15" or 16.5"

hlfbrd71 · February 23, 2011, 12:46:18 AM

I just a dana 60 front axle and will be putting it on in a couple of weeks.My problem is the rim size.The tires i want are for sale but they are 15",but i would like 16.5" rims so i don't have to grind calipers.my buddy said to stick with the 16.5's,but no tires that i want are in 16's just 15's.Is it bad to grind the calipers or can i get 15" rims with a smaller backspacing to solve the problem?

4x4xdodgeman · February 23, 2011, 01:00:54 AM

if you have to buy rims just get with less back spacing. I think its 2" back spacing.

Flat_Black · February 23, 2011, 01:04:44 AM

Quote from: 4x4xdodgeman on February 23, 2011, 01:00:54 AM
if you have to buy rims just get with less back spacing. I think its 2" back spacing.

x2

mutt truck · February 25, 2011, 02:25:29 AM

I have seen and heard of it done on a lot of boggers, its a pain in the azz but other than that i think that is safe.

Eroq · February 25, 2011, 01:47:23 PM

use a big 7 or 9" grinder.. onea them 2 HP "Widowmakers" dont take nearly as long!!!!!!!!

Blazin40s · February 25, 2011, 04:53:00 PM

The problem with 16.5s is that half size rims (most) don't have the little lip on the inner part of rim that helps hold the tire on the rim......

mudbillyredneck · February 25, 2011, 05:38:56 PM

Or run some 2" spacers behind a standard 15" offset wheel

grinding calapers make them prone to cracks and loss of brakes in a panic stop situation when pressure is the highest ......like if a kid, animal, or other vehicle runs out in front or something

And 16.5 do come of the rims fairly easly when air down ....but Used H1 beadlocks are cheap to fix that problem

Blazin40s · February 25, 2011, 05:44:16 PM

Don't u have to recenter the h1 rims?

Hammerlane · February 25, 2011, 05:54:21 PM

another potential problem w/16.5's >>
generally speaking when you run your tires aired down (like under 20 psi) your tires will have a tendancy to
slip off the bead.. instant flat tire.. this can be really aggravating when on the trail..
15" wheels tend to hold up better at lower pressures even as low as 10 psi.

mudbillyredneck · February 25, 2011, 05:56:48 PM

Quote from: Blazin40s on February 25, 2011, 05:44:16 PM
Don't u have to recenter the h1 rims?

yes....they have a crazy backspacing on them stock...but they are cheap insurance for the dropping of the bead issue of the 16.5 tire

There are pro's and con's to anything....

1st thing is try not to compromise your brakes , buy grinding them, I have seen first hand a caliper crack and couse a wreck before...luckly no one was killed

2nd thing is do what's best for you.......2" backspace or the use of spacers ...does put more leverage on your balljonts and or kingpins...if you did not know

3rd thing is always upgrade...upgrade...upgrade

Be safe , see ya on the trail

mutt truck · February 26, 2011, 05:05:17 PM

I have heard of problems with air down tires on 16.5 rims haveing problems, i have 16.5 rims and had em aired down all last year with no issues so i guess it is just what kind of luck you have. Lol

blazen · February 26, 2011, 07:16:27 PM

if you go with a 15" well need a full reverse wheel but then it will stick out. woulv would be better off with a 16 or 17". I run 17x10 with 25mm offset on 8 lug they sit under my truck and have no problems with my set up.