2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2001 Stock Alloy Wheels = FAIL

[Mstakenas]

The stock 16x8 alloy wheels on my truck are failing. Two years ago the first one cracked so a buddy of mine welded the bead and it has been fine. Then about a month ago, a second one gave way in two places so I had that one fixed. Now the final two are cracked (one of them in four places) and I am ready to get a new set of non-stock wheels because I am tired of having to fix the stockers. So I have been looking for aftermarket wheels but the backspace of most wheels I am finding is about 4. 5 inches whereas the backspace on my stockers is 6. 5 inches, so that pushes any new wheels out two inches passed the current which I am really not looking to do. I would like to stay with my current BFG AT/KOs as they have been really good to me. Any advice on wheels that look decent but won't stick way out of the fenderwells (granted I am no longer quite a kid)?

 

[dclassens]

"look decent" is in the eye of the beholder. When I had a dodge work truck with those exact wheel symptoms, I switched to the STEEL factory wheels. Exact same measurements, and I thought they looked better than aluminum. Had them powder coated black with chrome center cap and chrome trim ring. Just a suggestion as you never said "aluminum only" in your post.

 

[dclassens]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com.../155989-let-s-see-your-rim-tire-combos-2.html







https://www.turbodieselregister.com...071-stock-steel-vs-stock-aluminum-wheels.html

 

[HBarlow]

It's hard to go wrong with ordinary factory OEM steel wheels unless you are seeking "the look. " Steel wheels will flex and retain their shape when aluminum alloys will crack.

 

[DSeamans]

wheels

Wheel Details - Discount Tire



I went to put new tires on 2 yrs ago and found all 4 of mine were cracked. One was cracked about every 2" and had a 1/4" chunk missing. Those tires had been on only a year and the rims were fine then. I got the above rims for $75 on sale and they had them in stock. There was 1" difference in the backspacing. Quite a few have told me they really like how they look.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Correct, starting with model year 2000 Dodge widened the track width exactly 2" so you have to get high offset wheels to keep them from sticking out.

Why not look for a set of 3rd Gen wheels, either steel or aluminum. I have not heard of the aluminum wheels failing, I have heard of the 2nd Gen alloys having issues at times. The 17" aluminum wheels fit great, have the same offset as the 2000-2002 trucks.

There are high offset aftermarket wheels out there, but the only ones I've found are 17, 20 and 22" rims. Centerline has wheels with 6" backspace.

 

[HHhuntitall]

They are cast aluminum, and will continue to fail until they are no longer available. Given use, in time, all wheels will fail. Forged Aluminum wheels are the only way to go if you have to have aluminum. Alcoa and American Eagle Wheel are the only ones I am aware of that are offering a forged wheel. Alcoa's are turned from a solid aluminum disk, while most others are cast and then heat treated. From experience, Alcoa's are quite a bit tougher than Eagles, but a great deal more expensive. Alcoa also offers the factory offset to match your Dodge, be it 16" or 17". Eagle wheels in their 7" wide 16" wheels are within a 1/4" of factory specs.

 

[Tractorat]

They are cast aluminum, and will continue to fail until they are no longer available. Given use, in time, all wheels will fail. Forged Aluminum wheels are the only way to go if you have to have aluminum.

The original paper work for my truck (02) says they are forged as opposed to cast aluminum. But, I guess they could have lied to me.

 

[HHhuntitall]

The original paper work for my truck (02) says they are forged as opposed to cast aluminum. But, I guess they could have lied to me.

Really? I'm surprised by that. If you have ever looked at a broke one, they are so granular, they must just be heat-treated, which they are calling forged. They look like broken limestone when they break, which tells me they are not cut from a billet piece of forged stock. I've seen one that leaked from day one. The dealer replaced the tire once, and the customer just lived with airing it up every few weeks. He brought it to me to fix a flat, and I found the wheel was leaking in the polished surface almost opposite the valve stem. The casting was pourous. High quality, huh? I've seen several that were cracked in several places, and several that have just broken to pieces. Only the early Chinese imports have been as bad about breaking. At least most of the Dodges are cracking and not just going to pieces going down the road!!!

 

[rkressg]

I went through 2 of the aluminum rims, and countless tires over the years.

I finally switch to a set of 19. 5" Ricksons. They are not the prettiest tires/rims, but they ride smooth, last forever, and will not break (trust me, you can not put enough weight in your truck to overload one of these tires, I have tried). I know they are expensive, but they are worth every $$$.