successfully converted this way? Of course the cost is dependent on what can be found, but any idea of total costs incurred for the conversion?

I'll post my results as I have them!

Check the clearance between brake drums and the new wheels, if they clear you're good to go.

Grigg

Ok, I found a place that has some 19.5" wheels. What is the best way to check the fit? Drive the truck out there, jack up a wheel, pop the old one off and try out the new? I'll deal with tires after I get the wheels as the wheels are obviously more important.

I can't run the 19.5" radial in the front and the old 18X5" on the duallies can I? My instinct is no, but if they're direct replacements, maybe it is a possibility???

I don't like mixing radial and bias ply tires. It can lead to strange handling behavior. Better to run the same design tire front and rear.

Ok. I'll see if they fit and if I can't buy all 6 (or 7) at once, I'll just wait for the full set.

Might something like this work?

It's an ebay link for 19.5" wheels.

I currently have a 57 and 56 dually, I bought some 19.5 wheels from an old frito lay truck they would not clear the rear brake drums without spacers. Also the stud size for the newer rims are larger. I plan to install a cab and chassis rear axle in both trucks

Switching to 19.5's good move ! my 62' GMC came with 19.5's i love them best tires i have ever ran i loved them s much i put a set on the F350, and kicking around the idea of tossing a set on the K2500 . . .

Can't go wrong with 19.5's !

Mike

I have a set of 19.5's with Michelin 8R19.5 rubber on my 50 GMC 1 Ton, you will not be disapointed at all.

Could you send me a picture of your truck on those tires? I'd love to see what it looks like on 19.5's. Any idea on the original vehicle they are from?

I love the 8-19.5's not the biggest fan of the 8R19.5's they seem to run a bit short and they don't offer mudder's, well heck neither dose the 8-19.5's any more. . .

Mike

I will send a photo of my 1950 GMC 250 1 Ton if you give me your direct e-mail, to hard to post on site ? Also the 19.5 fit the GMC perfect ! People make a big deal about the different hole pattern but I think the improvement in wheel design & tire choise is worth the trade off.....gmguy

Hey gmguy,
I have a 1949 GMC FC253 1 Ton as well. My 19.5's are hitting the drum brakes in the rear. Any thoughts of what can be going on? I posted a new thread on this as well. Just spent a good amount on the rims and a nice set of used tires and will be really bummed if I can't use them! Been looking around for drum brake swaps too . Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg

Does any of this apply to the 3804 crowd? (SRW) I'm assuming it does not ...

The single rear wheel 19.5 wheels fit perfectly.
The dual wheel 19.5 some wheel designs will no fit the 48-54 or so with 14” rear drums. Many of these 19.5” dual wheels do fit.