Split rims, inner tubes, and gasp - bias ply tires!

[likethewheel]

Man, I just can't help but lust over the look of old school pizza cutters. Every time I see a classic truck with 9 x 16 Super Lugs it just looks right. Those tires measure out to about 36x10" give or take. Excellent ratio.

I still have the stock split rim 16" wheels that came with my Troopy, would I be stupid if I mounted a set of Super Lugs (with tubes, of course) on those wheels? I know bias ply tires don't ride like a radial but what should I expect specifically in terms of undesirable ride characteristics? They're not cheap either and doubt they last long. I guess they made radial Super Lugs for a while but apparently not anymore. Bummer. Shame Toyo doesn't make the M55s in anything larger than a ~33".

Seems to me the idea of having inner tubes and split rims isn't so bad for a guy like me ... there's a reason they spec these trucks that way OEM in markets where field repairs are necessary. I realize it's not DOT legal but not too concerned about that.

I mean, just look at this tire profile and overall vibe ... it's perfect.

 

[rick_d]

Don’t worry. You will grow out of this phase.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I have two LCs with split rims and I intend to keep the rims. Should you desire to move to a radial tire, they make tubes specifically for use with radial tires. Just FYI.

 

[likethewheel]

Don’t worry. You will grow out of this phase.

Not sure it’s a phase … I’ve been afflicted with this desire (illness?) for many years

 

[Gubbtratt1]

I'm also planning to put 8.25r16 or 255/85r16 on split rims on mine. Keep in mind that the rims are 5.5" wide, so technically you shouldn't put anything wider than 205 on them. I've read about people running 235/85, 255/85, 8.25, 9.00, 255/100 and 11.00 on them without problems though. Edit: I believe Australia also gets 225/95 from the dealer.

Apparently there's separate tubes for radial and bias tyres. I've read about people mismatching them without problems though, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. You need the right valve stem though, I can't remember what they're called but the long rubber one or the short bent brass one works best. Long bent brass ones also works, but they'll stick out past the wheel, so not very good for off road driving.

For a split rim you also need a flap. Basically a rubber piece you put between the tube and the rim to protect the tube from the sharp edges of the split rim. It also prevents the tube from getting damaged through the very big valve stem hole.

I would also look into 255/100r16 and 9.00r16 radials. There's a company in the netherlands, vrakking tyres, who make all terrain retreads of michelin 255/100r16. I'm not sure if the michelin military tyres are any more comfortable than a bias ply, but they will have much longer tread life. It's an all steel construction, so they're pretty much impossible to puncture.

If you want to you could mount them yourself, but have a tyre shop that deals with lorry and agricultural tyres air them up. They have a cage to put the tyres in, so if the locking ring isn't properly seated it won't kill you and put a hole through your garage roof.

To keep water and grime out you could put a bit of silicone between the ring and the tyre. This will keep rust away, giving your rims a bit longer lifespan and make it much easier to dismount them in 5-10 years time.

 

[likethewheel]

I'm also planning to put 8.25r16 or 255/85r16 on split rims on mine. Keep in mind that the rims are 5.5" wide, so technically you shouldn't put anything wider than 205 on them. I've read about people running 235/85, 255/85, 8.25, 9.00, 255/100 and 11.00 on them without problems though.

Apparently there's separate tubes for radial and bias tyres. I've read about people mismatching them without problems though, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. You need the right valve stem though, I can't remember what they're called but the long rubber one or the short bent brass one works best. Long bent brass ones also works, but they'll stick out past the wheel, so not very good for off road driving.

For a split rim you also need a flap. Basically a rubber piece you put between the tube and the rim to protect the tube from the sharp edges of the split rim. It also prevents the tube from getting damaged through the very big valve stem hole.

I would also look into 255/100r16 and 9.00r16 radials. There's a company in the netherlands, vrakking tyres, who make all terrain retreads of michelin 255/100r16. I'm not sure if the michelin military tyres are any more comfortable than a bias ply, but they will have much longer tread life. It's an all steel construction, so they're pretty much impossible to puncture.

If you want to you could mount them yourself, but have a tyre shop that deals with lorry and agricultural tyres air them up. They have a cage to put the tyres in, so if the locking ring isn't properly seated it won't kill you and put a hole through your garage roof.

To keep water and grime out you could put a bit of silicone between the ring and the tyre. This will keep rust away, giving your rims a bit longer lifespan and make it much easier to dismount them in 5-10 years time.

This is a great reply—thank you! Lots of helpful on topic information.

I think this could be a viable approach that would provide some benefits over conventional wheels & tires AND look really proper.