[expavr]

I converted a spare set of the OEM 17" Ford Locking Ring Rims to a set of 16" Radial Rims by having the center section machined out and then machine welded to a 16" Radial Rim. That cost about $125/each back in 2008. The attached photo 1 shows the OEM 17" locking ring rim with a Firestone 7.00:17 Bias Ply Tire. Photo 2 shows the 16" radial rim with a Michelin 245/70/R16 LT M/S Radial Tire. Photo 3 shows the Tonner with the radial rims and tires. Two reasons for doing this: the locking rings started to show some hairline cracks and the bias ply tires wanted to wander. Should you decide this might be a solution to your problem check to make sure that the backset dimension of the 16" rim that you decide to use will allow the tire to fit on your truck. This is critical on the front wheels to keep them off the chassis when making a hard turn.