2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 02 rims on a 97?

[sfelts]

A frind of mine has a 02-03 2500. and has bought aftermarket rims and tires. He is going to give me his old rims. I want to know if they will fit my 97? Or are there any mods that can make them fit?

 

[SDrake]

I have a set of 02's on my 94 2500 4x4 8800GVW. The rear drums had a rib or build up ring on the inside edge that was too large to allow the rims on all the way. In the FAQ section of the 94-98 board there is a post about grinding off this ring. That is what I did and it seems to be working just fine. The brakes were not affected and I now have nice round aluminum rims in place of the square steel rims. The truck rides much nicer minus the shake at highway speeds. I let the rims lay in my garage for two years before I read about grinding off the inteferrence on TDR.



Check the post I mentioned. One of the model years has a problem with inteferrence with parts of the front end that has to also be modified and is not quite as appealing to do. I think it is the 98's



PM me if you want to learn more about how I went about safely grinding off the ridge. Once you get set up it is not difficult.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

They should bolt right on. I've put 94's on 98's and 00's on 97's. I can't see why they wouldn't fit.

 

[DieselMinded]

SDrake, Is right ... ... Diffrent rear breaks on the '02

 

[Thomas]

A frind of mine has a 02-03 2500. and has bought aftermarket rims and tires. He is going to give me his old rims. I want to know if they will fit my 97? Or are there any mods that can make them fit?

What is an "02-03 2500"?



If you're referring to model year 2002, several different rims were used, depending on trim level. To answer the "fit" question you need to mention which rims you wish to use.

 

[sfelts]

What is an "02-03 2500"?



If you're referring to model year 2002, several different rims were used, depending on trim level. To answer the "fit" question you need to mention which rims you wish to use.

I am not sure of the year but I know it is one of the two years. 02 or 03.

Thanks for the replays any help is good help.

 

[DennyDay]

'02 will fit '97 but '97 will not fit '02 - - rear brake calipers interfer on '02



Denny

 

[Thomas]

I'm assuming you wish to install the forged aluminum rims, used on some 2000-2002 Ram 2500's, on a 1994-1999 Ram 2500:



You certainly got a lot of information in reply to your query. Not all of it is correct.



SDrake & DieselMinded have led you in the right direction. The "fit" problem is caused by a change in rear drum size - Brake Specs.



The 1994-1999 Ram 2500's have 13. 0 x 2. 5 rear drums. Model year 2000 saw a change to 12. 125 x 3. 5 rear drums. The forged aluminum wheels introduced in 2000 were made to fit the 12. 125 drum. They also clear the disc brake hardware introduced mid-model-year 2001 and used through model year 2002. Here is some Wheel Information from the great Dave Fritz site that mentions fitting the forged wheels to pre-2000 Ram 2500's.



I suspect the earlier wheels will clear the later disc hardware. I also suspect that the steel wheels used on some 2000-2002 Ram 2500's will fit on the earlier Rams without the interference issues of the forged rims.

 

[frosty]

I have a question for those who have already done this. Any of you running 285/75/R16 tires? If so how is your clearance in the front, meaning any rubbing?



My truck is almost identical to sfelts, 1997 2500 4X4 SLT LB, XC, and I am running 285/75/r16's. From looking at the pictures Dan_69GTX posted HERE it looks as if the 02 rear wheels sit in further than the originals. My concern is if the fronts do as well and would cause some rubbing issues.

 

[zstroken]

I have an 01. 5 and a 97. The 97 wheels are on the 01. 5 right now with no problem, but when I tried to put the 01. 5 aluminums on the 97 the wheels would not clear the brake drums. I am assuming if I ground a little off of the brake drum it would fit.

 

[T-Bone]

Frosty,



I’m running BFG 295s and get a slight rub on the driver’s side control arm at full lock when turning left. Everything clears at full lock when turning right. I’m wondering if the spacer on the passenger side has anything to do with this. I have an extra spacer but have not got around to putting it on the drivers side to see if it will cure the rubbing.



I think I may go to BFG 285s next round and see if that helps my spool/smoke problem. I’m at 7200 feet elevation and am running 3. 54s with an auto.



T-Bone

 

[Dan_69GTX]

... ... From looking at the pictures Dan_69GTX posted HERE it looks as if the 02 rear wheels sit in further than the originals. My concern is if the fronts do as well and would cause some rubbing issues.

Hey Frosty. The 02 wheel DOES sit in further - because the wheel is much wider. That is where I stated you have to make sure when turning that the tire doesn't hit the brake hose. A simple tweek of the metal bracket is all that is required. With 265 tires I've NEVER had a rubbing issue on anything - after I moved 1 brake line.



Dan

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

One FYI too, all '03+ truck wheels fit the older trucks back to at least '94.

 

[sfelts]

I have a question for those who have already done this. Any of you running 285/75/R16 tires? If so how is your clearance in the front, meaning any rubbing? QUOTE]



I am runnig 285/75/R16 on the stock 1997 rims with no probs. I have found out that the rims I am getting are off a 2003 4x4 and are all ready mounted with 35" tires. I will be needing a lift kit befor putting thess babys on. Oo.



I am waiting right now for the FedX guy with my new ATS triple loc TC and #8 fule plate. ben waiting a few years to aford all theas parts. (Busting with joy) :-laf

 

[frosty]

Hey Frosty. The 02 wheel DOES sit in further - because the wheel is much wider. That is where I stated you have to make sure when turning that the tire doesn't hit the brake hose. A simple tweek of the metal bracket is all that is required. With 265 tires I've NEVER had a rubbing issue on anything - after I moved 1 brake line.



Dan

Cool. I figured I might have to do some tweaking. My main concern was the tire rubbing on the control arm at full turn. Now to get some 02 wheels.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Frosty,



Here is a link to the FAQ section I created after I did my rims - consolidates all the info and gives a little more.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106682



Also, go ahead and update your sig so we have more info to help you later on ...



Dan

 

[frosty]

Thanks Dan. I had read the link but didnt know what tire size you were running.



I have also updated my sig.