HMMWV wheels...

[KargoMaster]

I put some 12-bolt HMMWV wheels together today...
Figured I would take some pics while I went along...
Tech Section needs some love too.

Below are the 2-piece rubber inserts, and the 2-piece (unmolested) magnesium inserts, and I'll update later with a THIRD type of insert... the rubber ring, when I break down the Jeep wheels to recenter. (I got the pressed centers, and so far, very happy with the quality, just need more hours in the day.)

These stock back-spaced wheels (like 7") have 33in tires for the front axle of the Big Red truck. (DRW hubs)

Here's the crux of the process today... try to get this rubber runflat into a
tire when both tire and runflat have the same inner diameter...







Enter: 2" ratchet strap...
(started with 1" but NEEDed the larger handle)



Muscle that B!TCH in there...





I'm a big fan of mechanical advantage...





Release tension with a dead-blow hammer, while wearing protective eye gear... seriously.
Then grab the second ring and toss it in the mix.
(It's a minor ring, but I'm a believer in the two piece rubber runflat now,
the 1-piece would have been even worse)





All three pieces lined up.





Drop it over the inner half-a-wheel carefully, and clean o-ring surfaces:





Drop on the outer half-a-wheel and bust out the impact wrench.





Slightly simpler for the two piece magnesium runflat... insert each half and bolt together... no ratchet strap BS,
or feeling like I NEED to wear eye protection.




(started getting darker... I'm standing right next to the white sided garage, apparently that makes the photo a little blue...:confused: )

[GPER]

Nice Brad, but why A/T tires??????

[KargoMaster]

These wheels/tires are for the front axle of the tow vehicle...

A 3500HD that I'm converting to 4x4... the 10 lug Dually Dana80 in the rear has 225/70R19.5 (Load Range F) tires and I was trying to match the outside diameter for the front 60 without breaking the bank (believe it or not, the 16.5 tires are cheap right now because they want to get rid of stock... but the issue will eventually be the supply running out )

Here's the difference in the old steer tire, and the BFG:





I was inspired by this: (thought you might appreciate this GPER)
Wider fronts than the dually rears...




Here's mine:





Here's what it will become...



I didn't want to wait around for the illusive 10 lug low pinion, open knuckle Dana70 (which was ONLY installed in these trucks by outfitters like Monroe and Quigley as 4x4 conversions.... every 3500HD came off the line reg cab and 2wd), so I went with a high pinion Dana60 instead...

...which led me to the A/Ts! (wheew!)


Rear:





How the BFGs matched up with the rears...

[JeffK5]

Good stuff.


It's been awhile since I've seen a new BFG-AT ... looks like a new more aggressive side wall?

Jeff

[GPER]

Since you clarified that they were for a tow rig, then I say good call. Some of the tractor trailers are going to the single drive tires and some of the trailers. About all the fuel tankers are running the single tire set up now.

[JeffK5]

Originally Posted by GPER

Since you clarified that they were for a tow rig, then I say good call. Some of the tractor trailers are going to the single drive tires and some of the trailers. About all the fuel tankers are running the single tire set up now.

I don't think he's doing away with dual rear tires ... a single E rated tire on the rear would be a serious step backwards on this size tow rig.