19.5" Wheels on 73 Brave

[ashpd_136]

Im going to be in the market for tires for my Brave before the camping season next year. While doing some pricing I discovered that the 17.5" wheel size is rare and the tirs are pricy. One of the tire dealers that I spoke with suggested that I consider going to 19.5" wheels. There are take-off 19.5" wheel and tire packages for sale in my area at reasonable prices from retired delivery trucks. The tire dealer seemed certain that these would work on my Brave. Does anyone have any input in this area before I invest in something that is not a good choice.

[wrolandhyattjr]

I went that way with my 1972 Superior 25 with M375 chassis.  I went with Alcoa forged aluminum, although a large, one-time, expense.  The aluminum wheels are inherently more true because of the construction from a single block of aluminum.  I bought the wheels from Southwest Wheel on the Internet.  Because the hub was thicker, I had to replace the studs.  Overall it was a great upgrade.  I was faced with finding 17" tires in a radial, which was becoming nearly impossible - and that was 20 years ago.

[wrolandhyattjr]

By the way.......On the front I would go with 225 70 R19.5.  They are a wider profile, lower pressure tire that all the reading I have done says that they will eliminate a lot of the steering issues with those years and soften the ride.  It's sort of like the difference between a balloon tired bicycle and a 10 speed with the narrow, high pressure tires.

[jkilbert]

i just bought 6 yokohamas for $152 ea. mounted. i went this way because of the 2 piston calipers...16" would fit the rear but not the front. also remember if you have casings that are good you can have them capped for much less than new. over the road trucks run them all the time. i just wouldn't reccommend caps on the steering axle. i had to buy all six because after sitting next to the barn on my aunt's farm for roughly 10 years the brand new michelins on it were so dry rotted you could see the inside air..

[ashpd_136]

I take it you had no clearance problems anywhere? Did you notice any difference in performance or gas mileage? Do you know if the overall height of the 19.5  wheel and tire combination is taller than that of the 17.5 combination?

Thanks

[ashpd_136]

I can't quite see the air but I can see the dry cracks in places. Its a shame to cuz the bias tires on it have about 95% tread. Thats about what i got for a quote from Blevins Tire here by me in Ashland, Ohio. I see you have a very similar Winnie to mine I may need to annoy you with repeated questions so please bare with me.

Thanks !

[wrolandhyattjr]

I don't know if you are replying to me or jkilbert!

[Oz]

I can't quite see the air...

When you can see the air... let me know.  I've been dying to see what air really looks like all my life! 

[ashpd_136]

Sorry that was meant for Jkilbert my apologies !

[wannawinnie]

I just did the conversion on my 74 D19. The wheels you are looking for come off a P30 stepthough truck. mine were off a Frito Lay Truck. These are Chevy Wheels with the same bolt pattern, but the hubs on the Chevy are 1/8" smaller. Therefore you have to grind 1/8" off the total diameter to fit. Also,  the lug nuts will be different. You'll need a 1" acorn type lug to keep the wheels centered. My ride is 100% better. The severe duty tires are safer. Plus with the taller tire means lower RPMs. At 60mph I run 3100rpms compared to 3600 before. I Bought all 7 wheels for $150 on Ebay. I put used tires on the back, and retreads on the front. I also put stainless simulators (which is another story)
GoodLuck

[Rogerslvnv]

WannaWinne, was there any particular date range on those P30 rims that you bought? and I am assuming yours is am RM300 chassis? I would love to go up to those 19.5 rims on my D21 I would think it will help fuel economy as well as ride quality. If i found some i would probably have my local machine shop enlarge the hub holes for me.

[ashpd_136]

WannaWinnie,
Just got  my 19.5 rims today. Ive been told since they are not coined Ill need a method to center them. Can you tell me a little more about the method you used?  Also, how did you go about opening the center hole for the hub? What size tires did you go with front and rear and are you still happy with the conversion?

[ashpd_136]

So Ive got my 19.5 Chev P30  wheels and I've come across some issues of concern... Hm? Ive tried to follow up with Wanna Winnie with no response....  I need to know what I need to do center these wheels on the Dodge hubs? Can I use the tapered style lug nuts to center them? If I do how does this center the inner of the dual wheels since the lug nut does not have contact with that wheel?  I been told to use drill bushings to center them, short bushings in the front and longer in the rear to center both wheels...  Is anyone aware of this method and where did you get the drill bushings? Also would it be neccessary or beneficial to put a slight taper on the bolt hole of the P30 wheel to match that of the tapered lug nut ? 

[ashpd_136]

Okay I did it ! Only on the front for now.... but I don't anticipate any real problems with the rear wheels either. Although the system used to center the Chevy and the Dodge wheels is different, apparently the small clearance between the wheels studs and the wheel holes is not enough to cause things to be off center. I mounted the wheels on the front using the acorn or conical style lug nuts and the retaining or locking ring that come with the Chevy P30 Wheels. The taper on the nuts meets the taper on the ring and thus far I've had no problems. I plan to keep a vigilant check on the torque of the lug nuts though.. lol  I'm still waiting for some used 19.5" tires to come along for the rears. I got my front tires free form a local tow company that had taken them off a tow truck... not the best but they'll work for the rest of this season. I'll post on the rears when I get them on...