Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oversize Tires

[Dutch & Di]

When changing tire size on our 1996 3500 Ram dually from 215/85R/16 to 235/85R/16's, can I still use the same rims? Is there still enough clearance for the dually's?

 

[TJarecke]

According to the article on the same year pickup in Diesel Power, it depends on the brand of tire used. The marked size is not universal in size. The truck in the article started with 235s on it but they said the Bridgestone Revo in the same size would overlap. The also mentioned that a 245 woud reqire 2" spacers.

In the article they went with 215 revos.

I don't have any experience with duallies but this is something I read that I thought might help.

 

[hsmith]

Two years ago, Discount Tire convinced me 235's would fit. Told them I thought the side walls would rub. They installed them anyway, and one month later had to eat them and replace with 215's. Not enough clearance between the tires with factory wheels. BTW, this was with Michelin XPS, which is the ony tires I use.

 

[firemanmarc]

Goodyear Wrangler 235x85x16 on factory steel wheels have worked for about 140k miles already no rubbing at all, and have had lots weight in her... . oh my truck is 1997 3500. Marc

 

[DonTX]

That is good to know fireman, having a similar truck, needing tires soon, and wishing to go oversize. Do you have the diameter difference, or more specifically, what does it do to your speedo accuracy? Mine reads too high according to my GPS, but I think that is because the old tires are so worn down.

 

[firemanmarc]

I honestly can't say about the speedo. I think the tires are a little over 1" higher. That was the size of my tires when I bought the truck, but they were all Heinz 57 brand and none matched. Good day, marc

 

[hsmith]

Guess the Goodyear's have a stiffer sidewall. With the XPS tire, empty, there was maybe 1/4" clearance. With the 5'er hooked up, no clearance.

 

[Bart]

I've had 235s on my 98 since I got it 5 years ago. Two or three sets of tires, currently running Pathfinders, previous inner tubes were Bridgestones and none of them have rubbed. I keep them aired to about 50-60 across the back when not loaded and the max of 80 when it's carrying the camper and car trailer. Never had a rub. I'd like to use a small spacer and go to bigger tires, but that'll be years down the road as I just put on the new shoes. And no I didn't change rims. My speedo is off by approximately 2. 5 mph (gps)

BTW, some mentioned Discount Tire. They are the ONLY place to buy tires. They take extremely good care of their customers and they are in many places to get replacements if you have trouble. If I don't have Discount Tires on my vehicle, they came with the vehicle. That's a plug for them.

 

[hsmith]

Didn't think there was a difference in wheels for these models, but they sure would not work on mine! Almost time for new shoes as these have around 50k on them. Probably will go back to DDDDDDTTTTT.