F450 converted to 37” super singles

wehring

Active member
F450/550 Super single conversions are not new. But all use 20x11 wheels with beads that are MPT and not appropriate for LT truck tires. Most run the 335 (41”) continential MPT-81 tire.

One of the main reasons I bought an F450 was for the widetrack front axle and how much tighter it steers compared to the F250/350. The 41” tires rub on the chassis.

I wanted to run a 37” Nitto Ridge grappler and wanted a 20x9 wheel to protect the lip of the wheel from scrubs. No one makes a 20x9 for the 10x225 bolt pattern so I had a set made.

I now own wheels with serial numbers 0001-0005 in 20x9 and the 37x12.50r20 tires do not rub on the chassis so the truck still has full steering range of motion.

The only down side (if you consider it a down side) is that the 37s are only rated for 3970# ea so you loose about 1000# of capacity on the rear axle on the F450 pickup bed truck that has a 9000# rear axle.

A lot of this project was making assumptions on data that was not available. I am very happy with how it came out

The 37s are speed rated over 100 mph where the 41s are rated to 68 mph. The Nitto tires balance with minimal weights so it is a smooth ride at 85 mph and the height is nice for a daily driver.

Justin Wehring
979 997 3112
 

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Wilbah

Adventurer
Cool to see something done differently to suit your needs. Looks like they fit well and look good too.
 

shade

Well-known member
? - For finding your own solution.

I see you listed your name & number. Are you selling these, or do you have contact information for the manufacturer? I'm not shopping, but if they're as unique as you say, I can imagine others might be considering them.
 

shade

Well-known member
I am not advertising and did not post this to make a sale. With that said, I am happy to help someone if they want a set. Feel free to call anytime.

Justin
Cool.

If the manufacturer isn't already publicizing this model, they should. I could see some high end camper manufacturers offering these as an option; Earthroamer comes to mind.
 

wehring

Active member
Hello again Charlie. I put a LOT of time and money into researching the 20x9

Here is a 20x11 (black steel) and a 20x9 (aluminum) side by side. Both with the same 335s.
The 20x9 pulls the side walls in just enough to protect the wheel.
 

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wehring

Active member
Another problem with the 20x11 wheels is how close they get to axle parts and you cant get between wheel and disc to remove mud.

The 20x9 has plenty of room between axle components and the wheel. You can get between the disc and wheel with a sprayer to remove mud too
 

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wehring

Active member
Additionally 335s will fit on 9” wheels. What is the wheels’ load capacity?

Charlie, the capacity depends on the bead type. Either 3970 with LT bead or 6770# with MPT bead.

I went back and fourth with the engineers on this one. I wanted the full rating of the MPT on the LT But they would not do it.

The only difference is 1/4” of height on the bead. So to be in compliance to the finer details... the 335s cant be put on the LT beads.

Both LT and MPT beads are available in the 20x9

Justin
 

shade

Well-known member
The 37x12.50r20 Nitto Ridge grappler and wheel kit weight 152#

The nitto weight is 72#

In comparison... the 335/80r20 conti MPT-81 is 131# for just the tire
That's a decent amount of weight, especially with going to the single rear.

I know it's a larger vehicle, but have you noticed an improvement in fuel economy or performance?
 

wehring

Active member
Just put them on yesterday. Been working on getting these made since September. Has been a long process. More info to come... I have 2 road trips towing a gooseneck coming up.... one heavy and one light.
I scaled the tank load and it is under the single tire capacity on the rear axle.
 

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