3rd Generation Question (2 wheel drive model only)...?

[fkovalski]

Any one who has bought a brand new 2WD 3rd generation Dodge w/ Cummins with single rear wheels (specifically a 2004 year... but will listen to all replies... )



... what size, brand, and weight capacity tires came on your truck?

And what wheels (steel, alum) were they mounted on?



Thanks.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Michelins

MOST of the 3rd gen 2WD models came with the Michelin LTX A/S tires... or A FEW came with BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires. On the 4WD models, it would have come with either, about half & half. All 2500/3500 tires came from the factory as load range E tires. As far as wheels, not sure. I prefer the steel chrome clad wheels myself.

Craig

 

[Bill Stockard]

Any one who has bought a brand new 2WD 3rd generation Dodge w/ Cummins (specifically a 2004 year... but will listen to all replies... )



... what size, brand, and weight capacity tires came on your truck?

And what wheels (steel, alum) were they mounted on?



Thanks.

Original equipment on my '03 3500 dually 4x2 (2-wheel drive) was 7-Goodyear Wrangler SR-A, LT235/80R17E on steel wheels. I replaced the Goodyear tires with Michelin LTX M/S LT235/80R17E at 35,000 miles because of bad sidewall cracks; however, the tread wear was only about 50%. Except for the serious sidewall cracks I think the Goodyear tires would gone at least 50,000 miles.



Bill

 

[fkovalski]

Bill, thanks for your response, but my bad... I should have specified that I am looking for a SRW application.



The reason I am trying to ascertain this information is that I was speaking with a colleague who had this set-up and he stated certain specifications about it.



If true, it would work very well for my needs... but I am like a news reporter in that I need to verify my information for it to be valid... . either that or I am WAY too technical for my own good. (LOL)

 

[jakprince]

well what did he tell you and maybe someone on here can tell you if its true.

 

[Dick Langendorff]

I bought mine new and am on my third set. Michelin LTX/AS 265 70R 17 Load Range E.

Mine came with steel wheels and the chrome cover.



Good Luck on your mission.

 

[fkovalski]

well what did he tell you and maybe someone on here can tell you if its true.

I have been trying to determine the weight capacity rating of the wheels them selves. I will concede that the wheels must be able to carry at least what the tires are rated for. One reference I got was that a stock Dodge factory wheel/ tire combo on a 2004 2WD SRW was a 285/80R17 "E" and rated at 3415#.



If this is fact, then I could determine that the wheels from Dodge are rated for at least 3400#... . but in my research I have not even found such a tire size. Hence my post here to try and confirm.

 

[richardcoxid]

Michelin LTX A/S, LT 265/70 R 17 LR "E", Alum wheels.



68,000 miles, tread isn't down to the wear bars yet! Will buy 4 new of the same this summer, certanly before next Idaho winter. See Sig

 

[Crunch]

Michelin LTX A/S, LT 265/70 R 17 LR "E", Alum wheels.

Same here. I got 60K on the first set, replaced all four at the same time, even though I could have probably gotten 20K more. Then got 60K+ on the two rear tires before I replaced them. I just replaced the two front tires a few weeks ago with 107K on them. Very worn, but still some tread left. I would recommend these tires to anyone who does a lot of long distance traveling. I've hauled 3,000lbs. in the bed for tens of thousands of miles, and pulled 12K on a trailer for tens of thousands of miles. Never had a flat on the road. I credit them for stellar fuel economy and they are quiet at 70MPH. Love `em!

 

[richardcoxid]

I should have mentioned in my post above that the Michelin LTX series of LT truck tires have 3 steel plys on the tread (check the Michelin web site). My personal opinion is that is one of the reasons for the excellent mileage and serviceability/tire.



They are pricey, but the extra impact safety and longer wear make them a lower cost/mile tire than most of the cheaper brands!

 

[fkovalski]

I too like the Michelin tires... had 'em on my '01 and bought a set of take-off A/S that I used to run as my summer tire. Wish they would make a higher weight capacity tire similar to the Toyo's or Nitto's.



Got my Mich's mounted on the Dodge aluminum rims and my winter Arctic Claws now for sale as I picked up a set of the 285 Nittos with LI 126 today. I am going to keep them on year round on the stock steel rims... sure wish I could find a legit spec for the rims.

 

[WHazelwood]

My 04. 5 came with the crome steel wheel Michelin 265/70/17 E rated. I got about 60K out of them and then replaced with some new truck takeoff polished alluminum wheels with Michelin 265/70/17 E. and have about 60 K on them as well. Happy with both sets. It's about time to replace the tires and I'll go with the Michelin's again.

 

[TLane]

The weight capacity for the rims *should* be stamped in the rims, but it's usually inside where it can only be read by dismounting the tire. If you get the chance, ask the tire shop to give you a look before they mount the new tires.

 

[seafish]

I just bought a spare OEM forged aluminum rim from a Craigslist ad. I did it so that I can start adding my spare into the tire rotation schedule to get more mileage from the Toyo OC/AT I am running. The wheel I bough is OEM and in new condition without a tire on it. If there is a weight rating on it I will find it and post back. Might not come until next week, though.

 

[fkovalski]

There are no ratings stamped on either the steel or aluminum rims from my investigations.

 

[seafish]

There are no ratings stamped on either the steel or aluminum rims from my investigations.

You know have heard that same thing, but I have also heard that some people DO find weight ratings stamped on the inside rim. I'll report back what I find out.

 

[opjohnny]

I drove a couple of trucks 2wd that had the 245/70-17 E on a steel wheel, with the I believe 235 Hp engine.

 

[seafish]

Just bringing this back up becuase I looked ALL over the inside and outside of the new condition OEM, aluminum forged, chrome covered wheel that I bought from Craigslist.

While there are numerous numbers both stamped and cast into the wheel, as well as a DOT-T / Can US casting, there is NO weight rating, unless it is included in one of the codes like these-



2005. 11. 11. 2152730443220039MVC



2M11030458



2H1102



5212198AA



17X8 J432



The 11. 11. 2005 is likely a date of manufacture, and the 17X8 is size, but everything else is just mumbo jumbo.



Maybe the weight rating is UNDER the chrome cover that is glued on, but I am not gonna be the one to find out. :-laf

 

[AH64ID]

Dodge doesn't put weight ratings on the wheels, and will not (at least in my over a dozen attempts) release it. You will get 4 "common" answers, 3000 (6000/2 on 2500's), 3100 (6200/2 on SRW 3500's), 3195 (tire rating), and "at least what the axle/tires are rated for)...

I gave up my search to find the rating, and just use 3195#s.

Wheel and tire info can be found here...
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2004/intromo.pdf

 

[rscurtis]

The 5500 I looked at over the weekend did have weight ratings on the wheels- 3800# IIRC.