f450 and sme questions

[zimm]

thanks for the responses!

[zimm]

If you go with the 20" super singles that will require lifting the truck and I am not sure about whether or not you have to replace the hubs or axles for proper spacing or not (probably depends on the wheel). Another option that I looked into is to use the steel wheels from 1st attack. They make a steel wheel that are direct bolt on replacements and can run Mickey Thompson Load Range E tires. I think its around $4000 - $4500 for the rims and tires. I can't remember what the load rating was on them, but I am thinking it brings your load haul weight capacity down slightly. This may not be ideal for your situation, but wanted to let you know about it anyway.

you sure? post 2 seems to indicate i can alter the body to avoid a lift, which would be nice. i think the ground clearance and general bridge like structure of the truck will suffice, and keeping it from being top heavy is imperative. theres a vid of a member wallowing down a mountain road. i dont wish to suffer with him on the utube.

[delithic]

Well the true "super singles" that you would get that are the same as the semi trucks are on 22.5" rims. With a 425/65/R22.5 Michelin X One XZY or a 445/50/R22.5 Michelin X One XDA that would put you at 45" or 41" respectively. Thats a pretty big tire. You would also have to get 8 to 10 lug adaptors.

Here is a pic of a Dodge with them on

[zimm]

nnnnn'NA. the 20" rickson are fine. looks like the dodge ran into a triaxle.

[delithic]

Hadn't seen the Ricksons. Those seem like a good option also, although be careful about the ones that are different on the front and back due to the dual spare tire issue.

[zimm]

good point. i wonder if the wheel is mounted either way. looks like solid flat plate center.

[tbared]

There are a number of wheel example to go with for super singles on 450/550's i went with 20" because of the availability of aggressive tall tires. When you use a 22/24" rim aggressive tires are hard to come by. With my Michelin XL's(42" tall) on 20" rims i went with fiberglass fenders all corners with 2" of lift( i just used taller coils on the front to level out the rig because of the leaf pack on made the front sit 2' lower). The only reason i lifted it was to level it. I could have the rear leafs repacked to lower them back, but i still need the hauling capability of the 550. It has turned out incredible. not too high but a huge improvement in snow and ruts, not to mention mpg on the highway. I spent 400 a piece on split rims and of course 500 on the tires a piece. But, i bought used military surplus tires while doing all the fitment till i decided what i liked. I could even go with 44" Michelins xls on 20" with no trouble. As for tracking, i intentionaly had them made not to track though(personal choice) but any wheel maker will make them track for you when you flip them. just have rims made, i searched and toilled the idea of using adapters, but by the time you purchased rims and adpaters, just have rims made. You are of course stuck with them if u have trouble and need a spare, but i just went with a full spare. Do not go new diesel, DEF will only be around a few years, its a pink elephant. Stick with the diesel you have, buying new right now is not a wise choice, american diesel technology is bass ackwards right now. We are so far behind the world on clean Diesel tech right now(my vent, sorry).