conventional tires on military rims?

is it possible? I have a 55 M-170 which has the original 16 " rims mounted with 6.50 x 16 tubed and flapped NDT tires, I wish to retain the original rims and put on some A/T or similar all- season brand tires like cooper discovery, etc. I'm curious if I can eliminate the tubes and flaps for this swap ..... I need new tires and the added expense of new rims with new tires would just kill my wallet!! besides , I like the mil rims on there now. I am thinking of slightly larger tires like a 245/75r16. will these work, any suggestions? just stumped on trying to get a clear answer from someone.... thank you for your time.


pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/56891549@N00/2757543825/

rims

If your rims are in goog shape AND will hold air it shouldn't be a problem, your tire man will be able to tell.
You will need to check for fender clearance and frame scrubbing on any larger size tires. Wayne

RE: rims

The rims weren't designed to hold air, you will have to use a tube and flap appropriate for the tire, IE radial tube / flap for a radial tire. The M170 should have had 7.00 X 16 NDT / NDCC tires as original, I've seen different bias and radials mounted on them, and a good tire place should know what will safely fit the rim.

modified said:

is it possible? ... I am thinking of slightly larger tires like a 245/75r16. will these work, any suggestions? .../

Click to expand...

I have been thinking about this too. (but it will be a long time before mine will be ready to roll/need tires)

A 245 75R 16 is approximately 31" tall and 10" wide (too wide IMO for the stock wheel).
a 215 85R 16 is approximately 30" tall and 8" wide (close to stock)

here is the rust bucket with 7.50 16 civvy tires which are really growing on me.

tires

just an update. mounted 245 /75 r 16 ..... worked well . held air for 100 miles with no pressure drop. swapped em out for 235/85 last week. the outer diam is 31" , perfect height for my target gearing and nice visual proportion. little tight on the front axle. minor rubbing on the leafsprings.

tubes and flaps aren't necessary on the rims. they fit snug. no prob. tire guy suggested max width is around 8-9" = 245/75. on these rims.