CJ3A Rims with Lugs

[Tony]

Does anyone know why the rims on my CJ3A would have solid centres welded in and lugs on the inside of the rim (see attached photo)?

Additional information on the rims.
- Width bead to bead is approximately 6 1/4"
- Diameter bead to bead is approximately 16 3/4". 
- All four rims have been modified but only two rims have the lugs welded on the inside.

[Rus Curtis]

Tony,
To me, that's a mystery.  I've not seen those tabs welded in like that before - on any wheel I've seen.  Can you add a photo to your post of the front?

Initially, I'd guess someone has custom welded a wheel together (I've read threads where it's been done before - for a wider tire that includes a bead lock).  Are you able to measure the distance from one bead seat to the other (a challenge with the tire still on)?  I would think you could do that with a straight edge (stick) across the sidewall and measure down to the bead seat.  Flip it and repeat on the other side (optional), then get the full width of the tire with that same stick and the floor and do some math. 

[Tony]

Posted a couple more photos. I will check the maths later.
This CJ3A was dragged off a farm. It has had something heavy welded to the chassis (see frame photo). We didn't cut anything off the chassis but left the steel-plates there when restoring it as part of it's history. It also has heavy duty springs, a pto and a ring gear on the hand/emergency brake drum.

[Bob W]

and a ring gear on the hand/emergency brake drum.

It was a trencher.

[Rus Curtis]

Those wheels are odd.  I don't recall seeing any like those before.

Initially, those welds on the frame appear to be extra bracing.  Perhaps bracing the frame more for the additional equipment it could've used or could it be to repair the frame from a hard life?