[Bob Carriere]

Good day Tim

Sounds like you been dealing with the wrong tire shops.

I have had more success dealing with rural farm tire shops than the regular truck tire shop.

The two piece rims are dangerous and can be deadly..... but so is a can of beer......

You might want to start by having the tires removed and the rims properly sand blasted and inspected for rust pitting and cracks.....

Speaking of cracks....... testing is very simple..... hang the rim and ring separately on a rope and wack it with a hammer.... if it rings nicely it is good....... if it sounds flat you have a crack that might not even be visible. Take the sandblasted rim and rubbed with an oil rag... let it sit for a while....cleanoff the oil.... let the rim sit in the sun..... watch the oil oozing where no apparent cracks could be seen before... I know it is not magnaflux but usually it works.

Once your rims are blasted clean and primed and painted you will find tire shop less difficult to deal with..... but you need to find one who has the proper tire cage and knowledge of those split rims..... once properly mounted that rings locks in place and is not likely to come apart by itself.........

You should consider taking a drive to the Far East and visit the Hammond Barn........ would also love to see your truck and see what engine is in that beast....... ever consider putting CMP axles under it and making it into a 4X4........

BooB