8 lug wheels-split rim?

[ExplorerNC]

My 71 F-250 has a set of lovely split-rim 16 inch steel wheels on it. Were split rims original equipment on this truck? I just got a set of aluminum rims for it, but if these are original to the truck, I will keep them. If they are not, I am going to dump them so they don't take up my space!

[TheEskimo]

My '72 had split rims on it as well, I think they were original.

[Galaxie64]

I want to say they used them into the early 80's. I've never looked at my 16.5's close enough to see if they are split or not.

[46stude]

I know FoMoCo didn't use the splits into the '80s, & I do not ever recall seeing a dentside 3/4 ton w/ splits either. But I'm not sure just when exactly they quit using them. I know we had a '71 or 2 F350 dually w/ them, though.

I wouldn't bother hanging onto them, honestly. They're dangerous if you don't know how to mount/dismount the tires properly, & most tire shops around here won't hardly touch them. Gotta find a place that does big truck tires usually. The only time you'd really need them is if the factory original hubcaps were specific to the rims- like my '64 F250s were.

[72hiboy4x4]

My '72 came stock with them also. But they got thrown in a corner of the yard and forgotten about. Not really worth much, for the above reasons.
My '71 dually rear axle has splits on it also, but I just changed 2 of them to 1 piece wheels, and if I ever get another set, I will finish the job.

FWIW, I don't believe they made a 16.5 wheel that is a split rim. Different beads on the 16.5s would make that hard to do.

[Blue Cloud]

I think Ford used split-rims up to 73 or 75, somewhere in there. If I were you I wouldn't even think about using them. Maybe keep them in the corner for conversation sake. I worked in a gas station in the mid to late 70's and probably worked on hundreds of split rims. If you don't know exactly what your doing they can take an arm, hand, or your head off faster then you can blink! They are a really heavy duty, but deadly if handled wrong.

[fordman]

the 78 that just arived at the local yard has split rims on it its a 78 3/4 ton. i would say they are original to that truck.

[two-bit]

I am slowly replacing all the dually split rims on my F-350.
I have worked on split rims a lot in the past. Only place around here that will touch them is the tire shop at the Co-op.
If i remember right, on a single wheel, you can steelies of almost any ford 8-lug and they will fit.
Two-bit

[slamons]

In 1971 my dad ordered a new F-250 camper special. He did order it with split rims / 6 ply tires on front and 8 plys on the rear. Further more when it was delivered to him both 6 plys were on the right and both 8 plys were on the left.......

[Ford Junkie]

72hiboy4x4

Hi. I was reading your post from 07 about split rims and the 71 dually rears. I have a 72 F350 DW cut away camper and want to change over to non splits. Do you remember what wheels you used when you you converted yours. A couple of people have told me I have to be careful because of the beveled lug nuts and placement pins. Just wondered what you used

Thanks,

My '72 came stock with them also. But they got thrown in a corner of the yard and forgotten about. Not really worth much, for the above reasons.
My '71 dually rear axle has splits on it also, but I just changed 2 of them to 1 piece wheels, and if I ever get another set, I will finish the job.

FWIW, I don't believe they made a 16.5 wheel that is a split rim. Different beads on the 16.5s would make that hard to do.