Posted by Brian in Oregon on August 09, 1999 at 21:14:13:
In Reply to: Re: 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 rims? posted by Jim Pace on August 09, 1999 at 19:06:29:
You can put the 9.00x16 tires on the 7.50x16 rims without a problem. It's done all the time. The tire will bulge out a bit more and the ride supposedly is a bit softer. You will not be able to dual them up due to the increased width.
One advantage of the larger tire is that you will have a drop in rpm. A disadvantage is that on single speed transfer cases on the WC 1/2-tonners is less lugging power when 4-wheeling.
Anytime you put a tire that is wider than the rim on, the ride is softer. Anytime you put a tire on that is narrower than the rim, the ride is harsher. (Not that it matters a whole lot with these trucks, though, as they are all a bit hard riding.) This is because of sidewall flex. The sidewall flaex is supposed to cause extra heat, but I have yet to hear of a heat induced failure even on desert driven trucks provided the tires are properly aired (which could cause a problem on any combo of tire and rim.)
You will get a slightly wider stance using the 3/4 ton 9.00 Budd rims instead of the 1/2 ton 7.50
rims.
I prefer the so-called "combat rims" (aka run-flat rims) myself, but they are a @#$%& to balance.