2 Piece Wheels / Split Rim Wheels

[marvin2]

My F250 has the original 2 piece wheels (or split rim wheels) and the tires are shot; I'm looking to change over to standard wheels with radial tires.

I've heard some of the horror stories about these types of wheels; and I'm fairly nervous about dealing with them. Would it be best to deflate them before I dismount the wheels from the truck?

[marvin2]

Maybe the proper terminology is split ring, but in either scenario, these things scare the crap out of me.

I just want to take the current wheel / tires off the truck in the safest way possible. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

[Donnie]

Hi, yes, these type split rims are dangerous...most accidents happen when inflating them. but I have seen the ring fly of of one & leave an imprint in the ceiling of a shop... Men have been killed or seriously inflating them...They used to use a cage when they were common...
For your piece of mind, I would deflate them before removing them .Buy 1 piece rim's & new tires & scrap the old 2 piece rim's...Donnie

[marvin2]

Thanks Donnie

Are there any dangers in deflating the tires?

I'm looking at a set of one piece wheels (and tires) tonight and want to get them on the truck ASAP.

[1972hiboy]

People have been hurt when they lets guys who didnt know what they were doing mount these tires up. if the lock ring wasnt set properly or the ring/rim had severe corrosion that weakened the componets integrity or when you tried to mount 16.5 rim on a 16 inch rim ect ect. Taking them off your truck shouldnt be this scary. if they were that ready to blow up then surley the weight of your truck would have agitated them enough to blow just sitting still. I would just jack it up off the ground and treat them like normal tires. you can deflate them for peace of mind but I think you will be fine.