Looking at a donor/parts M300. I currently have nice tires/wheels that are 16" single piece on a 72 M300. Will these fit on a 73 M300 chassis that came with 17.5" wheels? thanks much
Well, if you have the wheels allready, just try and fit.
your only worry is if the inner ring between the lugnuts is big enough (or not to big) so your tyre sits straight. It only should fit snugly and not move around. if you want to be absolutely sure use a caliper to measure the inner ring. If they are the same you're good. Normally smaller rims means smaller tyres so I don't see any problems there in fitting unless the wheels are wider.
BUT
Keep in mind: the smaller the tyres, the more revs from the engine you need to turn them around. The more rubber you need to fix that, the spongier the drive gets. As America is a country of (very) long distances every rev more then necessary really can get to your nerves.
I interchanged my wheels form my 78 M400 that are 17.5, with my Dodge D300 that are 16.
And did everything fit ok?
Just because they are smaller wheels does not mean the tires are smaller.
That depends. If they had tires on them for a different vehicle they may be. Going to smaller wheels often means having to go to taller tires if you want to keep the original dynamics.
I just got the axle yesterday...I'll try and get a fit answer this weekend. Just finished putting installing the diesel heater so I'll be doing a write up on that as well!
They will interchange. I ditched my 16's for the 17.5's. My thinking is more wheel and less tire gets me less sidewall flex and better handling. 17.5 radials are a bit harder to find so I bought two spares.
Yeah they fit! I would keep them if it wasn't 400 per tire for decent rubber ;) and the weight/cost of two spares! Not much room to spare! Thanks
I went from 17.5s to 16's. Really didn't notis any difference other than the speedometer was out a bit. Made a world of difference in cost of tires and if you brake down you can find a replacement tire anyplace.
I just want to let everyone who's wondering know: the 8 lug 16's fit on the 73 Axle that used to hold the 8 lug 17.5's..no problem.
You may find a problem with the front wheels. My 74 Dodge disc brakes took some grinding for clearance.