Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) A Change of Wheels is in the Future

[Dave Remillard]

I must be getting old or something. I don't drive my Ram very much anymore, but that being said I apparently did something to bend my two front wheels and not even know it. They are not real bad, but bad enough to cause a wheel out of balance sensation when over 60 MPH. Anyone have suggestions of wheels to consider. I'm thinking just plain old steel wheels as I've had less than good luck with the aluminum wheels. Are the stock chrome wheels any good? Also thought I should mention that I had the front suspension looked over by an alignment shop yesterday. They refused to do an alignment on this truck for the following reasons. I have a Lukes Link on the track bar, and I have a Darrins steering stabilizer bracket. What gives with this I wonder. Anyway, I'm not concerned as there are plenty of alignment shops around that will recognize quality when they see it.

 

[tp0d]

Sounds like you may have an out-of-round tire, out of balance tire, or bad front shocks. Unless you really hit somethin -hard-, the stock steel wheels dont bend. I`d give the front end a good push and see how many times it bounces. If it comes right back up and stops, the shocks may be good. If it bounces more than 2 times, theyre prolly bad. If you havent replaced em in more than 50k, they may be bad. (good shocks last longer, i duno)



As for the alignment shop, sounds like you need to find someone that knows what theyre doin. . The lukes link and DSS dont change much on an alignment, mebe they were coverin their butts for warranty. . I`m sure theres a shop that`ll do it. .



I have a set of alum wheels now, Alcoas. . theyre great. as for a weight difference between that and a steel, i duno, but I think they look nicer. . they came with the truck anyways.



good luck



-jerry

 

[Hammer]

94-99 Steel directionals were well known for bending and its one of the reasons for the aluminum wheels for 2000. There are many different styles from mild to wild with prices the same way. Eagle,M/T,American Racing and a few other have some reasonable priced aluminum wheels that will fit most any style type and price range. There are alot of high end companies with trick billets available with top end prices also. Its what you desire to have in price and look that will determine how the outcome is. I had a simular problem with my local alignment shop about the Luke's Link. Their concern was about it being rebuildable and the possiblity of play in it. Once they were satisfied to that not being a issue my alignment was done promptly. Funny thing later they contacted me when they couldn't get a trac bar and desired to "try" one of those links. They now offer them as a option to owners and have thanked me more times than I can count. try allowing the shop to look over your conversion well and maybe that will help with their liability issues,which I am certain you will find is the problem. Good Luck and hope this helps... ... . Andy

 

[Dave Remillard]

the stock steel wheels dont bend.



I should have pointed out that the wheels I have are not stock steel, but an after market aluminum wheel. Shocks are good, and balance on the wheels have been re-DONE three times. Finally found a shop that had enough sense to see what the problem really was. Oh well, one of those things that happen. Just need to replace whats bad and not sure which direction I want to go. Just don't see the value in spending a bunch of money on wheels for a 10 year old truck. The stock steel wheels would make me happy at this point. just wanted to see if they are a problem for others first. Thanks for the replies and if anyone has a set of wheels they would like to sell, please PM and let me know what you have.

 

[pwerwagn]

the stock steel wheels dont bend.

I disagree. I've seen many many stock steelies that were bent.



Check Ebay for some used wheels. there are good used steel 94-99 wheels on there fairly often. Also, you can pick up some decent aluminum wheels for $100 each if you look.



why not just replace the 2 front wheels with whats on it? it'll save $$.

 

[CATCRACKER]

the steelies bend very easy believe me

 

[Dave Remillard]

why not just replace the 2 front wheels with whats on it? it'll save $$





Basically two reasons. First, the wheels I have just are not around anymore. I would see them on occassion, but not often. The second reason is if they can bend this easy, well thats a good reason in it's self. The wheels came on the truck when i bought it new in 95 from the dealer. Not sure where they got them, but even though I like the looks of them, they sure are not holding up at all. I suppose some are thinking I hit something hard or was four wheeling, but not the case at all. The only times I use this vehicle is when I need to tow a trailer, haul the camper, or pull the boat around. The wheels where fine early last summer. At this point I suppose it doesn't matter how they got this way. They are what they are so I'll do whats needed to correct. It would be nice to borrow a couple off another truck just to confirm what the tire shop stated. I did see for myself what the wheel was doing when they where on the spin balancer, Didn't seem that bad to me, but apparently it's enough.

 

[Hvy-DCZ]

Wheels/tires available

Dave,



Just sent you a PM. I have a buddy in the PDX area that has a set of OEM chrome wheels off an '03 or '04. Can anyone give a thumbs up or down on whether or not they'll fit?



Thanks,

Hvy

 

[Cummins4Life]

They'll fit.