Split Rims


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Posted by Oscar Schultz on February 05, 1999 at 22:53:42:

In Reply to: Re: Thanks OSCAR. one more question!!! posted by Marc on February 04, 1999 at 21:35:23:

I have a 61 PW w100 and a 71 PW W200. The 61 has 7.50x16 6 bolt (early spicer) split rims and 7.50x17.5 tubeless (non-split) rims. The 71 has 8x16.5, 12x16.5, and 7.50x16 split 8 bolt rims.
I plan to continue using the 61 split rims. I use the 8 bolt split rims on my trailer. The 8 bolt split rims are VERY scarey. If you plan to mount
your own tires (i do on the split rims) go to NAPA and buy 2 or 3
tire irons and the pry tool to remove the ring.
Buy a 25 foot chain with hooks and/or d rings, get
3/8 inch or better links (15 foot will do but the extra 10 feet is nice).
Use a high lift jack to break the tire bead
from the rim. If the rim is rusty or the tire is an old 8 or 10 ply bias, you will have an interesting time getting the bead loose.
The chain is used to keep the ring contained if it
comes free as you reinflate the tire.
After the tire and ring is reassembled and you are ready to inflate the tire:
1: use a hand pump or foot pump with a 6 to 8 foot
hose with a gauge.
2: Wrap the tire and rim with the chain. Think of the wheel & rim as a doughnut - lace or wrap through the center and around the "doughnut" until
the chain is completely encasing the tire and the
ring. The chain will have the appearance of a circular toroid (sorry - that is the best description i think of). Lock the chain end to the
rest of the chain using hooks or d rings.
3.Check the ring AGAIN, then AGAIN. Make sure the
ring is seated tightly in the rim slot. If it will
not seat YOU NEED A NEW RING. Put the wheel ring side down. If the ring comes loose it will have to get past the chain and move the tire to get to you. At 65 psi the ring CAN break chains or fly very fast, very far.
4.SLOWLY pump some air in - 5 to 10 psi at a time. As the tube fills the tire SHOULD press against the ring - about 15 psi on my 61 rims. The late model split rims required
65 psi. On the 61 the tire seated gently and slowly letting me check things and watch for trouble. The 68 started to seat at about 30 psi and finished with a VERY hard POP at 65 psi.
If you have to adjust anything LET THE AIR OUT.
Be sure to wear loose fitting leather gloves. If
a finger gets trapped you will VERY likely loose
the finger. PLEASE BE CAREFUL.

As far as I can tell, the 8 bolt rims are the same on the 3/4 and 1 tons - someone with a parts books can probably give you the part numbers. There are different models and metal thicknesses depending on the year, maker (dodge,ford,etc), and vender. Try a get a matched set.

The civilian and military 8 bolt stuff appears to
be the same.
Having had both split and regular - for my working truck(s) I use tubeless - regular rims.
My 61 has the old rims and axles like the M715 jeeps. To change the rims I will need to change the axles - someday maybe but not now. The 61 is
why I now can change split rims.
Someday I will get a M37 - my favorite truck - it
will be stock.
Split rims were good stuff in their day. Now it would cost $100 or more just to mount the tires IF the tire shop is having a slow day and the mood is great. With regular rims it is no problem if a tire quits if one of the kids or my wife is driving. The tire shop is happy to fix them up.
With the split rims - I either do it or let the
truck sit. Out of 10 tire shops only 2 will touch
a split rim. None of them are happy to see them.
Both of the shops abuse the rims. They expect trouble - and then they have trouble.
Spend the extra $100 mounting fee on better tires and a root beer.
or
Get two sets of rims - split for "show", regular - for real life.
Good luck
Let me know how it works out.
Oscar




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