Posted by Charlie on Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 6:15PM :
In Reply to: Re: m-43 wheels & tires posted by dean r on Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 11:55AM :
I have a set of Stockton's 16.5X8.25s on my WC53, running Michelin 37X12.5R16.5s.
You can get 8.25s for a set of Super Swamper SSR 37X12.5R16.5s. I believe that tire is also made in 16 and 17" rim diameters as well. If it is, I would advise 16X8" wheels because the bead angle for 16s is more conducive to bead retention at lower pressures than 16.5s, and 17s wouldn't ride as nicely because of less rubber and air between the rim and road.
You also could get a 16.5X9.75" rim from Stockton for 38X15.5R16.5 radial Swampers, Ground Hawgs or Gumbo Mudders. All these tires are 37.1" in diameter (the 37X12.5 size is about 36.5" tall) and about 14.5" wide on 9.75" rims. All these tires are roughly $250 each.
Michelin 11.00R16 XLs are $325-350 each new but occaisonally show up used with 50-75% tread left for under $100 each. These will fit on stock rims, saving you at least $150 per plus shipping, but require radial tubes and flaps. These are the tallest radials at 38.7", and therefore ride nicely. Even though they are 2.5" narrower than SSRs and about 4.5" narrower than the 38s if deflated to about 15-18 psi on sand give amazing flotation. Even for a 10,000 lb Ford F350 crewcab expedition truck.
Lastly, Stockton puts a flat center on its' rims for Dodges, not the deeply dished center like the stock wheels.
Because of that, even with the center plate welded as far out as possible (be SURE to specify that if you order from them - about 3 or 4 times during the interaction), the 8.25" rims (or 16X8" rims they build) will have their centerline a bit outwards of stock, about 1.5-2". That can stress wheel bearings a bit, though it doesn't affect handling because of the straight axle design. It may actually decrease rollover tnedency a bit. Their 16X9.75" wheels, if built with the center welded as ouboard as possible, would probably be within 1/4" of the stock centerline.
So unbelievably, Michelin 11.00R16s are the cheapest route to big radials, cheaper than new wheels and other tires which could run about $450-500 per corner.
Michelin also makes a 9.00R16 XZL which is 36.9" tall, 10.3" wide, has a very good load rating (3750-4600 lb/tire depending on speed and inflation) and is all steel. The tread design will make it last fairly well on pavement, maybe in the 50,000 mile range, but it's still a (nondirectional) mud tread.
Even cheaper than Michelins on stock rims are 36X12.5R16 radial Swampers. Under $200/tire, probably even including radial flaps and tubes.
Charlie
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