Military split rims?
- Thread starter Spider
- Start date
alharris
Gear Grinder
Military splits will split down the center. Also you will see the end of studs from the outside.
Split rim:
WillysInHugo
Bigger Hammer
The split you see is in the lock ring that you have to remove to change the tire. An inch or so below the split is a notch in the ring that is made for inserting a tool to pry the ring off. Similar to Budd rims, but I think these may be a different brand. Not nearly as dangerous as suicide or true split rims, but I would still cage them when inflating. Military rims are also known as combat rims, and as was mentioned they can be unbolted to change out the tire.
Tralehead
Well Oiled
Not on civilian vehicles.
"Split" rims were/are designed to facilitate "in the field" fixes. They were popular on military vehicles (hence the moniker 'Combat Rims') because a person could take the rim apart, affix a new tire, bolt it back together, pump it up and be one one's way. Problem is, unless you do it properly (sometimes using a boot, tape, etc) the tire could rapidly deflate through the center split. Split rims are still made, but generally only allowed for racing, etc. and not approved for general road use.
WillysInHugo
Bigger Hammer
Spider, I believe the wheels you listed in the pictures are considered safe for use. the design is borrowed from heavy trucks. As always, everything needs to be in good shape without corrosion, etc. Those wheels require tubes, and flaps, won't work for tubeless. No reason to change unless you are going for 100% factory. I can't tell you if they were ever offered, or came on forward controls with duals, etc. I just don't know.
- Sep 20, 2017
- 8,684
- First Name
- Jeff
- Willys Model
- Wagon
- Pickup
- CJ
- Willys Year:
- 1955
- 1958
- 1962
The real reason the MB/GPW used combat rims was that it was the only way to install the beadlocks. They needed "runflat" tires in combat situations. The fact that they could be changed in the field was just a result of the way they designed them, not the reason, although it must have come in handy at times. Although comabt rims are split, they are not the "split rims" that use that name.
Sprint 6
Sharpest Tool
Those are lock ring rims, not split rims. Those wheels are likely off an International 1/2 ton from the 60's, as 15 inch lock ring rims were an option on International and have the same pattern as Willys/Jeep.
Lock ring rims are perfectly safe if the components are in good shape. They aren't real cost effective, though. They are fiddly to put together, and require boots and tubes. They also don't tend to balance well. Given how common the Willys bolt pattern is, I'd run them until there's a problem, then switch to tubeless safety bead wheels.
Lock ring rims are perfectly safe if the components are in good shape. They aren't real cost effective, though. They are fiddly to put together, and require boots and tubes. They also don't tend to balance well. Given how common the Willys bolt pattern is, I'd run them until there's a problem, then switch to tubeless safety bead wheels.
Spider
Gear Grinder
What was the benefit of the design? If they were an option, they had to be "chosen". Do they allow a tire to be changed in the field? I guess I will have to go to the tire shop and ask them to take one apart for me.
Sprint 6
Sharpest Tool
The benefit in their day was two fold. First, yes, the tire could be changed easily on the road side with just tire irons. Second, lock ring rims allowed for heavier load rating of both the wheel and the tire. High ply tires could be easily fitted without having to stretch them over a bead. These are still the reason they can be found on some big trucks and heavy equipment today. Contrary to popular belief, they are still legal for road use.