I have a '51 GMC 3/4 ton pickup with a 228 L6. I want to get rid of the original split-rims and tubed tires for a set of alloys with radials. It has a 8-bolt on a 6 1/2" bolt circle, and a 4 1/2' diameter hub hole in the center. Is there a newer Ford or Chevy Heavy Duty wheel that will fit?? Perhaps an OE wheel of a GM 3500, or maybe a Ford Excursion??? Any insite would be appreciated...
Try ebay. They have lots of used wheel & tires for sale cheap. I have bought wheels with tires there for newer models. Its a little hard to find aluminum wheels for a truck with really good tires but you may find what you need.
Most of the modern factory takeoffs wont work because they have to much backspacing. The '99 and newer Fords use a completely different bolt measurment. You will have to find a rim that has a backspacing close to your original wheels. I used Pacer alloy wheels on my 3/4 GMC. They measure 16x7 and have about 3.5" B/S. Chris
Backspacing Hi Andy ! WELCOME ! Be ready for some teasing about your GMC as us BOWTIE guys all have' Long Motor Envy ' Backspacing , is the alignment of the centerline of the wheel versus the face of the brake drum and what this means is : newer wheels sit the tires further _in_ and so might well rub the tire or inner rim lip on the tie rod ends etc. , this is very dangerous and must not be corrected by bubba method of placing flat washers over the wheel studs before installing those cool wheel you got cheap ! . (unless you want to die a horrible , painful death) Take some time to read older posts as there's been quite a bit written about this in the past . Good luck and enjoy driving that Jimmy !
I had some Ford or Dodge rims on my old '53 1 ton dump. They were 16" and cleared the steering. The old Chevy 16.5s didn't. Just check the backspacing and don't spend a ton on them until you know!
I sold the set that came on mine for $100. He put it on a 3/4 ton, mid 80s suburban....I think any 8 lug gm rim mounts up, but watch the backspacing. The previous owner bought the chrome wagon wheels cause they were the cheapest thing he could find to replace the split rims.
Welcome Andy, If you can find it, there is an old post which one of us (not me) stated they sent their old split rims in to a company and had new outers welded to their spits rim centers thus having the correct off set needed for their truck. Hope this helps.
