Another round of wheel questions

[GGott]

Hi Fellas, Any one have a nice simple way to check offset on steel truck wheels? My stock 16x6 wheels leave a lot to be desired as to durability on logging roads etc. My neighbor with a w250 CC runs a set of 16x6. 5 Ford wheels and claims that the steel is thicker than the stock Dodge offering. Any of you fellas running something like these, or something else? I want to stay with a steel wheel, and use the stock hubcaps-beauty rings. Any ideas on what to look out for, and what does not work will be greatly appreciated..... I don't have a computer-but check this forum down at the library ... Thanks Greg

 

["Mad Max"]

Greg -

For the offset, lay the wheel face-down and lay a straight edge across the rim edge, preferrably across the bead edge (where the tire actually seats against the rim, just 'under' the rim edge - hope that makes sense... ). The difference there is about ~ 1/4".

Next measure the distance from the straight edge to the back face of the wheel (where the wheel and hub touch) and that will give you the offset for that rim. From there shop around on a set of steel wheels - bone yards are okay but you have to watch for bent rims, sometimes very hard to tell by eye. I don't think they're too pricey from a local tire/wheel store, and aluminum rims are probably not too far from the steel price.

- Sam

 

[dan brooks]

Actually, that will give you the backspacing. Offset is the amount the mounting face is from the center line of the wheel.



Most aftermarket steel wheels don't have nearly the weight rating the stock wheels do - I'm in a similar situation. I have two bent wheels and want to upgrade to aftermarket, but can't find any steel ones rated at more than 2200 pounds.

 

["Mad Max"]

right... yeah... that's what I said - offset - (how'd this nasty egg get all over my face... . yuck... )... umm, well (ahem) hey at least you know now how to measure the backspacing too. (Scheech I feel dumb... . )



Sorry dudes - I just got back from a long all-day conference, and I think I'm a bit low on brain fluid - Better top that off... . (where's the beer... . )



But something that might make up for my previous statement, is that sometimes the aluminum aftermarket wheel manufacturers will list one set of specs for their wheels, and sometimes there are heavy duty versions available, but not often advertised. I got a set of aluminum dually rims from... err umm, (scheech now I can't remember) - US Wheel I think (more beer... ), and when I ordered them the guy at the counter asked me if I wanted the HD versions - I had no idea there was such a version. So if you're looking to go aluminum ask if there is a HD version. Okay, one more beer and I'll be in great shape... .

- S

 

[GGott]

Thanks Sam and Dan,..... I'll be checking the offset on a bare Dodge stock rim, and then go shopping. The Buy & Sell newspaper is loaded with wheels... . Thanks again... ... Greg

 

[TKingsbury]

GGott;Yes, the wheels used on older fords are WAY better than the stock dodge junk. I put a set on my dads truck (93 D350 single wheel). I got them off of an 86 ford 250 my buddy had. Yes your stock hubcaps will fit. Most of the ford wheels I've seen are made by Firestone, although if memory serves some are by Accuride. Both are far superior to the flimsy junk that came on our trucks. Don't worry about backspacing if you are using stock wheels off of the older square fords, they all will fit. Chevy wheels on the other hand will NOT fit. The center hole is too small to go over the hubs.



Danbrooks; Have you tried having wheels made? Stockton wheel can make pretty much any wheel for anything in any load rating. They adveritse in most major car mags or find 'em on the web.

Travis. .

 

[dan brooks]

I haven't checked Stockton for wheels for the truck - priced having them make some for the Jeep a while back and just about choked at the price.

 

[TKingsbury]

Your right, they aren't cheap, but they can make just about anythig. Are you looking for a stock hubcap type wheel in a different size, or a styled wheel?

Travis. .

 

[dan brooks]

I wouldn't mind having a nice chrome wheel - what I'd really like is the old "smoothie" style but can't even find those in 8-lug.



I'll probably end up with some aluminum "Outlaw II" style wheels - they're rated at 3420 pounds and are around $88 each. Wheels are a few items down on the list right now... .

 

[Stomp]

GGott

I cannot believe you take such a nice looking pickup on logging roads. I hated parking next to yours at the First Gen event at Piers. Maybe thats the reason that I got the junk yard dog award. I dont know much about wheels, but I wanted to say hi and it was very nice meeting you.



Stomp