Originally posted by lbridges
Last April I ordered Rickson aluminum rims for 1997 SRW Ram, I received them last month. Better late than never. I soon found out that with 265/75R 19. 5 tires on they rub the fender liners when you turn the wheel. No one warned me this would happen. Since I can't find a lift kit for this truck I will have to modify the fenders. I will let you know how it turns out.
PS. The rims look great and the Goodyear 124s have great traction.
Lloyd,
I was reading through some posts and came across this... I am glad to hear you like the rims & tires... a very long time coming but I believe, well worth the wait. Of course our 19. 5" steel wheels are always available and the production of aluminum wheels took a long time - happily they are finally in stock.
At any rate, I do think it is important to mention a couple of points regarding your situation:
First, in all of our literature we recommend the use of a 225/70R19. 5 size tire. Any of our sales/techs will always first advise that as well. Naturally, there are plenty of customers who want something larger than a 225. On your 1997 Dodge 4WD, I know you were advised that 225s and 245s will definitely fit with no fitment issues. 265s will fit, however, they will be close in the front. Aftermarket modifications, the use of heavy weight tools (i. e. snow plows) as well as the natural sagging of the springs that can occur over time cannot be measured by our technicians - at least not over the phone – and definitely not if we are not informed.
Second, and the key to this I believe, is that we had no way of knowing you run a 1,000 lbs. snow plow on the front of your truck for 4 months each year - that it stays on your vehicle the entire time. The plow you are using also happens to be 300 pounds heavier than the truck’s manufacturer's recommendations.
At any rate, the above information would have been very useful for us in leading you to the optimum tire choice for your particular situation. We do spend a great deal of time working with potential customers regarding wheel and tire selections for their particular truck and needless to say, as a business, there is nothing to gain by recommending something that is not correct.
I hope you are able to find a satisfactory lift kit – I trust you will enjoy the many benefits of 19. 5s for years to come.
Thank you,
Heather Marie Knutson
Rickson Truck Accessories