Big Meat On Little Ranger?

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Have a '62 Lawn Ranger that I was going to put new wheels / tires on. The current stock tires are 4.80-8's in the back. This is the model with the tool-box and fenders like an RJ has.

 

I was looking at tire and wheel options, and with the inspiration of the later, seat-pan-style Lawn Rangers, started looking at fatter tires.

 

I can get a set of 8" diameter, 7" wide wheels, and throw on a pair of 16x7.50-8 tires. Would maintain the same OD, but would be almost double wide.

 

Can't seem to find anybody who has done this before, and I'm not even sure this is a good idea.

 

I had thought of building some kind of dual-wheel set-up, but the wider wheels / tires would be much easier / readily available.

 

Thoughts?

Edited July 30, 2020 by 71_Bronco

[Pullstart 63,204]

Are they hubs like other Wheelhorses, or keyed hubs?  I’d imagine if that transmission is as tough as other 3 and 8 speeds, there’s no reason not to go bigger, so long as you get the proper offset to clear the fenders 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,137]

Does this enter the picture?

Model 5048 transmission could be upgraded to a model 5053 with kit # 7168

Garry

[71_Bronco 1,072]

I think I have the 5025 in the Ranger now (stock). The wheels are keyed dirrectly to the 1" shafts, no hubs.

 

I do have a well-working 5053 that I pulled out of my Commando 8 (to swap in an 8-speed). That one is pretty much the same, but has 5 x 4.5" hubs on it.

 

I guess it wouldn't be any more different than the 23-10.50x12's I had on the 5053 previously

[Pullstart 63,204]

4 hours ago, 71_Bronco said:

I think I have the 5025 in the Ranger now (stock). The wheels are keyed dirrectly to the 1" shafts, no hubs.

 

I do have a well-working 5053 that I pulled out of my Commando 8 (to swap in an 8-speed). That one is pretty much the same, but has 5 x 4.5" hubs on it.

 

I guess it wouldn't be any more different than the 23-10.50x12's I had on the 5053 previously

that 5053 would be my vote!  Gearing must be different, whether input pulley or something inside the case?

[71_Bronco 1,072]

1 hour ago, pullstart said:

that 5053 would be my vote!  Gearing must be different, whether input pulley or something inside the case?

 

From what I gather by our local WH transmission guru, I think the only difference is that the 5053 has the updated shift rails for better engagement / preventing 2 gears from engaging at once (flats on shift rails to prevent vacuum lock).