Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for
MORE wrenching? 
Plenty of places to share. | | Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,004 Posts1,055,265 Members48,418 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 152 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 152 | After posting the questions last month about my 18" wheels, I have another wheel question (I know, too much indecision. Please be patient). Before demounting the 18" wheels for replacement 700-18 tires, I decided to explore installing 19.5 wheels so I can run radial tires. My truck has 1/2" wheel studs and the 19.5 wheels are designed for 9/16" wheel studs. Is it okay to just mount these as is or must I change the wheel studs first? Also, has anyone on the forum made the swap and was there a noticeable difference in the new radial tires versus the old bias ply tires?
Oldbolter
1959 Apache 3800 dually flat bed/dump with 261
1956 3800 dually flat bed/dump with 235
1957 3600 flat bed, 350 engine, 700R4, PS, disc brakes, 14 bolt rear with 4.11 gears
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | If the chamfer on the nuts registers properly(full contact) in the wheels, and the ID of the wheels is proper, then it should be OK. Changing wheel studs is relatively easy, finding the 9/16 studs can take some time. 18" tires(split rims) also will not be changed by every tire dealer.
Radial tires open up a whole new world of handling due to a smaller slip angle, longer life, better fuel mileage due to less rolling resistance, lack of blowouts, etc., however, if one wants to retain originality, the bias might be more desireable.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | 18" dual wheels will be hub piloted, so will replacement 19.5" wheels, so no countersunk lug holes in the wheel for the lug nut, just straight holes..
It's my opinion that you can use 1/2" studs with 9/16" holes in the wheels, but if you want to change studs sometime that'd be a great idea.
I switched from 7.50-17" bias tires to 8R19.5 and it made a lot of difference in ride, smoother and drove better.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 152 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 152 | Thanks for the input guys. Changing wheels and tires is such an expensive proposition I want to get it right the first time.
Oldbolter
1959 Apache 3800 dually flat bed/dump with 261
1956 3800 dually flat bed/dump with 235
1957 3600 flat bed, 350 engine, 700R4, PS, disc brakes, 14 bolt rear with 4.11 gears
| | |
|
|
