2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tires on a '98 3500

[Dallass]

Can I replace the 215/85R 16 Load range E on my '98 Dodge 12V 3500 with 235/85R 16 Load range E with out the sides rubbing on the dual wheel? And can I use the same wheels? And what would I need to do to have the speedometer read correctly? Dallass.

 

[az]

I am currently running that size on my 97 3500 with no rubbing, not even close. They seem to measure about 32-33" but that was a rough measurment, they are tall. My speed is about 3-4 mph slow on the speedometer via the gps, maybe 5% ?

 

[bmoeller]

I personally would want to add spacers (or newer style rims), if I were to run 235s. I have a hard enough time getting my hand in between the duals to remove the valve stem cap w/ the 215s.

 

[Speedo]

I replaced the 215s on my '99 with 235s and there has never been any evidence that they have ever rubbed.



Gus

 

[macdaddy]

Hey Dall

You won't have any trouble at all. I went from the 215/85's to the 235'son my 99. You did'nt mention if you had an auto/man or what your current gearing is. If you have an auto with 3:55's don't even think about you will take a serious hit on power and towing performance, and you'll also notice it when it comes to braking regardless of gearing I sure noticed it

Mac



05 3500 4X4 Laramie DRW 325/610 6 spd 4:10's new on 10/30/04

Sold 99 3500 4X4 SLT Laramie DRW 4:10's ATS Trans w/VB TC comander AFR Auto Meter Edge Banks 4" exh 235/85/16 mich LTX M/S oh the 53 under the hood :{ thats why shes gone!!!!!!

 

[Dallass]

I do have an auto with 3:55 pulling about 20000 Lbs. I have the #10 torque and #3KGS installed. Before I put in the plate and spring the truck couldn't even get out of it own way pulling the trailer. I thought I would ask the question because my '92 DC D250 had 235/85 on it.

 

[moparguy]

I'd stick with the 215s. I've got 235s on my 95 (same wheels you have) and when loaded I've got almost zero clearance between the tires, even aired up to 80psi.



Also as pointed out, you likely won't like the change in gear ratio.



Good luck, RJR

 

[RustyJC]

It all depends on how heavy you load them (payload or pin/tongue weight). If you never haul anything, they might work OK. If you were pulling my 5th wheel (see signature), you'd be in deep caca. That's why Dodge changed the wheel offset when they went to the LT235/85R-16E tires.



Rusty

 

[Dallass]

Thanks RJR. I'll replace the tires with 215/85. When I hook up the 5th wheel with a 4K Onan generator, 6 6V golf cart batterys and 6 solar panals that are in the front of the trailer over the truck axal, the last thing I need is tire trouble. Thanks, Rusty.

 

[willyslover]

Rusty... . IF you use a tire like the Michelin XPS [I use traction do to snow] . . they have both traction and rib... you will not have the crush that a non commercial tire tire has. . I have had these tires on several dual set-ups and never had an issue including a 98. 5 CTD Ram. . they do not crush down as they have a very tuff steel sidewall and I get way better tire life out of them to offset the price difference...

use your search button and you'll be reading many posts about them

I think that I have over 10 sets of them used now, and currently have my second set of them on this rig... my take off are now G/N trailer tires as I take them off as I near snow season do to tread depth, but they usually have another 15/20K left in them

 

[RustyJC]

I'm very familiar with the XPS Ribs. I ran them on our previous 5th wheel to replace the Goodyear Wrangler HTs. The XPS Rib or Traction, Goodyear G614R/ST or other all-steel commercial tires might work OK, but the use of these types of tires wasn't assumed in the original question. I stand by my statement insofar as the use of fabric-and-steel construction 235s is concerned - and, yes, I had a 1996 3500 before this truck.



Rusty

 

[willyslover]

RustyJC. . wasn't replying to you . . was repling to Dallass[who's name is also Rusty]. . sorry if you thought I was slighting you . . I wasn't

and as to tow weights and crush... I had 3500 lbs in the bed [a large pallet of drinking water for the forrest service fire crews] and towing a 9K trailer front loaded through the mountains . . very twisty and steep grades [26% on a stretch. . Sonora Pass] without any issues with rub , in fact nowhere near an issue.

I don't see where any tire was assumed other than size /load rating . . oh well enough of this. .

suggest using you button for a ton of info

 

[Dallass]

My name is Dallas and I was thanking Rusty for his post. I think after reading all of the post I'll stay with the 215/85. Thank y'll, Dallas.

 

[robbiesworld]

NO NO NO get rid of those little 215's Sorry just my opinion. I am actually running 265 75 16's with a spacer in the rear. my 235's never rubbed.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

I replaced my 215's with 235 Commercial Bridgestones w/o any problem. Speed is off 4%.

 

[redram]

Go the other way - I went with 225/75/16 XPS 10 Ply tires on my 96 3500 with Alcoa's (16X6) and now realize a 3. 69 ration rather than the stock 3. 55 due to the tires being shorter!



Changed the odometer gear in the transmission to correct the speedo.



Cheers

 

[John - K5AWO]

Just going to add 2 cents worth here... I have had Michelins in the past and really enjoy them for the good performance all around.



However, this past month, my circumstances are now mostly city driving and I wanted a better rain tire with the same performance.



Having had a lot of good experience with Big O brand Dual Groove A/T tires in the past on a Lincoln Town Car (load range D) and the same tire on a Suburban, I chose the same tire in load range E for my 3500 dually. They are available in 215 and 235s. I went with 235 because that was the size on the truck and I only replaced the front tires.



I am still impressed with their performance. They stand up taller without the bulge the the Michelins give for the same 80 psi air pressure. They are also rated for longer tread life. It will be a few years before I can comment on that for the dually. Tread held up well on the car and Suburban, however, neither one was a 4x4 of course.



On the dually 4x4, I am noticing some light ridges on the heel side of the tread blocks. I took it back in to get it checked and the alignment is still good at 0. 05" toe-in. Caster/Camber both well within spec. Dealer rotated the fronts to reverse the tread. Commented that we will just do this every 3-4 thousand to keep the tires from cupping.



I had noticed this cupping action on the old tires, so the problem isn't new or related to the tire brand.

 

[DOverton]

Hi Dallas,

Just wondering where Summerdale is located in AL. I live in Tuscaloosa and I thought we could get together some time and talk CUMMINS!!!



Dallas...

 

[Dallass]

Summerdale is in Lower AL about 15 miles from the gulf and about 257 miles from Tuscaloosa.

 

[JJ Jackson]

I've run 255-85-16's for 4yrs now on my 99 3500. They are Wild Country TXR's from Les Schwab. They barely rub with a 1/4" spacer. I honestly don't feel I'm being naive when I say "who cares if they rub a little". I've had numerous friends and tire stores tell me its not the recommended way to run duals but they've never known anyone to have a problem. I carry a 3800lb camper and pull a 25ft enclosed trailer 475 miles to Coos Bay Oregon twice a year and 775 miles to Yuma Arizona twice a year without a problem. I usually run 65psi also. They are D rated so the weight carrying capacity is the same, I just can't run 80lbs of pressure. I don't mean to say I'll never have problems, but I think anyone who has a dually and is interested in running taller tires shouldnt be afaid of rubbing. Since I've run these tires I dont get big rocks and construction site debris stuck in between because there is no big gap like my 215's had.