Replacing rear rims only on 4WD tractor

[dlundblad]

Dad bought a Ford 1500 4WD that his grandfather bought new in 1980. Japanese made and pretty darn close to Kubota aside from the paint job. 1500ish hours, 2 cylinder 19 horse diesel and gear drive. Granted it was 60*F yesterday, but she fired right up after being glowed for 20 seconds.

The rear tires are filled with calcium and the rims need replaced. We’re having an issue finding specific rims for it as they’re a 1 piece design and no longer made. Would there be any issues 4WD wise if the rims are replaced with the 2 piece style assuming the original rear tire size is used? 9.5-24 IIRC. Not sure on the rim bolt pattern, but I’m hoping it’s a universal size.

I could have misunderstood, but I was told all rims will need replaced regardless of what tire size is used so the 4WD won’t get damaged because of the different gearing.

 

[200mph]

1 or 2 pc Wheels should not impact the 4 wheel drive ratio assuming the same size tire is used.

Let us know what wheel you find and post the dimensional dats in the event others may need in the future.

 

[dlundblad]

It is a 6 lug rim. 7 inches bolt center to bolt center with a 4.5 inch hub/ center hole.

I am also assuming a 9.5-24 tire would have the same sidewall height regardless of brand since thats the only dimension on the tire.

 

[Bmbbm]

I can't think of the name right now , but I was thinking there was a company that specializes in new replacement tractor wheels. In Iowa I think

 

[Treckerzeug]

Hello,

The important factor for a 4WD is the ratio of the front tyre circumference in relation to the circumference of the rear tyres,
This must not be changed more than extremely little as otherwise the front is working against the rear or vice versa,
The rims don t matter, even narrower or wider sizes wouldn t matter if the right tyre size still fits

Regards

Robert

 

[davemorgan]

The width of the rim will have an impact on the circumference of the mounted tire...Can't get around that...So, try to get the same rim width as a narrow rim would produce a larger circumference, same with wider producing smaller...However, probably a negligible difference to cause FWD gearing problem..

Hard to see and one piece - two piece problem..

 

[rut3556]

I can't think of the name right now , but I was thinking there was a company that specializes in new replacement tractor wheels. In Iowa I think

That would be Wold Rim. I went through the same problem with my '85 L2250, and Kubota no longer offered replacement rims. So, I contacted Wold Rim and had them make me a new set, which they then drop shipped to my local Kubota dealer for installation. They're not cheap, but in my case there was no alternative. They're beautifully made and are much more solid then the OEM rims.

 

[RCW]

There were quite a few of the small diesel imports in the 60's-80's for all the brands.

I did a very quick look at tractorhouse.com and there were several hits for 1500's for parts. A couple hits were old, but updated this month:

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listin...ed-machines/list/manufacturer/ford/model/1500

May be worth a shot.

I also remember rut's wheels when he got them, and he was very pleased.

 

[dlundblad]

Thanks.

Hes going to make a few calls today. Ford also had a 1600 that was a little older with a slightly larger engine. From what I***8217;ve seen in the photos, those are 2 piece rims at least on the 2WD models. Im just not sure if theyre the correct size.

There is also a tractor junkyard just north of me that Im going to check out either today or tomorrow afternoon.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: ... I am also assuming a 9.5-24 tire would have the same sidewall height regardless of brand since thats the only dimension on the tire.

that's NOT a good assumption ! I have 2, 5.80-12 'boat trailer' tires here, different makes,new, on same rims, same PSI BUT different heights (over an inch difference )! Both are brand names BTW.

moral of this mess... if replacing one, by TWO !

 

[D2Cat]

Here's a place to call. They are a family owned business and been there for a long time. They also build wheels for airplane tires for implements. Excellent price and service.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=hey+wheel+baldwin+kansas

 

[dlundblad]

Thanks for all the info guys.

He ended up getting some from the Pennsylvania location in the link posted on the first page.

 

[dlundblad]

Just an update, that junkyard called him back asking if hed rather have 2 piece rims since they already had those pulled with the tires removed. Dad took him up on it so we shall see. He said they have 4 different adjustments. Ive never really dealt with ag tires before so this will be interesting to tinker with.

We should be picking up the beast this weekend assuming she starts. 40 year old diesel technology, single digit temps and a no block heater dont mix well.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

2 piece rims make it EASY to remount the tires when you, um, oopsy, make 2 left side tires.......
no that I would KNOW about that....

Sounds like the rims have one shallow and one deep section, so you get 2 different widths( track) depending on how they go together.

 

[dlundblad]

The rims actually came in today. They called Thursday asking about the switch. Super fast shipping apparently.

They do look to have the deep and shallow dish discs. Im not sure what were going to do at the moment because itll be used in the woods mostly. Youd want the stance but not be too wide either.

 

[whitetiger]

Unverferth is another option. They make better than original and custom wheels.