Question for dually owners/tire guys

KennethBrown · Jan 18, 2006

Not sure where this belongs so we'll try it here. I just converted my F250 to a dually. I put a one ton rearend with the heavier springs and all in. Previously I had 285-75-16's. The dually wheels have 235-85-16's but need to be replaced. One tire shop locally has reccomended staying with the same size. I do get in some nasty stuff so I want the widest I can go without the tires touching each other. I feel as if I can easily go to a 245-75-16 but would like to put a 255-75-16 if it will fit. Anybody know or done it before?

Panache · Jan 19, 2006

255s are normally too wide to be used as duals with stock rims. The problem is when loaded they can rub sidewall to sidewall and cause heating problems.

BarryinMN · Jan 19, 2006

I have a Chevy dually that came stock with 225 85 16, now has 235 85 16 which is the limit sidewalls almost touch. There are aftermarket spacers available to go wider. There is a drive train shop in CA that makes them but sit down before checking pricing.

RobS · Jan 19, 2006

Just curious on your conversion...

Did you put in the "wide" axle from a dually pickup? What did you do about the bed/fenders? Go with the hub extensions on the front or stick with single rims up there? I've long wanted to do the same with my truck but these issues (and of course the $$$) have kept me from it. Any pictures?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KennethBrown · Jan 19, 2006

The donor truck came with 235/85's and they fit ok, it looks like theres room for wider but maybe I'll stay the same.

RobS- I striiped a F350 to do the swap. The bed came from the same truck. I changed rearend, springs and all. Everything was a direct bolt in. I still have everything to change the frontend over but don't think I'm gonna do it. My brakes and all are the same size and other than for looks it wouldn't serve a purpose.

Panache · Jan 20, 2006

The only purpose for converting the front is only need 1 spare.

RobS · Jan 20, 2006

You might not need to change the whole front axle, only the outer hubs and as Jeff said, that would get you to a common spare wheel. Sounds like a nice conversion, your 250 must have been a long bed? Mine is the previous body style with the IFS front end and short bed. A few more complications /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KennethBrown · Jan 20, 2006

Mine is an 89 ext cab long bed. It does have twin Ibeams in the front. I thought about the spare issue. If I have a flat on the rear I'll just take the flat one off, shouldn't be a problem, but you know how that goes. If all I have to do is change the hubs then I might do it. I'll have to find 2 more wheels as I only have 5 now.