Wheels - Diesel Forum

Hoov · 07-17-2002, 12:46 AM

Hello,
I have an 84 E350 with 16.5 inch rims.I need new tires and this size rim is being fazed out.I found a guy who is selling 5 16" alcoa rims with brand new tires off a 01 F350. A guy at a local tire store recommended a machinist who could (and has) redrill the holes, either a new set of holes or elongate the current holes by a sixteenth.Is this a safety issue? Thank you much.

roaddog · 07-17-2002, 08:51 AM

Hoov
I think you'd be opening a can of worms by machining the '01 F series wheels to fit your lug pattern. The F wheels of that year are hub centric, your van ( and mine ) is lug centric. Machining the conical depression to fit the lug nut could be a problem if there isn't enough "meat" to handle the depth.
Yeah, I'd say you're looking at a possible safety issue. In addition, trying to balance them could be a nighmare

Larry M · 07-17-2002, 09:11 AM

Hoov,

I sure wouldn't do it. Like roaddog says too many worms in the can [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Larry

Hoov · 07-17-2002, 11:54 PM

Hey Thanks for the warning.I was thinking on the same lines but these guys were telling me they've done it before.So that idea is in the trash. Too bad would have been a good deal.Anyone have any 8 lug rims for an 84? Thanks again, Chris

roaddog · 07-18-2002, 08:19 AM

Hoov
What type of rims are you looking for, Alum, steel ?

Hoov · 07-18-2002, 11:17 AM

Roaddog,
Prefrably aluminum or powder-coated steel.Looking for a deal. Thanks for asking.Chris

roaddog · 07-18-2002, 01:56 PM

OK,
Your choices are broad relative to 16x7 or 16x8, they get narrower as you look for wheels that have the 3000 lb + weight rating. Ford steel 8 lug, up to I think, 1997 will fit. One of the guys here in the forum will post the last year the vans and f's used the same wheel. Anyway, I had a '84 E350 with 16.5's changed them to 16x8 alloy. I don't remember the max tire size you can use without lifting or modification to the wheel wells, I know I used 235/75 16 The lug spec is 8x6.25. New or used, steel or alum, your biggest problem will be getting them balanced. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by finding a shop with a Hunter 9700 balancing machine AND someone that's trained to used it. Several guys here have bought Alcoa wheels that meet the load req. for these one tonners and are very pleased with the results. The lowest price I've seen is somewhere in the neighborhood of $130 per. Do a search in this forum, see what you can find out. Also, this thread should get you some good advice, as the guys surf through.