19.5 Wheel Update anyone???

[JohnMcIntyre]

Re: So what about us 2500 guys?

Originally posted by TomGolden

So, does anyone make 19. 5's for those of us without the training wheels on our trucks ??

Tom, there are certain 19. 5 tire/rim combinations that will allow you to keep your number #5 spare under the bed even if you have a much larger, under the bed fuel tank in the stock location. See my sigfile for the details.....

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Dan's the man that would know... .

I guess this is one of those things that you just have to bite the bullet and do it.



Save those pennies, and continue to drink lots of beer in cans... . we need all the aluminum for Rickson to make a good set of rims and for GM/Isuzu to make cylinder heads for the DuraCRAX... .



Matt - stepping off soapbox... .

 

[LarryB]

Les Schwab Tire Centers. 19. 5 x 6. 75, www.lesschwab.com



On my list! :-laf



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[DBazley]

My long term assement of Rickson 19.5's

Yeah, the cost is a bit of a hit (it only hurts for a while), but the increased ride & handling obtained from the upgrade has been worth it.



I will admit, if you don't haul anything, and don't drive mountains (I do both !) it's a want, more than a need.



But when I consider the increased safety factor towing (gross wt on my 97 2500 with trailer is about 20,000-22,000), lower revs, better braking, not wearing out 10 plys every 20 k miles (!!), it's a need.



It's just paying a bit ahead for much more in the longrun.



Actually the "medium duty truck feel" alone is worth the price and with all the above considered, I'd recommend it to anyone with the need or the desire.



FYI, my package is the steel rims, polished chrome simulators with 14 ply Bridgestone M724 ' s. They have very good all around wet weather performance, and are wearing slowly as promised. About 25 k miles so far, maybe 25 % wear, I should get the 100 k miles hoped for, then re-tread em for about $ 75 each.



Compared to 5 sets of 10 ply E rating 16s (new every 20 k miles) @ $ 450 a set = $ 2250, about what I paid for the Rickson's. Not a bad deal, even money, when I retread I win, better safety every mile !



It's something to consider, eh?????



Happy Ramming !



David

 

[rrausch]

DBazley, I like what you are saying about the Ricksons, but one thing caught my eye. Why do you get better braking? I would think with the 19. 5's producing essentially a longer lever arm than the stock wheels, the braking efficiency would suffer.

 

[DBazley]

Reply re Braking with 19.5's

Robert,



I'm not using an objective measurement to guage braking efficiency, but rather a subjective feel. The truck is more confident, and braking is very strong.



Whether it stops shorter, can't say, but the overall more confident feel is unbeatable. Before, it felt like the heft of the truck overcame the ability of the 16" tires to cope with the loading (especially towing!), whereas now it does not.



PS: If I could figure out how to turn on my "signature" you'd see my truck profile ( can you advise ??)!



For now I'll point out, suspension wise, that my 1997 2500 4 by 4 also runs Firestone Air Lift (rear) air suspension and Rancho 9000 5 way adjustable shocks, all of which combined with the 19. 5's makes for a very adjustable & confident ride for nearly any load or situation.



Do you tow heavy loads ? If so you'll appreciate the 19. 5's.



Bye for now,



David

 

[rrausch]

Thanks David. To turn on the sig. , check the box that says "show signature" at the bottom of the "post reply" page, when you post. You can also do it as an edit, if you do it within 24 hours or so.



I was curious because I used to have a 1942 Dodge Power Wagon, the 4-WD Military version of a civ. pickup, and it had 11" drums and about 36" tires and stopping without planning about 1/2 block in advance was a REAL problem



I've always liked the way 19. 5's looked but wondered after my old Power Wagon experience, if there was a difference in effeciency. In the old Power Wagon stopping was a real "Oh $#!! experience". Also, the old Power Wagon had no sychro's so shifting was FUN!

 

[DBazley]

Back to you

Robert,



Thanks for the signature tip, got it.



I can understand why you might think so, given your experience with the Old Power Wagon.



I enjoy the benefits of the conversion, so I'm happy to share the thoughts with you. Let me know if / when you go for it.



There might be a link to our company site below where my truck is in my signature, but alas, it was taken before the 19. 5 conversion was installed.



David

 

[DBazley]

Try it again

Perhaps now... ... ... .....



Yup there it is,

 

[pwknapp]

I've been interested in the 19. 5 upgrade for quite a while just can't seem to come up with the $$$$. Just a note of caution don't use recaps on the front. It is a nightmare if it ever seperates.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by pwknapp
I've been interested in the 19. 5 upgrade for quite a while just can't seem to come up with the $$$$. Just a note of caution don't use recaps on the front. It is a nightmare if it ever seperates.

Not to mention there is a federal regulation or law proscribing the use of retreads on the steering axle.

Fest3er