2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission '01 Aluminum Wheels

[CToney]

The one rim on my brother's '01 has started to crack. It has cracked on the inside of the rim right across from the valve stem. Has anyone had this problem? What is the backspace measurement for his truck? He doesn't want to pay big $ for just one rim. He wanted to go with some whitespokes or some modular steel wheels.



thanks



CR Toney

 

[Johnny5]

I was just doing a search for cracked rim and found this thread. My rim just cracked this w/e and it is the Polished Aluminum one that is on the Sport Package. I will have to check if it is opposite the valve stem, altho I do know my crack was on the inside right under where the wheel weight was, so I do not know if that had anything to do with it. $400 US for a rim from the dealer which I thought was a little high but I guess that s/b expected, but I am thinking about some other rims except that I really liked the stock AL ones...

 

[UP N MTNS]

You can pick up factory ones on Ebay for $40/50 a piece...



If you have a the time start looking here

http://search.ebay.com/Dodge-ram-wheels_W0QQfromZR41

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Yeah, same here. inside edge, under the weight. paid like a hundo for one that was like new. mabye 100 miles on it. thinking new rims when the next one goes.

and the shop called me a day later to ask where I scored the rim, as they had another customer with the same issue.

 

[dodgeboy01]

I have four of those wheels with caps that I would part with.

 

[dieselshu]

Are these actual cracks in the aluminum? You are sure it's not the clear coat cracking?



Dave

 

[dclassens]

Definitely not the clear coat!! Air was leaking out of ours. We have shop 2500 V8 truck that pulled a large equip trailer and it had 3 out of 4 rims crack. We had them welded and they are still holding up. Keep your eyes on them. When I had my 02 that pulled weight, I changed to steels of a 95. My 01 didn't pull weight so kept the aluminium and had no probs. good luck!!

Dave

 

[TboneMan]

I've had three crack. I picked up a set (4) of spares on ebay last year for less that $300.

 

[Johnny5]

definitely a crack in mine as well since i was able to stick a thick sheet of paper in the crack not to mention the tire was completely flat just over one night. I just rec'd a used rim bought from Ebay and it has the same crack starting and the odd thing is that it was right under where a wheel weight was. I wonder if the wheel weights have anything to do with it??? Now I thinking about going to the aftermarket for a set just so I don't have to worry about it. Problem is I have always wanted to try Alcoas but my BFG KOs still have a lot of life yet so I may have to stick with stock sizing... and I really like he stock rims, arrrrrggghhh!!! Anyone now of an aftermarket rim that looks close to stock?

 

[CUMAPART]

Yeah three out of four have been cracked on mine. Very frustrating checking air pressure before the drive to work and then before the ride home.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

wow, sure am glad I spent the money on 5 factory alloys and powdercoating them black :{

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Any suggestions on good replacements? I do not want to keep investing in crap, and the next one that cracks, I am swapping to something new. .



Thanks.

 

[CUMAPART]

I am going to go with a set of dealer take offs from a 3rd generation. Probably the polished aluminum wheels from an 06. Friends of mine that have 3rd gens have had no issues with cracks in their aluminum factory wheels. I gotta do something soon b/c the snow is coming and my BFG's are worn out. I'm not going to put new tires on cracked wheels. It's always something

 

[ViperJay]

Are these the wheels that seem to crack?

#ad

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Yep. Those are the ones!



And cumapart - I think it is an age issue, and seems to be under the wheelweights, I noticed a corrosion on mine. Likely 2 dissimiliar metals in contact. Ask your friend in about 2 years. :-laf

 

[CUMAPART]

Nope, not under the wheel weights. I know about the corrosion that happens between the wheel weight and the rim. The cracks on mine weren't under or near the wheel weights.

 

[stg2500]

I also just had to replace three out of four of my rims due to cracking. The first was found about a month ago due to constantly loosing air pressure. It was cracked it three places. I just had that one put on when I had my new BFG's mounted. That is when the other two damaged rims were found. One was cracked and the third was damaged by a loose wheel weight that wore right through the edge of the rim. I certainly was surprised to have damaged rims on a truck that is designed to haul a lot. I certainly do not abuse my truck. I get compliments all the time on it and people are surprised to learn that it has 230k miles on it. What mileage are others seeing the cracks at? What are you doing for replacements? Factory or After market?

 

[BeefDoc]

I have replaced 1 rim on my 01 due to cracking. The truck had 240K or so on it when I replaced it. I also have a friend that has cracked one on his at about 80K. I replaced mine with stock used rims I bought from a member on the board. The tire guys in my area say I will not find a stronger aftermarket rim which is why I found some used stockers. I try to take decent care of my truck, it's usually dirty, but mechanically I keep it in top shape. It's run every day for the last 5 years and gets 50-400mi put on it daily. I have 3k in the box all the time (vet box) and ocassionally pull a 6K chute. I assume the constant weight in the box has something to do with my rims cracking.



FWIW



Matt

 

[Shelby Griggs]

215K on my 2001, no cracks yet that I know of, anyway, I have a spare set in the garage!



SHG

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Glad I read about your cracked wheels, good of you to put it on here. I have 4&1/2 year old after market American Eagles. If I have a tire loose air I will look for a CRACK. Some soapy water would find it. Makes you wonder what else can go wrong. It seems old Murphy's law covers wheels too.