Rims/Wheels

[jconnell]

"New to me" 93 W-250 x-cab is in need of new tires. At 125K miles should I replace the wheels as well? My old 77 Chevy C-20 wheels were slightly bent and/or "out of round" and investigation found this to be common to the 16. 5 inch Chevy wheels. This Dodge has MUCH more mass than the old Chevy and the possibility of failure is thus greater. I ignored the Chevy wheel issue but I am not sure I can ignore the possibility on this Dodge truck. The prime concern is SAFETY but I am aware of the aesthetics of new wheels and the appearance of the truck. Aftermarket wheels in steel cost about $68. 00 each from US Wheel. The aluminum wheels are more expensive with the forged numbers running up to over $280. -- each. A mass savings of 15# per wheel for a total of 60 pounds does seem rather trivial on a truck with a weight of over 6,000 pounds. Any information will be gratefully received.

 

[Philip]

The truck will ride better with the lighter rims on the front. The more unsprung weight you can remove the better off you are. Less weight the spring has to overcome when in rebound or jounce mode. Less wear and tear on shocks also.



I have the lighter rims on my dually. I wouldn't put the steels back on front for anything.



The rears I didn't see any difference in ride. But with a 11,000 GVW truck. Nothing will smooth out the rear except a lot of weight in the bed.



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