Rear wheels vs. Drums

[dbcooper292]

I have a 49 B1D one ton dually. The old split rims were badly rusted and an object of hate from local tire shops so I bought six new rims from Stockton Wheel. Unfortunately the inside dual won't clear the drum, which is at least 15 inches in diameter. Has anyone else run into this, any thoughts on what to do? A wheel spacer would have to be about two inches, a lot!. I've wondered about a 17 inch wheel, a terrible expense at this point unless there's a common one to be had cheap with six lugs, grinding a bit off the drum, maybe a little of all these or just running the outside wheel of the duals (God knows the modern tire and wheel are stronger than my frame so who cares except duals look bitchin).

Also, how do I get my profile to stop saying 'new member just joined forum' I've been here a couple years.

Thanks,

DB

[Guest Kuster13]

What did Stockton Wheel have to say? I have been back and forth on doing the same purchase but for the price they quoted me the rims would have to fit.

Tom

[dbcooper292]

They said that's the only wheel they sell to fit that and they've never had a problem before. It's possible I have the wrong drums or something, but they're no bigger around than the backing plates.

[Guest Kuster13]

Measure up your drums and I'll do the same to compare. I believe they are 14" drums. I can also check another set of drums I have from a 57 1ton. Your backing plates have the major and minor adjustment? May be a pic?

Tom

[48Dodger]

Its the number of posts you make that changes your "status".

30 posts: "member been hanging around awhile"

100 posts: "Senior Member, have way too much spare time on my hands"

500 posts: "Guru, have been a long time contributor"

1000 posts: "Zen Master, I breathe vintage mopar!"

48D

[Merle Coggins]

Can't help you with the rims, but your "status" has to do with the number of posts. If you want to get past "Junior" status you'll need to keep talking.

[dbcooper292]

I haven't had time to inspect the backing plates but as for the drums they measure between 14 3/4 and 15 in in diameter, the large diameter part is about three inches deep (like from backing plate out toward tire) and the whole drum, including the wheel stud spacer type plate that seems to be a separate piece from the actual drum, is about 7 inches deep.

Thanks!

[Dodgeb4ya]

Wheels are wrong!

[oldmopar]

Not sure about the technical terms but it has to do with the inside of the wheel. I have a 48 B1D it has 16" wheels, mine are and yours should be loose ring not split rims. Any real truck shop can handle loose ring.

But back to wheels I also have a 59 W200 that has 17.5 wheels I tried putting the wheels on my Pilot-House and also found the newer 17.5 wheels do not fit the rear. I did actually get them on but had to take a 4lb hammer and pry bar to get them off. The older wheels are larger inside by about a 1/2" I think forget the exact measurements mostly because the drum is smaller on the newer (1959) truck or larger on the 1 to Pilot-house however you want to say it.

[MBF]

Are the 17.5's tubeless and drop center type rims? That may explain the difference. Mike

[oldmopar]

Tubless yes, I heard it before but do not know what drop center is

[rustyzman]

The wheels you bought are drop center for tubeless tires. They will not fit over the one ton drums. I measured them to do some wheel searching myself for my C1D which has the same problems with the two piece wheels and rust.

My measurements show that I will be going with 19.5's if I can successfully modify them, make spacers for the front and make adapters to convert the system from stud centered to hub centered. The diameter of the inside of a tubeless GM P30 19.5 with 10 lug 7.25 bolt circle looks like it will clear the drum. I have to chuck it up and the mill, weld some holes shut and make some new ones for a mock up to make sure this rim is a suitable candidate. The drop center rim refers to how the center of the rim has a valley that pokes down towards the drum so you can insert the bead of the tire in there to remove it. Those rear drums are just awful big for those little wheels these trucks have. Stockton's price is just too big for my budget at this time.

The biggest problem you will have if you try to make spacers will be wheel studs. An adapter with integral studs will be required because you won't find replacements that are long enough to make up that 2" difference. I have searched and found the only suitable replacement, which requires a little lathe and mill work, is only 1/2" longer than stock and right hand thread only. Could be a tough project, but anything can be done if you put your mind to it. Maybe Stockton will work with you on getting different wheels, especially if they said these will fit.