Community Forums

wingnut60 · 10-02-2016, 09:34 PM

After a long search to correct valve stem location/accessibility on my last and now current F450, and having TST sensors on all wheels, I finally got a tire shop that understood my problem. I use all metal 6" stems on the inside steel wheels that locates the end of the stem in the middle of one of the wheel openings. For the outside Alcoa wheel, I now use 105d bent steel stems. I also use the TST flo-thru sensors and these two type valve stems are working well for me without extensions.
Even tho I use Centramatic balancers to stay away from lead weights, I make sure that a tire tech knows to locate the stems on opposite sides of the wheels when remounting the wheel/tire assembly.
It is very hard nowadays to find a shop that handles the 19.5/17.5 tires and knows how to work with them. Even harder to find a truck shop that doesn't mind messing with a pickup...
Joe

paz · 10-03-2016, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillJinOR

Valve stems should be opposite sides of wheel as said...

Not always. Motorhomes and pickups are different because the wheels of pickups are usually smaller, and the OP is asking about a pickup. I don't know his Dodge Ram, but my Chevy dually has 5-spoke wheels, which means there are 5 openings. If I mount my valves 180º opposite each other, the inside valve will be behind a spoke and will be completely inaccessible.

I sure wish GM duallys had 6-spoke wheels so I could do what you suggest.

Dr4Film · 10-03-2016, 06:44 AM

Change out the wheels!

Sell the old ones.....

Dr4Film ----- Richard

wingnut60 · 10-03-2016, 07:02 AM

I am guessing most of us feel the valve stems on the rear tires of a dually should be opposite because of balancing efforts and having both stems in one opening can be tricky.
Just having them not-quite opposite should be better for balancing then having both in same opening?
On a 450, the openings are much smaller than on a 350/3500, and having both stems in same opening just doesn't work well.
As I mentioned earlier, using Centramatics for balance is supposed to account for wherever the stems are placed.
Joe