Need wheel and tire experience for 42 COE please

[FlatheadJon]

Hi everyone,
Just became the owner of a very nice 42 134" COE truck about 75% completed in a frame off resto. My plans are to drive it daily as my contractor vehicle. I'm looking to put a modern wheel and radial tire on her to replace the bias-ply tires. I'm thinking this will be a safer, better tire for daily city driving than the bias ply. Also, get rid of the locking ring wheels if I can.

I'm having trouble finding selection. I'm keeping the original two-speed rear end, so I dont want to go to a late model axle.

Any thoughts on options? I realize that she will drive like an old truck, and I love that. I just want the safest combo I can put on, as my toddler son will be riding along side of me often.

Thanks in advance, I'm a new member and I've enjoyed reading the vast forums so far. I'll be posting pictures and a profile soon.

Peace,
jon

 

[doc.d]

Howdy Jon,
Going to the modern radial and wheel is the best thing you could ever do!
It's been years, but I did a 1 1/2 ton years ago, this have those 5 lug 17 inch tires?
it was some weird combo. main thing is find the Overall height of the tire,
OD and load capacity. Make sure duals are spaced right. Radials will flex
and touch in the middle like a fat pair of thighs, and that will blow them out under load!
Since your up here in Oregon, just call Les Schwabb. But if you need more help
post the tire / wheel combo I was a Firestone guy for 20+ years.

Just joined myself, and enjoying a 47 pu ,I'm taking apart.

Best regards
Doc

 

[51504bat]

Look for 19.5 tubeless Budd wheels from a Dodge motorhome. They are 5 lug on 8 inch centers just like the split rims on your COE. You can get 8r19.5 tires which are very close to the original 6.50x20 or 7.0x20 tires that came stock. I'm running them on both my '40 1 1/2 ton flatbeds. Perfect combo IMO.