2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 3500 valve stems

[SRehberg]

I just purchased a '96 3500 with dual rear wheels. I went to air up the rear tires but wasn't able to see the valve stem let alone air it up. I could feel it in there, but the outer tire stem was facing inward. Is this normal? Has anyone modified the air valves to allow ease of inflation from the outside? It has a decorative hub cap in place which I can remove, but the stem still points inward, so looking to make this an easier experience. Thanks

 

[HeavyHauler]

That's normal on the duallys. They put them all in the same way so you can rotate the tires. Get one of those dual-head air chucks and you'll be able to go through the "hole" in the wheel where the valve stem is. Same way on the inner wheel. You'll have to go through the outer wheel to get to it.



Hope that helps.

 

[HeavyHauler]

Here's what I'm talking about if I was unclear. You should be able to get one of these for 5 or 6 dollars. One with a gauge on it is even nicer.

 

[TRCM]

you also have to make sure you line up the rim holes between the inside & outside tires. When i got mine, they weren't, and you couldn't check the inner tire's pressure.





I put on new tires, and some valve stem extension hoses. Now, I have both stems just inside the wheel cover.

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the tips, I couldn't believe it could be that difficult to do routine pressure checks. Do the hoses pull out through the wheel openings then tuck back in after use?

 

[litespeed]

Here's what I'm talking about if I was unclear. You should be able to get one of these for 5 or 6 dollars. One with a gauge on it is even nicer.

HeavyHauler has the right idea.....



I have never had any problems airing up mine with the factory extensions. It is actually pretty easy. Just get yourself one of those big High PSI tire pressure sticks and the air chuck That HeavyHauler showed you and you will be fine. I carry the chuck shown above with a small wrench in case I have to stop at a "hole in the wall" gas station and air my tires up in a pinch. Most of those little stores have that worthless flimsey piece of hose on the end.



If the stems on the rear wheels are lined up it makes things a lot easier. Also when you have your tires rotated..... Be sure they put the extensions on before they put the inner wheels on or you will have a hell of time getting the extensions back on (been there, done that... Stupid Dealer).....



Here is the Tire Pressure gauge that makes it easy... .



AJ

 

[SRehberg]

Looks like I need to head for my friendly Napa dealer and get the right guage. I have one of the "pencil" type, but it is useless for the rear tires. Good advice about lining up both valve stems. This is my first dually, so a real sharp learning curve here.

 

[TRCM]

my extensions have two plates that you sandwich the outer rim hole between, and tigthen. the valve stem is just inside the wheel cover, not all the way back at the rim.



i did put the stems on the inner & outer wheels 180 apart to help with potential balance issues.



Same EXACT gauge I got... including the ring that always gets in my way.

 

[SRehberg]

TRCM I am probably not seeing the forest for the trees, but what kind of plate sandwiches between the outer rim? I looked at the extensions on one website and they have a "U" shaped clamp that evidently clamps to the wheel. Is this the same setup? Good idea about the 180* separation for balance.

 

[bmoeller]

If you use extentions on the valve stems, make sure the valve stems that you have, are all metal. The all rubber, or the rubber/brass ones will tear off.

 

[TRCM]

they are similar to the u bolt type, but have to plates, about 1" square, that fit on the stem end of the extension. You run them thru one of the rim holes, and slide the plate on the rim hole edge, then tightetn the lock nut.



I put in steel stems, the bolt in kind before I did it to avoid issues with the extension damaging the stock style due to the extra weight of it.



fleet & big rig places carry the extensions style I have. I didn't get the ubolt clamp style cuz I had a freind who could never get them to stay on.

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the information, I'll check out the truck supply for the extensions. I see in Camping World they have a set similar to what you are describing, a small plate with a hole in the middle. I bet a truck supply can beat their price though. I'll definetly have the metal stems installed, I don't want any surprises.