Question about rims/tires - M37

[wrekt666]

Hello. I was wondering if anyone knows if there are rims out there other than the stock rims that will bolt right on my M37. It seems that 9.00 x 16 tires are hard to find and rather expensive so was considering trying out other rims/tires. Would like bigger tires than stock also.. Any ideas or suggestions?? Thanks!

[Cal_Gary]

No "bolt on" upgrades are available that I know of-some guys get the gammagoat adapters and run a set of those. They fill up the fender wells nicely, and I'm told they ride better, too.
Gary

[cuz]

Check this thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3299

[Chuck]

Another option would be to keep your rims and go to 11x16 Michelins(taller) or Cooper Discover ST 255 85 r16(a little shorter)dia. than the ND's. A word of caution on the tubless rims is they are rare,and if you have the disc brake conversion they will need 3/8 more spacing than the kit allows.The bigger problem is that longer wheel studs arn't available.I have a set of 5 and I am still working a solution.Whatever you do it's not going to be cheap!
Chuck

[wrekt666]

Thanks for the suggestions.. very helpful.

[Lifer]

It seems that 9.00 x 16 tires are hard to find and rather expensive so was considering trying out other rims/tires.

Hard to find? Nope, not at all. You just have to look in the right places. Most "mom & pop" tire shops won't have 'em, but they'll be able to order them for you. If they tell you it's not possible, they just don't want your business bad enough to do a little extra work.

Rather expensive? Yep! I haven't seen a "cheap" tire in years! I remember having to take out a bank loan for a set of new tires for my '65 VW Beetle back in '71. Sears fixed me up with a set of 4 Michelins for $15.00 each, mounted and balanced. I didn't have $75.00 kicking around loose, considering I made $50/week and only got to take home about $42 of it, so I risked a used spare with only one layer of cord showing. The way I figure it, a set of decent "cheap" tires cost a week and a half or two weeks pay back then, and still do.

[wrekt666]

If anyone knows where I can find 4 or 5 used, nice 11x16 Michelin XZL's or anything comparable for a decent price, let me know. Thanks..

[Master Yota]

If anyone knows where I can find 4 or 5 used, nice 11x16 Michelin XZL's or anything comparable for a decent price, let me know. Thanks..

Try the military surplus and government auction sites. Another option would be to inquire with some of the offroad and 4x4 vendor websites, they might be able to point you in the right direction.

www.100dollarman.com
www.Stazworks.com

These are two off the top of my head.

A 315/85/16 tire will also fit the original rim. Many of the modern radial tires are available in this size (basically a 35/12.50/16 tire). Yokohama is a frequently recomended tire with good manners and good fitment.

[ron]

I run the 11/16 Mich. got off e-bay for 200 a pc. new. Tire shop charged me 40 a pc. to mount no balancing. I used the ceramec beads in the tube. times 5, you're right not cheap, but one big tire. I forgot what the tubes and flaps cost.

[Tanner]

Michelin 11.00x16's, in XL & XZL flavors, haven't been produced in the US in quite awhile. A few are still floating around out there, but supplies are drying up.

And a 315/75-16 is recommended for use on a minimum 8" rim width - which the Budd rim isn't.

'T'

[wrekt666]

I guess I will have to be patient and keep my eyes peeled for a set of used (or new) 11x16 Michelins XZL's since those are the tires I'm deciding to go with. Shipping costs would be a killer.. Not even one of these tires are listed on eBay. Wow, they are pretty rare. If anyone runs across some, let me know. Thanks!

[Tanner]

Here's a set located in Michigan - and they're only XL's. I sold a set of 5 95%+ XZL's mounted on blasted & painted rims last year for $1400 -

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/vbclassifi ... ad&id=8578

Bring your big wallet...

'Tanner'

[wrekt666]

YIKES! $2000 not including shipping. I'm going to have to save up a little longer I guesss.. Thanks for the link though..

[longshot2171]

While surfing the net a while back, I found Wartires.com. The website says they have XML 325 85 R16 Military Tires (4 for $1099.00). I believe this is the same size as the old 11x16's.

[Master Yota]

Michelin 11.00x16's, in XL & XZL flavors, haven't been produced in the US in quite awhile. A few are still floating around out there, but supplies are drying up.

And a 315/75-16 is recommended for use on a minimum 8" rim width - which the Budd rim isn't.

'T'

Not to stir the pot, but a 35x12.50 radial tire will work just fine on a rim that is narrower than 8". Its not hazardous to operate on the original bud wheel, it only requires that a little more attention be paid to the air pressure, so as not to wear the center of the tire out. If in doubt, find a 305/75-16 instead, it'll be a little narrower. The 6" budd wheel will pull the sidewalls inward an inch more on each side, hardly enough to be considered dangerous, or even noticeable when driving. Considering the NDT's have the handling characteristics of a wet noodle, the radials will be a drastic improvement.

Denman used to make the Coyote, which was available in a 36x10.50-16. IIRC however, I belive it was Denman that recently folded up shop, so you may have difficulty finding a set should you choose to go that route instead.