split rim conversion

[mizer19]

I have a 1981 Bluebird and would like to swap my split rims for 22.5 solid rims. Do I need to change out my hubs? If so where can I find new hubs?

 

[the_experience03]

You should have no problems getting the new tubeless radial rims. I believe I was quoted about $80 for each wheel plus the tires at something like $225 for virgin goodyears. The hubs are the same either way. The 22.5's are simply the tubeless equivalent of your 20 inch tubed rim.

 

[Crazy]

Who has goodyears for that cheap?

 

[the_experience03]

Taconite Tire in Virginia, Minnesota quoted me that price. That price didn't include mounting and I think I got a break since I was looking at getting rims at the same time. It may have also been because these tires are small and easy to deal with as compared to the 13 foot tall tires Taconite Tire typically deals with supplying the iron mines for their production trucks.

 

[Ryan Grimm]

And don't forget boneyards for already-mounted used tires on the rims.....look around, you might find something nice.

Just make sure all rear tires are the same diameter, or weird wear patterns/overloading of the larger diameter tire(s) will cause blowouts.

 

[Elliot Naess]

Mizer: If you have the "full size" 10-bolt pattern, it should be no problem.
I put a set of 295/75x22.5 (common 18-wheeler size) on my 1981 IH-BB. Rims were
$100 a piece and the total bill was $2209,47. Four fresh caps and two Chinese steers.
My wallet still hurts.
Later, I transfered the whole set to Millicent.

By all means look for good used ones!

Either way, you must make sure you get "lug centered" rims. These are the ones with tapered
mounting holes, and two nuts on the back (inner and outer nuts).
Around 1997 the industry switched to "hub centered" mounting with straight holes and one nut.
(We've cross mounted some of these on trailers at work, but that's kind'a... iffy.)