Split rim question

[Mmorgan32]

Is this a split rim or 2 piece rim? It's what came on my truck and what's still on it. If so why do people say they are dangerous and why is it hard to get tires mounted?

[chiefcfd]

Can't tell from the back for sure but appears to be a regular 8-lug steel wheel.

[Stocker]

Yeah, need to see a front pic. If it has a locking ring, those need to be handled by someone who really knows what they are doing. They can come off with enough force to maim or kill.

[Mmorgan32]

Here's the front. I sent the pic of the back because it looked like rivets are holding the center in.

[Stocker]

You're good, that's just a common steel wheel. Yes, the center is riveted to the rim, but it's considered a 1-piece wheel.

[Stocker]

Here's a few pics of lock ring wheels -- commonly (but incorrectly) referred to as split rims.

[Mmorgan32]

Ok cool thanks

[mike16]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Here's a few pics of lock ring wheels -- commonly (but incorrectly) referred to as split rims.

stockers first picture is of a two piece rim, the pictures that follow are also two piece rims, more specificly the "split rim".

people who know very little about them. lean very heavily on the myth that they are dangerous, and that they are widow makers . some actually have gone as fare as to claim GM's ho52/72 rear is a widowmaker to add drama and excitement to thier lives simply because it can have a two piece rim bolted to it.

anything from a spoon full of water to an uncleared minefield have the potential to be dangerous. Two piece rims fall somewhere inside that spectrum. where it falls in relation to your perception of what is dangerous relise more on what you are willing to learn, understand and respect about breaking these rims down and building them up properly. with the emphasis on properly. A good rim will not harm you if you deflate and inflate the rim properly and recognise when and where the potential risks are. Thy can be much more dangerous if you allow a tire gorilla to damage them when he is breaking them down for you and he knows nothing about what he is doing. A damaged two piece rim posess's the greatest risk. especially if the tire gorilla reassembles it to conceal the damage.

the greatest problem I have with two piece rims is finding a good setof hubcaps to match them. Others may wet thier pants at the mention of the "widowmaker". I came close when I was quotd a price for tools to breake down the rims. I came closer still when I saw the damage a tire gorilla did to my matched set date codes two piece rim. I dribbled a little bit when I saw what he did. I could not write my name in the snow.

do a search to find out more on these rims and the tire brake down tools needed to maintain them.

also... I noticed your rim is riveted together, avoid using tubes in those rims. Moisture traped between the tube and the rim will rust out those rivets very quickly and very soon you to will have a two piece "widowmaker" rim.

[Mmorgan32]

I know absolutely nothing about them and I've never seen one that's why when I saw the rivets on mine I asked. I've worked in a few shops and the retards I worked with who did tires makes me glad I don't have them lol.
Thanks for all the info

[1968aj]

the split rims are why old gas stations had a steel cage in the shop. when you inflate them you put them in a cage and back up. I had one come off of a truck at highway speed and missed me and my motorcycle by inches. I have heard that some states do not allow them anymore.