Wheel choice

[Ponyracer]

Has anyone swapped their steel 22.5's for some take off aluminum semi 24.5's? Found a guy local that has a set with new tires reasonably priced. Any issues?

[jazty]

The difference will ultimately depend on what tire you put on those rims. An 11r22.5 tire is similar in size to a 24.5 low-profile tire, I believe. If you were to swap one for the other you probably won't notice much difference. If you go from an 11r22.5 to a 11r24.5 you will change the driveline gearing by a bit. You will be doing lower RPM at the same speed, but won't have as much power. Depending on the size of the engine this may not even be noticeable. Anyone else have some input?

[jazty]

Oh, and I think 22.5 is a more common rim size than 24.5, thus 22.5 tires will be cheaper.

[r_w]

Look at tire prices (I haven't, don't have a clue how they compare). You have mountain gears, so the change in gearing is good for you. I would be more worried about the change in braking power. Measure your wheel wells, most look like there would be room, but you never know.

I would consider it, too.

[Ponyracer]

I can def stand to kill some gear, the best choice is a tranny swap so I can keep my mtn gears for pulling etc, and that will happen eventually.

10r=40"=55 mph at 2500rpm
12r=42.6"=59 mph at 2500rpm

Just need to see if I can fit the extra inches.

Since I need tires anyway and would like to swap to nice alcoas this might be a good time. We'll see what tires cost for replacement etc. The good thing is, there are plenty of semi's around here selling wheels/tires from wrecked trucks.

[bansil]

you have a 545 auto right?

If so you will kill it if you increase dia diameter by a couple inches, if you don't have 2200/2400 input rpm into trans it will slip ALL the time

[Ponyracer]

Originally Posted by bansil

you have a 545 auto right?

If so you will kill it if you increase dia diameter by a couple inches, if you don't have 2200/2400 input rpm into trans it will slip ALL the time

Hmmmmmm good catch. That blows, didn't think about that. So on the 545 you have to SPIN it to get it to "lock up". That ought to help fuel mileage lol. Looks like the tranny swap is working its way to the top of the list.

[bansil]

by lock up, it means max fluid pressure on bands and even then it's making heat because of the convertor

[r_w]

You can still do it as long as you keep engine RPM up, so yeah. If your bus tops out at 55 and you want to always drive 60, no problem. If you have to drive X mph and that used to be 2200 but now is 2000, you have a problem.

[bansil]

For me

3rd gear 2200/2400 rpm is 45 to 50 dependent on grade

4th gear on flat ground 2200 is 60/65 (don't remember, worried about other idiots on I85 and I40 ) and 2400 is 72 mph

I know it seems strange with such a small jump in rpm's makes a big difference

I drive 95% in 3rd gear and 50-ish, I'm getting older so I am practicing

[r_w]

That is kind of proof it is slipping, now isn't it

[Ponyracer]

Any way to tell if you have hub or stud pilot wheels? I have pics of the wheels, they have "lips" on the hub so the wheel rests on them to center but they also have raised sections at the lug holes that looks like it's there for a tapered lug.

[bansil]

I think I read somewhere if you go from steel to aluminum rims you have to change studs due to aluminum having thicker lips, something to keep in mind

[Ponyracer]

Ya I believe its the rear.