The Ford Barn - 1950 ford f3 rims

Such a simple question, that deserves a complex answer.

The stock wheels on a '50 F-3 are 17" x 5.5" having a two part construction. They are Ford #7RY 1007, Budd Company number #49380. The outer rim has a trade name of Firestone RH-5°, the more common name today is "widow maker". I won't belabor this, but would suggest you do a Google search of the Firestone trade name and widow maker name. You'll find a lot written about them. Generally no reputable shop with touch them anymore.

Your truck's stock Timken 51524 rear axle has 14" drums that required the 17" wheel for clearance reasons. Many guys swap the rear axle for a Dana 60 out of a 1972 or earlier F-250. These have 12" drums that accept any 16" F-2/250 wheel. It also affords a better final drive ratio. If you want to keep the truck as near to stock as possible, there are two tubeless one piece wheels that we've found to accomplish that. Both of these were introduced as F-250 options in 1956. The first is a 17.5" x 5.25" Budd wheel(s). There were two part numbers, both visually the same wheel, #73240 and #70740. These were sourced up to 1966 iirc. The other wheel is a 19.5" x 5.25" that is Budd #71410, also sourced through '66. These wheels when mounted with 8R19.5" tires will be the closest to your stock 34" tire outside diameter. The 17.5s use an 8-17.5" bias ply or 8R17.5" radial tire that will be about 32" outside diameter. These tubeless sizes will accept your stock hub caps if that is a priority.

Finding sets of each takes some looking. I helped another member find a set of the 17.5s not long ago, but don't have any leads for them at present. The 19.5s are very hard to find. It took me a long time to find my set. Stu