Posted by Paul Cook on August 09, 1999 at 08:06:36:
In Reply to: WM300 Tires? Wheels? posted by D. Swanson on August 09, 1999 at 05:53:20:
Myths abound. The original problem that spawned the myths is that the 9.00 x 16 military non-directional has a recess molded into the tire at the bead. This recess helps hold the split ring. When folks used the 1/2 ton rims with 9.00 instead of the correct 7.50 military NDTs, the recess in the tire was too large to seat the smaller ring. IF THE RING WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY, this second safety feature was not in place and sometimes the rings came off. So much for the origins of the myth.
The 16" rim with the split ring was standard for many years on 3/4 and 1 ton pickups, other light trucks, and motor homes. The bead dimension varied, so most tire makers developed tires that tend to have universal applications. I have 9.00 x 16 Goodyear HiMilers - a ribbed highway tire - on my 3/4 ton Army trailer. I have two different types of commercial tires on "flat fender" PWs and have had no problems. One set is 13 / 38 x 16 "Swampers" and the other is directional 9.00 x 16 mud and snows.
Having followed this Subject in this and the M-37 Forums, I suggest that the only issues are: FIRST - most available tires are tubless but you must use tubes. SECOND - If the tires are radial, you should use radial tubes. This is less important if you use the truck as it was designed (I have a Cummins turbo diesel to go fast on interstates pulling a trailer carrying two PW's and a PW to go slow off road. I know the difference. Some haven't figured it out.) The hardest part is finding the correct tubes with a 90 degree metal stem that is at the inside top center of the tube cross section. There are tractor and implement tubes that meet the size and stem requirements but may not be good for highway use. If you cannot buy the correct tubes, a GOOD tire shop can change the stem types. THIRD - You must use chafing flaps.
I found this is too much for many tire dealers who only know Geo Metro's and Toyota 4x4 pick
ups. Maybe you should try another tire dealer.