2015 Ram, stock height, factory 18s with wheel spacers; anyone running this?

[CookJ]

Been searching hi and low but haven't come across this set up. I really like my factory wheels and plan to keep them; this would include the 275/70/18 meats. However, I'm looking to broaden the stance a bit and was considering hub centric aluminum wheel spacers. With the cut outs on the back side of these wheels, I'm fairly confident I can run the 1.5 inch without trimming the wheel studs. Eventually, when it's time to replace these tires, I may go to a wider tire and a leveling kit, most likely the Thuren springs. Would someone post any pics or can tell me if I will have any rubbing going with the 1.5 inch spacers? As mentioned, my wheels are the factory aluminum spoke 18s, and I believe they are 8" wide. Also, regarding appearance of this set up, I welcome any thoughts and opinions. Thanks a lot. James

Note: disregard my signature. That was my old rig I wish I never sold. I'm currently in a 2015 Ram 2500 4x4 Crewcab.

 

[SnoKing]

Not good for the bearings! Wheels are set to the correct offset to center the load correctly of the bearings. Dealer could void your warranty for this mod. I think the 18" Laramie wheel is the best looking wheel in the stable. It is a little extra work to clean them when washing to the truck. I avoided looking at any truck with the Laramie 20's, as I really did not like the look or 1.2K up charge. Future tires will most like be less with 18's. SNOKING

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Don't be like this bro dozer

 

[AEdelheit]

Stock wheels are a +57mm offset, 1.5" will put you at roughly a +20mm offset which is actual ideal for tire clearance. The tires you are looking at are pretty narrow you should have a good bit of room from the fender and radius arm.

 

[CookJ]

I hear you Snoking, but I've been running negative offset for many years on many trucks, which is why I've gotten pretty darn good at replacing balljoints (lol); sometimes, it's about the looks I guess. However, I'm gonna remove one of the wheels and measure the depth of the cutout; with any luck, maybe I could go with say 1.25 inch instead of the 1.5 to get me closer to the safe range. I did by the way talk with the service department last week in person and was told that they would not void my warranty running the spacers or for that matter, installing a 2 inch leveling kit; I want to trust them on this but still have my doubts.

Hey Jhawes, no worries there brother as i'm not into that "cali" look. AEdelheit, that's about what I was estimating. If I can make a 1.25" thk spacer work, that would be even better. Any of you have any thoughts on what this truck would look like with such skinny tires? james

 

[w6pea]

Not good for the bearings! Wheels are set to the correct offset to center the load correctly of the bearings. Dealer could void your warranty for this mod. I think the 18" Laramie wheel is the best looking wheel in the stable. It is a little extra work to clean them when washing to the truck. I avoided looking at any truck with the Laramie 20's, as I really did not like the look or 1.2K up charge. Future tires will most like be less with 18's. SNOKING

I have to agree with SNOKING.
Good luck.

 

[TPR021]

I believe the stock offset is +43 not 57, however, AEdelheits math is good enough, 25.4mm to the inch, so if you want to be in the "safe range " go with the 1.25s or less if there is such a thing. If your good at ball joint replacement, you are your own warranty station and its no sweat for ya. As to the wheel studs can't help you there. Wider tire in the future just adds to your look.

 

[CookJ]

Yea, 1.25 is my goal, just haven't had time to pull a wheel to confirm it's doable. if/when I do install them, I'm sure fatter tires will go on sooner than I think! thanks

 

[AEdelheit]

I believe the stock offset is +43 not 57, however, AEdelheits math is good enough, 25.4mm to the inch, so if you want to be in the "safe range " go with the 1.25s or less if there is such a thing. If your good at ball joint replacement, you are your own warranty station and its no sweat for ya. As to the wheel studs can't help you there. Wider tire in the future just adds to your look.

Not on radius arm trucks, 3rd and 4th gens were +43 , 2014+ is +57.

 

[K9Kodi]

Are you stuck on your wheels or trying to save money? I would think another option for you would be aftermarket wheels with the offset you want. Again, I know, not answering your question, but it is a viable option. Are our wheels hub centric or lug centric? Whichever we are, those are the spacers I'd get

 

[CookJ]

Hello Kodi. I really like the factory wheels but am limited to how wide of a tire I can go with. Sure, I can mount a 12.50 or even a 13.50 but that wouldn't be very smart or entirely safe; to feel good about it, I would need to step up to a 9" or wider wheel, which isn't in the budget at this time because I'm considering purchasing a set of cab lights and seat covers. So, my thoughts were to widen the stance of the factory 275's and maybe step up to a 285 or even a 295 down the road. If I'm not mistaken, I believe most factory wheels on newer vehicles are hub centric, and if I recall correctly, they were on my '03 3rd gen.

 

[TPR021]

So the 2500s are +57, wow!, are the 2014+ 3500 the same or are they +57 also?

 

[AEdelheit]

So the 2500s are +57, wow!, are the 2014+ 3500 the same or are they +57 also?

Basically any Radius arm truck is +57 so 2013 3500's and all 2014 + 2500 and 3500's.

 

[TPR021]

Thanks, so finding an aftermarket wheel was already tough enough for us, now it even worse, as the best I've found is +18 or +20s, . I'm looking at a '16 by the way not my "08

 

[AEdelheit]

Its not easy to find wheels with that +20 offset but they are out there, really for any 2003+ a +20mm offset works well for tire clearance. Fuel wheels, AEV, and Raceline makes wheels in that offset off the top of my head.

 

[TPR021]

Funny you say that, I was looking at some Fuel wheels, but don't you think that even +20 which was acceptable with the +43, but now +57 seems to put it out there a little more, add a 9" wheel, and you're out there some more. i'm going to have to think on this one. Another reason I wanted factory 20's!!

 

[SnoKing]

Factory 20's are ugggggllllly! SNOKING

 

[Bob4x4]

My question would have to do you reall think running a spacer on a 9k+ gvw rig is a wise idea

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

My question would have to do you reall think running a spacer on a 9k+ gvw rig is a wise idea

......No!!!

 

[CookJ]

Do I think it's wise?? Although you and some others may not, I don't have a problem with running a 1.25 -1.50" hub/wheel centric spacer with my factory wheels/tires. Heck, I've ran spacers on my two previous 3/4 ton rigs without issue, and, both of these trucks were mildly lifted with aftermarket wheels and 35's; although not heavy (6500lb Jayco), I also towed with each rig. IMO, provided the spacers are from a reputable company (Borla, Goeske, etc.) and not the cheapo Mr. Gasket and ebay cr@p, and, these things are installed correctly and checked periodically, this set up is as safe and no different than buying an aftermarket wheel (of same width) to achieve the same outcome.

To some of you, I started this thread to gain feedback from others on the potential for rubbing or clearance issues, and, opinions with regards to appearance, good or bad. I don't need to be questioned or educated on the pros/cons of wheel spacers; had I, this would have been reflected in the subject title. thanks