W350 Crew Cab - The ultimate first gen - Pics and history

[RSchwarzli]

Yes, motivation is tough on a project that goes on for years, sucks all your money, and you don't "see" anything for it. But I will get there. Currently trying to find a place that sells 19.5" tires this week. Having a hell of a time actually! I found a few places but they were unreasonable. But we will see what I can do.... Tried Rickson but there is no answers to calls or to emails anymore. Kinda odd. Once I know where I am getting tires from, the wheels can be ordered.

As for the engine, it is together but it needs to sort out its run away condition. Pretty sure the issue resides in the governor spring area. So will start there. Under hood also needs a cold air intake like the 1990 got and the final gauge wiring. Minus that, it is all interior plus wheels and running boards.

 

[DVolk]

Tires try Good Sam Rv web site

 

[RWherley]

When it comes to 19.5 tires theres no such thing as a cheap tire, My 8R-19.5's were $325 each but they are an old odd ball size if you you get a more popular metric tire like a 225/70 they are a little cheaper.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Direct bolt on 8lug 19.5s...... http://www.americanforcewheels.com/wheels/dually&filter=7

I also happen to know a dealer than can get the Eagle Alloy wheels, which come in the 19.5" 8x6.5 bolt pattern....http://www.aewheel.com/wheels_detail_specs.cfm?id=4302&cat=474

Problem there is availability... I've had 6 sets backordered since January.... I'm supposed to get two sets in December....

As for tire availability, that's not an issue, except you're not in Texas.... I can get the Cooper built Roadmaster tires next day, wharehouse shows 50+ in stock, 60 miles away.... $200eaMSRP... F load range, drive tire....

 

[RSchwarzli]

HH

Well look who is the other bearer of 19.5 info. Thanks for all of the info. I did also notice availability issues with some brands, yes.

Guess I should also update....

Wheels- Ordered
Tires - Ordered
Balancing beads - Ordered
Raised white letters - Ordered

Just have to sort out hardware now. Need some lug nuts and caps. Also trying to determine the center cap choices for American Force wheels as theirs are not my style.

 

[JR]

I have no idea how the center caps attach to the wheels your buying, but I wonder if you could get lucky enough to find an OEM Dodge center cap that would snap in there. Maybe not your cup of tea, but to me it would be slick to be able to retain the Dodge emblem on the wheels.

 

[RWherley]

Factory 1st gen dual's never had hub caps plain steel only

 

[DVolk]

The 80s crew cabs had the stainless / aluminum simulated wheel covers

 

[Simplysmn]

Never seen 1 from the Factory that had them that would be Sweet thou .

 

[DVolk]

There is only one person whom would know and that is Myseteryman , im shure they came with them or atleast from the dealer

 

[HHhuntitall]

What lugnuts are you wanting to use? There are several people out there making SS lugnuts and caps for the Eagle Alloy wheels, as well as center caps.... Being 5/8" thread, it's gonna be a booger to find the right ones....

 

[DVolk]

mine are the 1 " ones or 11/8 " wwhat ever they are same on some rv's

 

[RSchwarzli]

I have no idea how the center caps attach to the wheels your buying, but I wonder if you could get lucky enough to find an OEM Dodge center cap that would snap in there. Maybe not your cup of tea, but to me it would be slick to be able to retain the Dodge emblem on the wheels.

That is brilliant! Then I read everyones response on them..... lol I was sure though that Dodge had used one too....

What lugnuts are you wanting to use? There are several people out there making SS lugnuts and caps for the Eagle Alloy wheels, as well as center caps.... Being 5/8" thread, it's gonna be a booger to find the right ones....

Yeah, have basically settled on these with the matching chrome caps:

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-1805-39946.aspx

 

[zmos]

thats a nice ride.. thanks for sharing.

 

[HHhuntitall]

That is brilliant! Then I read everyones response on them..... lol I was sure though that Dodge had used one too....




Yeah, have basically settled on these with the matching chrome caps:

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-1805-39946.aspx

Ah. Yeah, those look pretty good. The Aluminum Alcoa caps catch just under the beveled inside edge and are held in place by all 8 lugnuts.... The fronts can easily be machined out to go over the locking hubs, if you like.... I like mine without it, as the factory locking hubs are already polished around the outside.... The caps are actually pretty tough, but be sure to order at least two extra. A blown tread plays havoc on 'em down the freeway.... And I don't want to discuss what mesquite trees and brush do to them!!! :{

 

[RSchwarzli]

thats a nice ride.. thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the kind words. It is getting there.

Ah. Yeah, those look pretty good. The Aluminum Alcoa caps catch just under the beveled inside edge and are held in place by all 8 lugnuts.... The fronts can easily be machined out to go over the locking hubs, if you like.... I like mine without it, as the factory locking hubs are already polished around the outside.... The caps are actually pretty tough, but be sure to order at least two extra. A blown tread plays havoc on 'em down the freeway.... And I don't want to discuss what mesquite trees and brush do to them!!! :{

Thanks for the advice! I will decide on center caps once I get all of the rims on the truck and I see what I am dealing with. For now I will likely use the chrome plastic lug covers but the center cap I will wait and see. I am in agreement the factory gen 1 front chrome ring is nice.....

 

[RWherley]

call me cheap or simple but I like the look of just painting the rear hubs high gloss black and letting them exposed

 

[crazzywolfie]

HH

Well look who is the other bearer of 19.5 info. Thanks for all of the info. I did also notice availability issues with some brands, yes.

Guess I should also update....

Wheels- Ordered
Tires - Ordered
Balancing beads - Ordered
Raised white letters - Ordered

Just have to sort out hardware now. Need some lug nuts and caps. Also trying to determine the center cap choices for American Force wheels as theirs are not my style.

what type of balancing beads did you order and are they any good? i was thinking about trying some in my my ramcharger to keep the front tires balanced until i can get the camber fixed.

 

[RSchwarzli]

what type of balancing beads did you order and are they any good? i was thinking about trying some in my my ramcharger to keep the front tires balanced until i can get the camber fixed.

Yes. They are the good ones. Have used them in the 1990 for 6-7 years now. Love them. They are also endorsed by TDR so you know they aren't crap product.

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/index.php

 

[crazzywolfie]

cool. i will give them a shot. it really sucks doing the speed limit on the 410 just to keep my RC from shaking too much.