Uncle-Pekka Posted January 19, 2008 Report Posted January 19, 2008 Mates, I know this subject has been discussed a dozen times at the forum, but after searching 15min I could not find the exact info I was after... I'd like to install as big radials as possible in order to get smooth ride and engine revs low. I already ordered 215/75R15, but the supplier is short of this size. He'd have 225/75R15 for only a couple of bucks more. Tire size chart says 215 is for rim width 5.5"...7" and 225 for 6"...7.5" How wide are the 15" rims of a 1948 dodge? Has any of you experience on 225/75R15 size? -pekka Quote
greg g Posted January 19, 2008 Report Posted January 19, 2008 Stock rims are 4.5 inches wide. I am running 225 75 15 on my bizzy coupe ( rears, 205 on the front) but I have them on wheelvintiques 5 inch wide rims. I believe 225 is pushing pretty hard on the stock rims. Lots of folks are running 205's on stockers but as you noted they are short on diameter. The 225 are a tight fit and I do get a little fender rub on hard turns, which is related I believe to worn spring bushings as it does it going right more frequently than going left, but I did have 300 lbs of stuff in the trunk also. I would think the 215 are pretty much the limit on the 4.5 in wheels. As a note the 225 were just about dead on against several measured miles on the odo. If stock hubcaps are not an issue, you should be able to easily find some wider dodge or Ford 15 inch wheels at a wrecking yard. Charlie Ackers has some MOPAR police wheels withthe dog dish hubs on his Plymouth Suburban. They would leasily accomodate the 225's. 5 bolt light pu and van rims either ford of dodge will bolt on no problem. Quote
Uncle-Pekka Posted January 19, 2008 Author Report Posted January 19, 2008 Thank you Gregg for very through answer(*. In Finland it is not that easy to find 225 wheels for Dodge bolt pattern, thus I think I better stick on the 215 and just wait until the supplier will get new batch. After all the car will be garaged yet two-three months more for the winter... P.S. *) This forum is just the greatest chat room on the real things on the globe. I am frequently surprised how fast I will get replied whatever I am asking. Living in central Finland, there are not many fellows around in the neighbourhood with fourties Mopars to ask... Quote
greg g Posted January 19, 2008 Report Posted January 19, 2008 Well I guess I completely overlooked the fact that you were in Finland. I keep forgetting we are an international community. So for international sources here are a few: just make sure the backspace measurment isn't more than 3.75 inch. Toyota Crown, Hilux PU Toyota - 2WD P.U. '69-'89 - Supra Turbo '86-'89 Mazda - RX7 Turbo, 929, Datsun/Nissan - 300ZX, 200SX V6 (some) to '89 Quote
YukonJack Posted January 19, 2008 Report Posted January 19, 2008 Stock rims are 4.5 inches wide. I am running 225 75 15 on my bizzy coupe ( rears, 205 on the front) but I have them on wheelvintiques 5 inch wide rims. I believe 225 is pushing pretty hard on the stock rims. Lots of folks are running 205's on stockers but as you noted they are short on diameter. The 225 are a tight fit and I do get a little fender rub on hard turns, which is related I believe to worn spring bushings as it does it going right more frequently than going left, but I did have 300 lbs of stuff in the trunk also. I would think the 215 are pretty much the limit on the 4.5 in wheels.As a note the 225 were just about dead on against several measured miles on the odo. If stock hubcaps are not an issue, you should be able to easily find some wider dodge or Ford 15 inch wheels at a wrecking yard. Charlie Ackers has some MOPAR police wheels withthe dog dish hubs on his Plymouth Suburban. They would leasily accomodate the 225's. 5 bolt light pu and van rims either ford of dodge will bolt on no problem. Check bolt pattern before buying Dodge or Ford truck & van wheels. Dodge vans and pick ups used 4 1/2 bolt pattern until early 80's then went to 5" pattern. Ford used a 5" bolt pattern on pick ups and vans since at least mid 60's. Quote
Jeff.P_46 Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 Since we're talking rims, I'm getting ready to replace the stock 14" Dakota rims that came on my '46. I thought about going with 15 x 6 on the back (I have a 8" Ford RE) and maybe 15 x 5 on the front (will have dropped uprights on front), any opionions? Jeff Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 your choices are many and various...do you want to stay steel wheels or go to aluminum..there are lots of optional wheels out there over the late 80's early 90 between Chrysler and Ford that will do the job...just suggest you look on E-bay by typing in a search..see one you like, make arrangement to borrow one from a wrecking yard by leaving a deposit and test its fit and profile and clearance for yur modified front brakes.. I have about 4 sets of factory wheels that are set aside for my cars that are all late model mopar makes..most are 7 inch wide.. Quote
Jeff.P_46 Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 Hi Tim, I was going to go with a powder coated steel wheel from these guys http://www.petepaulsen.com/wheelindex.htm I really wasn't thinking of anything fancy, I have bought rims from here before. Need to go with a backspace of 3" or less on the back but not sure on the front yet. Would like to go as wide as I can in back but still be able to get the tire off without any effort. I will have the ECI set-up up front with dropped uprights and maybe cut coils. Jeff Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 (edited) If you are unhappy with the Dakota rim just because they are 14 inchers, why not go with the 15 inch Dakota rims..these are presently on my 51 Suburban as shop roll around wheels..with trim rings and the small dog dish they really don't look bad at all... These are the wheels on my business coupe..they are factory Dodge wheels..15 X7's Edited May 20, 2017 by Plymouthy Adams Quote
Jeff.P_46 Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 Tim, what is the back space on those? The 14" on the rear rub slighty on the inside with the 8" rear end. Jeff Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 (edited) I did not measure it....I also have these to be used on the Suburban when finished.. Edited May 20, 2017 by Plymouthy Adams Quote
windsor8 Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 I have 15 x 6 steel rims with P 215 75R 15 on the rear of my 48 club coupe. Quote
Uncle-Pekka Posted January 20, 2008 Author Report Posted January 20, 2008 I do stick with my original steel wheels; I got me nice stainless beauty rings on them and also like original hub caps. What I was looking for was only which is the max. R15 size to fit on them - That Gregg told in the beginning, I suppose: 215/75 R15 will fit on originals Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted January 20, 2008 Report Posted January 20, 2008 Jeff...a bit later I will get under the car and check the measurements for back spacing of the wheels pictured. Quote
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