The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Replacment 3/4 AD Wheels

Has anyone used the Dexstar model: 017-302-25# trailer wheels as replacements for the stock wheels for a 3/4 ton AD? They seem to have the right bolt pattern (8 x 6.5") and have an offset that should clear the front tie rods. For about $50 a piece they would be a nice replacement for my current wheels. HERE is a link to them.

Thoughts/suggestions?

I believe someone has used them on their project. I saw their post some time ago. I was able to round up a set off a Ford van that fit perfect. There's about a 1/4" of room from the lip of the rim to the tied rod. I've heard of other people having major clearance issues though.

You may find the info in this thread. I bought a set from Redneck Trailer Supply north of Albany NY for about 70 bucks with shipping. Have fun and good luck
Dan

Does anyone else have experience with these? They have a free shipping deal going on now so no tax + free shipping = just over $200 for brand new wheels. If they will work that is too good to pass up.

EDIT: Just called and confirmed that they qualify for free shipping and the deal should be good for the rest of the week.

I have two on my 1 Ton and they work perfectly. The other three wheels I have are from 70s vehicles and they all look identical. The trailer wheels are a little bit heavier.

I got the wheels in today and bolted them up to see if they would clear the tierod. When the wheels are pointed straight ahead they just clear the tierod. As soon as I turn the wheels, however, the tierod bumps into the lip of the wheel.


Here is how much space I have with the wheels straight: http://i48.tinypic.com/4qj0id.jpg

And here is where they bump: http://i28.tinypic.com/2nhjgxx.jpg

So close and yet so far.

Hmm, it turns out the wheels are Dexstar # 17-153 which were mentioned in a couple other threads. They worked for out people with 3/4 tons too which is odd. I did some testing and it looks like I would need a 5/32" or so spacer to clear the tierod. I doubt I will be able to find one that thin, so I will probably have to get a 1/4" one, which would require getting longer wheel studs.

What to do, what to do

I was thinking that I may have to use spacers, when I was building my truck. I was able to get a set of new stauds for the rear from LMC which I think are the same as the front only longer. My trailer rims are 6" wide and have a backset somewhere around 4". Also, I think I have seen posts about converting the tie rods to the modern style to give more room. I don't know how it is done but the 1 Ton uses the modern style.

Alright, I think I have a plan of attack. Please let me know if I am overlooking something. It wouldn't surprise me if I was.

Since it wouldn't hurt to replace the front studs, I am thinking about using a 1/4" spacer with some slightly longer studs. It looks like the 3/4 rear studs would work perfectly. They have the same diameter/thread but are slightly longer. That would give me more than enough room to clear the tierod and enough thread for the lug nuts.

I think your plan would work. There will probably be some opinions against spacers but they seem to be a popular item.

I'm now running the Ford Econoline 16s on my 3/4 ton and have changed to the 1 ton tie rod to get away from the old long tie rod. This new tie rod allowed me to remove the spacers. Also you can heat the steering arms and bend them slightly inboard to clear rims.

I finally found a local tire shop that had a set of the Ford rims and with the spring clips attached my stock Chevy hub caps fit real nice.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/577391609MmVRIU

At the risk of seeming indecisive, would using THESE these replacment tie rod ends work versus using spacers? They are listed for 3/4 ton and it looks like they are shorter than the stock tie rod ends.

I tried those and they DO NOT work on the 3/4 ton as the taper that goes into the steering arm is larger for the 3/4 and I informed Chevs of 40s about this problem. My new 1 ton tie rods just clear my Ford wheels w/o spacers and I'll also tweek the stearing arms next chance I get.

Contact [email protected], WD has all the 1 ton tie rods/ends etc that will also work on the 3/4. He usually has parts for sale ads running here on the bolt site.
Adding a photo of 1 ton tie rod & end, just clears,but works and no spacer.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2893524680102242071BjtplU

Wow, those really are close together. Do you by any chance know what your backspacing is? I am trying to visualize what sort of gap I am going to end up with.

I ordered one tie rod end to test the clearance before I ordered the tie rod itself. It looks like I have more than enough clearance. Now I shouldn't have to use spacers which is good.

Picture: http://i26.tinypic.com/289brll.jpg