Putting 8 lug wheels on a ranger

[Jimmyrig]

Was rolling this around in my head so I figured I'd put it on here and get some opinions. I have access to tons of good mud tires in 16" and 16.5, and have stacks of 8 lug wheels laying around. I've checked out adapters and $300 bucks is not gonna happen. I'm thinking about plating in the centers on a set of old steelies and drilling them to tit my ranger. For off road, in the mud use only. It's questionable that they would ever exceed 15-20 mph. Balance wouldn't be an issue, and they would never see pavement. I'm cheep, not stupid. Half the tires I have would be questionable for highway use due to age, sidewall cuts and so on. But all would be fine for playing in the mud pit at my buddy's house. Any input or personal experience? Horror stories?

 

[Doofy]

I'd just do some horse trading and avoid the hassle. If your time is worth absolutely nothing, then go for it. I can think of better ways to waste it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

A long time ago I had a 1954 chevy one ton truck. Someone previous to me cut the centers out of the 8 lug rims and fitted [welded] them into 15" rims for the front. I'm not sure how they did it but I suspect a big lathe. I drove that truck for years and never had a problem balancing tires.

And you may be able to custom make your own rims. I saved this link for my own use some time ago but if you search the site I'm sure you can find the rim and center combo you want.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Wheel-Shell-15-x-8,218.html

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

A long time ago I had a 1954 chevy one ton truck. Someone previous to me cut the centers out of the 8 lug rims and fitted [welded] them into 15" rims for the front. I'm not sure how they did it but I suspect a big lathe. I drove that truck for years and never had a problem balancing tires.

We do that for weird old farm equipment all the time. Things that have been laying in the dirt for 50+ years so the rim is shot but the "correct" wheel center is fine with their goofy bolt pattern, shape and/or offset.

Might be an excuse for an axle swap though...