More Wheel Questions - OEM options?

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 4:38 am

Replacing the 16.5" wheels on my W200 is driving my nuts. Trying to figure out the right combination without spending a fortune is getting tricky. I really don't want fancy wheels, and am quite happy with the look of the plain old black steelies.

So, What years of other trucks, any brand, would have wheels with the shallow backspace?

I would really like to find some 16" by 7" or 8" plain old steel wheels with the shallow offset. Did any other trucks use such a thing? When did the Dodges change to the deep offset wheels? I don't mind trudging through the salvage yards, as long as I have an idea what to be looking for and knowing it exists.

Ideally I need to find an 8 lug set for the crewcab and a 5 x 5.5" set for the 71 with the 85 axles.

Post by **Hobcobble** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 8:18 am

You should be able to use an 8 lug Dodge wheel up
through '93. I'm thinking that you should be good
with a 4" back space. A wheel from a F*rd will work
too, but for certain years, they used a larger stud
and that might affect your stock lug nut and how it
seats on the wheel. FYI.... a 235/85/16 will be
about 31.7"-32" in diameter.
John

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:06 pm

Thanks! The plan is to use 235/85-16 on the 70 Crew, which has manual steering. Then use a 265/75-16 on the 71, which has power assist. The 71 already has 265/75-15 tires on newer axles with the 5 on 5.5" pattern. But the wheels have a 4.5" backspace and are rubbing the valve in the drag link.

I found these wheels at Summit for $52, they are 7" wide with a 4" backspace. I like them, but think I would be just as happy with steele wheels, and safer with a 3.5" backspace.

Post by **Hobcobble** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:33 pm

Yeah.... I like those Cragars too

. I've
been looking at the 16" x 8" [4" backspace] 8 lug
model for my '92 W250 Power Ram that I'm spiffing
up. I'm stuck between the 265/75/16 & 285/75/16
tires... not sure which way I'd like to go yet.
John

66patrick · Post by **66patrick** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:17 pm

nfury8, I have a full set of NON-split rime 16"x6" 8-lug wheels and three of the later large dog dish truck caps for these wheels I'd sell. One person who was previously interested has since sold his truck, so they are back on the market. PM me for a price, might trade?

Website · Post by **wideblock** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 1:01 am

on the half ton, if you run a 3.75 back space and an 8" wheel, you can run a 31x10.5x15 on all four corners with no rub. been there and done that. far as the 16's go, wagon spokes are about $45 each. gonna be hard to find even a junk yard wheel for less then that in most places. the early 90's dodge chrome directionals look real nice on the trucks, but, your limited on tire width because of the backspace. with a 4" backspace on a 16x7 white wagon wheel with 7.5x16 tires, i rubbed the tie rod just enough to dig a slight ditch in the side wall.

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:11 pm

Both trucks will be setting at the W200 height.

I was in the local farm supply store today and noticed they had some private brand Cordovan tires at some really good prices, everything was 20% off this month! They had a 31x10.5R16.5 for $92, which would be just over 30" tall and 10.25" wide. They also had a 235/85-16 for $95, which would be just under 32" tall and about 9.5" wide. Considering the W200 has manual steering, the 235/85 seems the best for the RPMs with the 4.10 gears and manual steering. But that requires about another $200 for wheels. The 31x10.5 is still alot taller than the current tires, but would they be too hard to turn or even fit on my stock rims? I am thinking they might be 7" rims.