Forum Home Forum Home > CJ-2A Discussion Area > General Discussion
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - 15" vs 16" Wheels
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

15" vs 16" Wheels

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <12
Author
Message
oldtime View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 12 Sep. 2009
Location: Missouri
Status: Offline
Points: 4131
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldtime Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr. 2021 at 11:07pm
Those pics of course are examples of original publications and yes I have found a few errors in some of the books.
And have even corrected at least one big mistake.
Jeep very frequently copied their earlier publications word for word in later updated printings. And they very frequently used old photos (figures) to represent updated parts and assemblies.
But I have not seen anything  from “Jeep” to date that positively associates the SW’s and 16”.
Of course when I designate “Jeep”, I am typically meaning to infer 
Willys Overland, Willys Motors, Kaiser Jeep Corp.  or AMC Jeep Corporation. 



Edited by oldtime - 30 Apr. 2021 at 11:08pm
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B .
T98-A Rock Crawler using exclusive factory parts and Approved Special Equipment from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963)
Zero aftermarket parts

Back to Top
rocnroll View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar
Sponsor Member

Joined: 20 July 2005
Location: Tuscumbia, AL
Status: Offline
Points: 13562
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rocnroll Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr. 2021 at 11:10pm
That part number 640800 is the same number Paul lists as a 4wd wagon wheel (no hubcap)on that page.
My guess is 2wds had 15s with hubcaps and 4wds may have had 16s...would make sense to me.
 
I learned along time ago dealing with jeeps stuff to try to exclude saying never or something comparable to "only ever". How many of us would ever suspect a 13" wheel on a jeep as an example? Wink
 
(plus, by the same token, "...would make sense to me". would carry about as much weight too, I think)
 
 
'47 CJ2A PU
'48 CJ2A Lefty

"Common sense is not that common"
Back to Top
oldtime View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 12 Sep. 2009
Location: Missouri
Status: Offline
Points: 4131
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldtime Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr. 2021 at 11:28pm

Yeah Chad it certainly seems to make sense that the 640800 wheel (16” X 4-1/2”) was used on 4x4 wagons yet the master parts lists certainly don’t suggest that.
The MPL is calling out for 642053 on 4wd wagons.
The 640800 was used on the early 2wd pick ups and also on used as the service standard on all cj’s prior to mid 1963.
So yes for that reason it was the most common wheel that Jeep used.
Perhaps Keith can do us some good here.
One main reason why they seem to use so many different wheels is because many wheels appear similar yet are assembled using differing gauge rims and disks.


Edited by oldtime - 30 Apr. 2021 at 11:36pm
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B .
T98-A Rock Crawler using exclusive factory parts and Approved Special Equipment from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963)
Zero aftermarket parts

Back to Top
dasvis View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar
Sponsor Member

Joined: 07 Sep. 2019
Location: Salem, Oregon
Status: Offline
Points: 1516
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dasvis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2021 at 2:10am
Originally posted by You remember those old 4' long catalog racks at jobber stores! Once a parts catalog made it in there, it could be years before it got replaced.<br>
[/QUOTE You remember those old 4' long catalog racks at jobber stores! Once a parts catalog made it in there, it could be years before it got replaced.
[/QUOTE wrote:


]

 Just 4'? Wimpy parts store -- we had three 6' racks on the counter at our store, plus undercounter shelving full & four mor

 Just 4'? Wimpy parts store -- we had three 6' racks on the counter at our store, plus undercounter shelving full & four more 6' racks in the back with the old catalogs for the antiques.
 Never throw out cataloging!  
1947 CJ2A #88659 "Rat Patrol"
1953 CJ3A #453-GB1 11266 "Black Beauty"
1964 Thunderbird convertible
..... & one of them moves under it's own power!!
Back to Top
mickeykelley View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 26 May 2016
Location: Republic of Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 440
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mickeykelley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2021 at 3:42am
The wagon rim size has been hash over numerous times over on the OldWillysForeum and I can tell you without a doubt, regardless of what Paul Berry supposedly says, the wagons were 15’s from the factory except "possibly" some special versions for maybe forest service or others, at least during the 50’s. My 55 is definitely original and has 15.  Now the trucks did come with the 16’s as factory and many people did swap the wagons 15 for the truck 16. I remain open to changing the above if more definitive info is provided. Not to dish Paul as he know a whole lot more about these than I ever will (in fact he has probably forgot more than I ever even know), but life has taught me on numerous times that "experts" are not anyway right. 

But in partial answer to the OP, part of why 16 are more popular probably has to do with tire availability.  The  extra 1/2” of clearance should hardly justify the change in my opinion. 


Edited by mickeykelley - 01 May 2021 at 3:45am
Back to Top
oldtime View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 12 Sep. 2009
Location: Missouri
Status: Offline
Points: 4131
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldtime Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2021 at 2:30pm
Here’s a set of 5 right here:
I really think this is why so very many jeeps have the wrong wheels. Seems like everyone was buying wagon wheels back in the mid 1970’s. That was a great time to get original wheels on a trade or buy for cheap.


Edited by oldtime - 01 May 2021 at 2:33pm
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B .
T98-A Rock Crawler using exclusive factory parts and Approved Special Equipment from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963)
Zero aftermarket parts

Back to Top
willys54wagon View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 24 July 2008
Location: Ames, IA
Status: Offline
Points: 1444
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote willys54wagon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2021 at 2:19pm
Wasn't there a diff between the t90 trans and t84 gearing?  cj was marketed to farm which the 15 inch gave a bit better torque lost in the trans gearing?

We like the 16 for a little bit better road speed.

But the 15inch military tires are still the same outside diameter at the military 16 inch tires for those that liked that.

Fashion trend styling was large wheels to smaller wheals to get lower to the ground? fashion liked the looks.  Almost everything was 15 in the 50's and a lot of 14 in the 60's.
Two jeeps on the road, one is close and the rest are dreams.
Back to Top
Joe Friday View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group

Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 26 Dec. 2010
Location: Jeep Central
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Joe Friday Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2021 at 10:27pm
I'll do a little checking and get back to you.
Yes, I hashed this out on oldwillysforum, but I will check again.
Back to Top
Bob W View Drop Down
Member
Member

Sponsor Member x 4

Joined: 08 Aug. 2005
Location: Monticello, NY
Status: Offline
Points: 1689
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bob W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 12:33am
Originally posted by willys54wagon willys54wagon wrote:

cj was marketed to farm which the 15 inch gave a bit better torque lost in the trans gearing?

On the early CJs the 6.00 x 16" tire was standard and 7.00 x 15" were optional. These tires were the same height, so the torque was the same, but the 7.00 x 15" tires were wider providing better flotation.
Back to Top
Joe Friday View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group

Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 26 Dec. 2010
Location: Jeep Central
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Joe Friday Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 1:53am
Well SO FAR, I have only looked at the Bill of Materials for the 463 wagons and deliverys.
Here are 2 examples.


Back to Top
Joe Friday View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group

Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 26 Dec. 2010
Location: Jeep Central
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Joe Friday Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 1:56am
Back to Top
Joe Friday View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group

Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 26 Dec. 2010
Location: Jeep Central
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Joe Friday Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 1:58am
Back to Top
Joe Friday View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group

Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 26 Dec. 2010
Location: Jeep Central
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Joe Friday Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 2:01am
Back to Top
Joe Friday View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group

Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 26 Dec. 2010
Location: Jeep Central
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Joe Friday Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 2:04am
Back to Top
Joe Friday View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group

Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 26 Dec. 2010
Location: Jeep Central
Status: Offline
Points: 3625
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Joe Friday Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 2:07am
Took about an hour to find those few examples.
I'll look for a few more late 1950's and early 1960's when I have time.
Back to Top
Mark W. View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar
Sponsor Member

Joined: 09 Nov. 2014
Location: Silverton, OR
Status: Offline
Points: 7923
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2021 at 4:50am
Chug came with 15" Wheels when dad bought it in 62. I have currently 9 usable 15" wheels all off 2A and 3A jeeps. My 57 wagon had 15" wheels.
Chug A Lug
1948 2A Body Customized
1949 3A W/S
1957 CJ5 Frame Modified
Late 50's 134L 9.25"clutch T90A D18 (1.25") D44/30 flanged E-Locker D25 5.38 Since 1962
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <12

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2022 Web Wiz Ltd.