Ford 1900 4x4 front tire clearance to kuckle

[honkerone]

I have a ford 1900 4x4 it has 8x16 front lug tires on front, I checked and it should have 6x16 front tires. The dealer told me it would be the same width on both sizes of tires only height differance. The problem I have is there is only about 1/4 clearance between the side wall and the top knuckle pin plate. When I bought it the guy had the wheels turned around so I did not notice this. There was a bad bearing on one side which would let the tire rub on the knuckle when I turned the wheels around to narrow the front. So I fixed it and both side only have around 1/4 inch clearance. I checked and there is no play in the front bearings everything is tight. Does any one have the same issues with such a close fit? Not sure what to do other than turn wheels around and I do not really want to do that. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks Joe

 

[honkerone]

I forgot to mention that the rear tire size was changed from 11.2 x 24 to 12.4x24 I quess they did this to keep the front and rear gear ratio the same, also does anyone know what the gear ratio is in the front and the rear of this tractor? thanks Joe

 

[sld]

As long as your ratio front to back is ok you can adjust the steering stops to keep anything from rubbing.

You might lose some turning radius but you will chunk up your tires in a hurry is they rub on something.

Also, you might make a spacer plate out of steel or aluminum to give you more clearance and get longer lugs bolts.