15 inch 8 Lug Wheels

[Heimeken]

OK, heres' the problem. I'm converting my front D44 to 8 Lug this spring, putting in a Dodge D60 rear. Can't find a good selection of 16 inch wheels and tires I like (for the price I like). My 35x12.5x15 Xterrains are still in good shape, so can I use a 15 inch wheel on a D60 rear? I've read the posts where I can grind the front calipers but what about the rear? And how much grinding up front?

thanks in advance

[RustyJeep]

as of now mine has 15" wheels on it. They rears just barely clear the D60 drums and the front is fine. BUT, they are the ones with lots and lots of backspacing. 2" to be more like it smile.gif They work, but I have some 16x10 AR58's to slap on the truck when she's all done.

[sandmanb]

for more clearence in the rear you can do a disk brake convertion.

[Heimeken]

Disk brakes? that would be great, Is there a conversion kit for the D60?

As for the wheels, am I correct in noting that a 15 inch wheel is better for off-road use than a 16 or 16.5 wheel?

[oke-ja]

As for the wheels, am I correct in noting that a 15 inch wheel is better for off-road use than a 16 or 16.5 wheel?This is matter of wheeling style and preference - IMHO

Tall side wall and low tire pressure can allow the tire to spread for more traction ...while it can also allow much side to side movement. Either can be good and bad in different situations.

[scotty]

only thing is with 16.5 wheels,you will have to keep them rock hard all the time,or add beadlocks. otherwise,you will get very good at popping the tire back on,when it slips off due to the lack of a safety bead like are on the 16" and 15" wheels.

a friend of mine runs a rear 60 with homemade discs using front backing plates and 3/4 ton front rotors behind the stock rear hub. he had to grind quite a bit off of his calipers for 15" wheel clearance. prolly almost as much as he did in the front.

[Bob Barry]

The 15" is better than 16.5" for airing down, since there is a bead retaining ring on the inside of the rim. The 16" rims also have that ring, so they can be aired down just as well as a 15", but there are fewer options for 16" tires than for 15" or 16.5" tires once you go over 37" in tire size. Up to 35" in diameter, however, there are just about as many options for 16" tires as for 15" tires, especially in radials, though a lot of them are sized in metric terms (i.e. 315/75 instead of 35"x12.5").

The manufacturers seem to want to jump up to a 17" rim size once they get to 37" radial tires

[Heimeken]

Well I hope I can make some 15" rims work. I like to air down low when wheeling and it's a must in the sand dunes. Anybody know where I can find some with 8 lugs at a descent price?

[Rande]

You may need to have them custom made.

[scotty]

depends on what you want. 4 wheel parts wholesalers sells 15" white ,8 lug,10" wide rock crawlers for $41.95.

[nxcj]

I just fit 15" rims on my 8 lug 44. Get out the big grinder and have at it. Best way is to have a wheel with no tire on it for test fitting. I ground about 1/8" off the caliper and a little less on the bracket.

As soon as I get the time, I'm converting my rear 60 to discs. I have it mocked up in MicroStation at work. Basically a flat plat mounted on spacers from the four bolts that now hold the backing plate. As with about everyone's design, it'll use the same rotor and caliper as the fronts.

[Heimeken]

Some rockcrawlers are exactly what I'd like, but I would paint them black.

Thanks for the input guys

[ColeTrickle]

Hey Heimeken!
I've seen black rockcrawler 8 lug 16" wheels. I don't remember where I saw 'em. I know I'm going with them...problem is...that alot of web wheel sites don't list 'em.
If I'm not mistaken it's American Racing.

But if your set on the 15's and they only come in white...I'd have them sandblasted and then powder coated black. I tried to paint mine white again on the Honcho and their already starting to flake.

good luck....I'll be waiting to see what you decide.

[ January 11, 2003, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: ColeTrickle ]