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A Wheel Dilemma, Tires too

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by mtdave, Jul 23, 2015.

  1. Jul 23, 2015
    mtdave

    mtdave New Member

    MONTANA
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    No I don't have a speech impediment.:) My dilemma is after searching for over two years I have finally acquired five 16" stock steel wheels but they don't all match. I have (3)4-1/2" wide, (1) 5" wide and (1) 4" wide with a small center bore, a real oddball. If I run the 4-1/2" and 5" together will it cause me any problems? would that odd man out 5" be better on the front or rear? Will it be noticeable that there is an odd wheel on my '57 CJ5?
    And now tires, I want to avoid having to ship tires in, freight to Montana is a killer. What brand have you guys found most available and at what tire store chain? I'm not picky on tread as long as it's not a mild street tread like granny would put on her Buick. My local Tire-Rama said just order from Coker.
     
  2. Jul 23, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Different wheels will likely cause the tires to have different rolling diameters, and therefore to travel at different rpm speeds.

    This is bad news on a 4x4 vehicle since the front and rear axles will end up fighting each other.
     
  3. Jul 23, 2015
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    In theory, this is true.
    But I seriously doubt that 1/2" difference in width on an old CJ will make any kind of noticeable problem.
     
  4. Jul 23, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Certainly on loose off-road surfaces I wouldn't sweat about it at all.
     
  5. Jul 23, 2015
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Personally I would get one more 4-1/2" wide wheel and use the 5" one for a spare. That 4" wheel isn't any good for what you need. What size tires are you going to get? I recommend 7.00 x 16 for those wheels.
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2015
  6. Jul 24, 2015
    mtdave

    mtdave New Member

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    I agree with all of you, different tire height can cause different wheel speeds, but how much? if I put the odd wheel on the front it will be free wheeling most of the time until 4WD is engaged in which case I'll be on a loose surface. This Jeep will be just a putts around the neighborhood vehicle with no hard off roading and used on the farm like many use a 4-wheeler. I forgot to mention, I still need to buy the farm. I'll keep looking for one more 4-1/2" wheel but I'm so close to getting this project done I'm getting antsy. does anybody know what that 4" small bore wheel would fit? it and two of the 4-1/2s came off the rusted hulk of a
    '46 Willys.
     
  7. Jul 24, 2015
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
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    That small center comes off of a newer jeep (maybe jeep). If you measure center-to-center on the lug holes, you will find that they are probably 5 inches, while the other 4 wheels with large centers are measured at 5.5 inches. That small center won't fit your CJ at all.
     
  8. Jul 24, 2015
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    X2! Even if the small center had the right bolt hole pattern it wouldn't fit over the front hub.
     
  9. Jul 24, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I'd say keep looking till you find a set of five. Try an ad on the Willystech parts board. http://www.willystech.com/parts/board.shtml ... there must also be 2A, 3A and 3B boards, and the G also has some civilian stuff.
     
  10. Jul 25, 2015
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
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    I have (2) 15x7 and (2) 15x8 Rally Wheels that I ran on my Camaro. It was probably 6 months after I put them on the car that I realized that they weren't all 7's. (Bought used) and sure enough, I had one 8 in the front and one 8 in the rear. It was unnoticeable for all intents.

    I would ditch the small center rim that won't work anyhow and use the 4 you have while you are looking. Put the mismatched on the front as it's always driving the rear, but only sometimes the front and if you are doing it right, it will be in low traction situations which will allow for slippage to minimize driveline binding.
     
  11. Jul 27, 2015
    mtdave

    mtdave New Member

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    I'll bide my time and keep looking for that 4th wheel I guess so keep me in mind if ya'll stumble upon one. that odd wheel I think will fit the rear so it might make a good spare spare since I have a couple mediocre tires for spares, might as well mount it up. I just won't waste the money getting it powder coated though.
    NOW nobody commented on finding bias ply tire locally, no words of wisdom out there?
     
  12. Jul 27, 2015
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Words of wisdom?
    Buy radials. It'll drive a lot better.
    BTDT
     
  13. Jul 27, 2015
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

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    Well, I personally have no idea what is local to you other than the Tire-Rama you mentioned. If they said buy from Coker obviously they don't have anything available for you. I did suggest 7.00 x 16 for the size but don't know what tread pattern you prefer. Maybe NDT military style?
     
  14. Jul 27, 2015
    jbjeeps

    jbjeeps Member 2022 Sponsor

    The Idaho side...
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    X2 on continuing your search for a complete set.

    Jeep used a variety of different wheels, early, late, standard, heavy duty, etc. Identfying them can be a challenge if you're not familiar with the different styles. Post a picture of the wheels you have and let us take a look.

    As for size, I like 225x75x16. They work well on the 5" wheels. Check with your tire dealer for fitment on the 4 1/2 wheels. Watch c/l, a guy in Bozeman had a set for sale a few months ago.

    I'll take a look at the wheels I have tomorrow, not sure but I may have a 4 1/2 x 16 I can send you.
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2015
  15. Jul 28, 2015
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    X2 - I had Dick Cepek Fun Countries (bias ply) years ago and went to BFG MT's (radials). The Jeep felt like a Cadillac the first time I drove it..
     
  16. Jul 28, 2015
    mtdave

    mtdave New Member

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    I saw that CL list in Bozeman a while back, I logged out to do something else and when I came back to CL 15 minutes later the ad was gone.:evil:


    I don't want radials, it's a Jeep, if I wanted a Cadillac ride I would buy an Escalade.:)


    Tread type, not street but not monster mudder, kind of middle of the road for puttsing around.


    As far as posting pictures, never happen. why do you think I work on Jeeps? Low Tech!
     
  17. Jul 28, 2015
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    The radial tires won't make it ride like a Cadillac LOL
    Nothing will do that!
    But they will improve ride, handling, & steering both on and off road.
     
  18. Jul 28, 2015
    Yooper John

    Yooper John Member

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    I recently swapped my 31x10.50 radials for a set of 7.00x15 bias ply Denmans with an aggressive tread from another Jeep project onto my 65, and wish I had done it sooner. In my opinion, the ride is the same or a bit better, and steering effort is improved. I think these things will ride like crap regardless of what tires you have on them.
     
  19. Jul 28, 2015
    jbjeeps

    jbjeeps Member 2022 Sponsor

    The Idaho side...
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    Put whatever tires you want on, it's your Jeep. I've got everything from 40+ year old bias ply to brand new BFG A/T on my Jeeps. They all work.

    If you really want to go old school, put a set of NDT's on. They're not too great on snow or mud, but they do give your Jeep the vintage look. Several companies make them in a range of prices.

    I checked that wheel today, it's a 15", so no help here. Sorry.

    Keep digging, you'll find a wheel. I'll let you know if I come across one.
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2015
  20. Jul 30, 2015
    mtdave

    mtdave New Member

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    I asked this earlier but I think it got missed, what is the purpose of the flap or boot or sleeve that goes on the wheel under the tube? is it to keep the tube from chafing? is it really necessary?
     
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