m35a3 rims and tires fit on m135?

[cumminsbandit]

I'm not far enough in my project to be worrying about this yet but i go day to day thinking about this stuff and want to keep my eyes open if it would work. Will the rims and tires off a m35a3 bolt right on my m135? I have done some measuring and from what i can see, it would work...? Possibly 395's? Any opinions would be great! Thanks

 

[Rambling Wreck]

I'm not far enough in my project to be worrying about this yet but i go day to day thinking about this stuff and want to keep my eyes open if it would work. Will the rims and tires off a m35a3 bolt right on my m135? I have done some measuring and from what i can see, it would work...? Possibly 395's? Any opinions would be great! Thanks

Have you tried using the search function? I'm sure that this has been answered, probably in great detail, on here before.

 

[cumminsbandit]

I have more than tried the search function... looked through many threads and its overwhelming. just had to ask

 

[tburk49760]

I've been thinking he same thing. My truck would look better and be more useful with better tires.

 

[gringeltaube]

I have more than tried the search function... looked through many threads and its overwhelming. just had to ask

In this case, DON'T search.... for too long, at least! (I don't think there has been anything ever posted here, about this topic. Most M135 owners seem to prefer keeping their rigs all stock/ original...)

Wishing I had a M135 here to confirm 100%... If your Q. was about A3 wheels with stock A3 tires (14.5R20 or 365/80R20) that should work all right: tire O.D. plus hole size and bolt pattern for both wheel centers are the same, no problem; only the A3's have about 1" more backspace.
Now 395's are a lot more rubber, sticking out in every direction! So there might be some interference issues on steering components, fenders, etc. Also, this would be considerably more weight on the front axle; don't know about the original shocks....?

Let us know and post pics if/when this project comes through!


G.

 

[nattieleather]

Seeing that rims and tires from M35 series trucks will bolt on to the M135 I see no reason why the stock rim and tires from teh M35A3 would not bolt on. Now will they rub on anything I couldn't tell you. I would think you would just have to try and see what happens. Know anyone with a M35A3 who would be willing to spend an afternoon swapping tires and rims to find out?

 

[Section8]

I have been pondering this question myself for quite a while.
A couple of my rims are damaged and I don't want to run them. The bolt holes on one is buggered from someone not installing the tire proper before operation and another is bent.
While not M35a3 rims I have been looking at the Canadian MLVW 2 piece rims which are quite similar minus the CTIS system of the A3's.
I know a fella close to me who has four of them sitting in his yard after getting them from some ex service man.
They were a heck of a deal he told me due to the fact the military cut the face around a couple of the bolt holes to render them unuasable.
I have been planning to go see if I can snake one for a day and put the rim on my rig in both front and back for measurements.
This being said I need to find the time and get at it.
I will post my findings of what I think most common tire size issues may be once I do it.

 

[Rambling Wreck]

I'm pretty sure it has been done because I am nearly certain that I read about in a thread on this site. That's why I asked if you had searched. I think it would work. Of course, you would have to cap the CTIS line that comes through the rim.

 

[cumminsbandit]

I'm really happy you all don't think i'm nuts, just seemed to me it would make a nice truck out of this old iron. I think it would look pretty sweet too! Nothan like rollin on good rubber! Also was wondering what/if the rime width is differant from my stock rims to the a3? Would 14.5's fit the stock 135 rims nicely?

 

[Section8]

Stock M135 rims are 7.50 inches wide. A3 and MLVW 2 piece rims are 10 inches I believe.
Most tires such as 395's and 1400's require a minimum of 10 inch rim width for manufactures approved use.
There are lots of guy here that squeeze those types of tires on a stock rim.
Is it safe?? That is something you would have to decide for yourself. Me personally, no! Tires are spec'd from the manufacture for a reason!

 

[silverstate55]

This could get expensive, as after installing the heavier wheels & tires you will understand the logic of upgrading to power steering.

That was the single best upgrade I did to my truck.

 

[eagle4g63]

One thing to keep in mind.....the a3 rim has a different bead than the other deuce rims.........so using the a3 with the 395 tires, from what I hear is a no no.........not enough rim bead to support the tire.........I have been thinking of A3 rims for a while but was told I would have to stick with just a couple of choices on tires.

 

[hendersond]

I've been considering some tire size upgrades as well. I suspect you will be into the front fender on anything but the flat highway. I was thinking more along the lines of Michelin XL 12.50R20 41" Tall 12.50" Wide x 20"

 

[trucknut]

I too have thought that wider super singles would look cool om a m135. There has been a lot of discussion on various wheels in I believe the m35 hot rodding section. Here is a photo of stock m35, new CDN wheel, m35A3 and Hemitt wheels from several years ago.I have one of backspacing but haven't found it yet/QUOTE]

 

[rchalmers3]

I too have thought that wider super singles would look cool om a m135. There has been a lot of discussion on various wheels in I believe the m35 hot rodding section. Here is a photo of stock m35, new CDN wheel, m35A3 and Hemitt wheels from several years ago.I have one of backspacing but haven't found it yet/QUOTE]

trucknut,

Thank you for the excellent visual reference. Judging by the photo alone, the backspacing on those rims does not look to vary more than an inch or so.

It would be a valuable contribution to this forum (another sticky) if you or Gerhard were to collect the rim width and backspacing data for each of those examples, and any the other rims available (LMTV) that fits the deuce directly or with an adapter. A simple spreadsheet with the data would be a tremendous resource.

Gerhard has already established the dimensions relating the hub to the deuce bed and fenders. This information is important for those of us who wish to widen the stance of the deuce without having the tires protrude out of the fenders.

Thanks to all,

Rick

 

[eagle4g63]

Thanks for that pic of the rims

 

[cumminsbandit]

Thanks for the pic Trucknut! The only problem with the a3 wheels and tires is that they cost so much... I found a guy that would take 600 for a 95% tire mounted on a rim... $3600 is more than my truck is worth! lol I'm thinkin could get a whole a3 for that and part the rest out?

 

[trukhead]

Will the Michelin XL 12.50R20 41" Tall 12.50" Wide x 20 tires fit on the A3 wheel? I have a wheel off and will measure the backspace. The 12.50 tire might be more readily available. Does it have the MPT Bead?opcorn:

 

[gimpyrobb]

Thanks for that pic of the rims

No problem, Jeff and I decided since we had them sitting there, might as well take a pic.

 

[Section8]

I do have to say that the prices being charged for 2 piece, M35a3 rims and the Hemtt rims is ridiculouse!!
Even here in Canada where things tend to cost more, I can buy a M35a3 for 6500 bucks! Where as if I bought just the new 2 piece rims from a US source in idaho it is 500 bucks per rim. 3000 dollars just for rims, then still have to get rubber!!
Rubber up here is crazy expensive even surplus stuff!
I priced out new rims and 395 rubber for my truck and it would cost me 6000 or more with taxes!!
My butt is getting a little soar with what it takes just to get my rig road worthy never mind new shoes for it!!
HINT, HINT!!!! Stop gouging people for stuff!!!

Sorry! Just found ouit it will cost 350 plus tax on motor mounts for my engine and will still have to fab up frame mounts!!