I don`t think that will work.That tire needs a 16" rim
31x10.50 of a factory 15x6 steel wheel?
- Thread starter JPR4LFE
- Start date
I don`t think that will work.That tire needs a 16" rim
mortonm
Expedition Leader
1stDeuce
Explorer
I'll chime in and say that's definitely too narrow a wheel for a 31x10.50, and it's going to cause a LOT of rubbing on the lower control arms when you turn. A 15x7 would be OK, and they're everywhere. A 15x8" would be even better, and they're pretty common too. (Gambler, Ravine, Canyon...) Keep the 15x6's for a trailer, and run 30x9.50's or 235's. 
As for airing down, my experience, which is significant, has been that a narrow wheel PREVENTS you from losing the bead, as the tire is pushing harder against the bead, vs stretching a narrow tire over a wide wheel. Don't get me wrong, if you're running single digits in the rocks, locked, and getting rough with it or leaning hard on a tire, you can pull a tire off the bead even on a narrow wheel. But, if you're driving your vehicle like it has to get you home, you're probably no lower than 12 or 15psi, it's pretty hard to pull a tire off the bead at those pressures. (I wheel a lot at those pressures, in the rocks, and locked, and I have yet to lose a bead. In the sand, I run 5psi or so, and even with some moderate horsing around, I haven't pulled one. IMO, Beadlocks are WAY over-rated for general offroading.
<edit>
Oooh, Gaucho919's pics do look cool. I suppose I should temper my response to suggest that they might now wear real well that way, but they will fit. The rubbing on control arms is still a concern, but some 1" wheel spacers would help greatly!
C
As for airing down, my experience, which is significant, has been that a narrow wheel PREVENTS you from losing the bead, as the tire is pushing harder against the bead, vs stretching a narrow tire over a wide wheel. Don't get me wrong, if you're running single digits in the rocks, locked, and getting rough with it or leaning hard on a tire, you can pull a tire off the bead even on a narrow wheel. But, if you're driving your vehicle like it has to get you home, you're probably no lower than 12 or 15psi, it's pretty hard to pull a tire off the bead at those pressures. (I wheel a lot at those pressures, in the rocks, and locked, and I have yet to lose a bead. In the sand, I run 5psi or so, and even with some moderate horsing around, I haven't pulled one. IMO, Beadlocks are WAY over-rated for general offroading.
<edit>
Oooh, Gaucho919's pics do look cool. I suppose I should temper my response to suggest that they might now wear real well that way, but they will fit. The rubbing on control arms is still a concern, but some 1" wheel spacers would help greatly!
C
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
We could go on and on with "can you" versus "should you". It's a fact that you can. Although you probably shouldn't due to the manufacturer's fitment recommendations, which are set as ideal parameters for a reason. Adhering to those parameters is a best practice.
That being said, I've done a bit of science on this subject, and found that 11.5 on 7" rims was far more reliable at low psi than 11.5 on the recommended 8" rim. Manufacturer's recommendation aside, the wider your rim is relative to your section width, the more trouble you'll generally have keeping a bead. The "too narrow" wheel configuration does a much better job keeping the bead, and keeping debris out. The compromises are a more pronounced, bulbous, sidewall which might be somewhat more prone to puncture, and possible excessive tire wear in the center of the tread. (similar to over-inflation)
In my experience, I wouldn't lose sleep over installing 10.5 on a 6" rim if that's the equipment I already have, and if there aren't clearance issues. Otherwise, I'd recommend getting the narrowest wheel you can within the tire manufacturer's spec. 15x7s are a dime-a-dozen.
That being said, I've done a bit of science on this subject, and found that 11.5 on 7" rims was far more reliable at low psi than 11.5 on the recommended 8" rim. Manufacturer's recommendation aside, the wider your rim is relative to your section width, the more trouble you'll generally have keeping a bead. The "too narrow" wheel configuration does a much better job keeping the bead, and keeping debris out. The compromises are a more pronounced, bulbous, sidewall which might be somewhat more prone to puncture, and possible excessive tire wear in the center of the tread. (similar to over-inflation)
In my experience, I wouldn't lose sleep over installing 10.5 on a 6" rim if that's the equipment I already have, and if there aren't clearance issues. Otherwise, I'd recommend getting the narrowest wheel you can within the tire manufacturer's spec. 15x7s are a dime-a-dozen.
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
YOU have a beautiful FJ40, sir! Love it!
