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2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What 3rd gen OEM Alloy Wheels Fit a 1998

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2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fuel Tank Strap

Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) APPS - Code 0121

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I have heard that the OEM alloy wheels are the strongest. I have some very wide wheels on the truck now and want to go to 8. 5-9" wide wheels and matched 35" tires. What should I be concerned about or look for in respect to 2nd gen or 3rd gen alloy wheels.



Thanks kindly.
 
From what I have read the alloys bolt right up but the chrome stamped wheels will need a little die grinder work on the inside of the center cap the clear the hubs.



Here is a picture of another members 2nd gen with 3rd gen wheels.



View attachment 73791
 
The OEM's like in the picture are only 8" wide. I think some people have put 35x12. 5's on them but usually the minimum wheel width the tire manufacturers recommend is 8. 5". I got some 8. 5" wide forged aluminum wheels with 6" backspacing from Centerline a few years ago and I'm pretty happy with them.

Weld used to make some in about that same size too but I think they may have quit. I had some 10" wide Weld's that looked great but they stuck out a long way with 4. 5" backspacing and I think they made my ball joints wear out quicker.
 
I have used both the alloys and steel 3rd generation rims on my 98 Dodge. The steel rims if used with matching newer hubcaps fit but the newer hubcaps are too shallow to use, so I went for the 17" alloys. The steel would only work on our truck with the older caps. The alloy wheels and newer caps bolted right on without any modifcation and look sharp. They are thicker than the steel wheels and set the hubcap out a little farther from the rear axle enought to fit. I run now a set off a 2007 with stock Michelins and luckily bought them for $300 for the new take offs! Two tires are worth more than that. I tried some 16" alloys off a 2002 and they won't fit over our rear brake drum assembly so stay with 17". If you ever want wide 17" alloy wheels, look at H2 Hummer wheels. I think they're 10" wide and for sure 17" size. I have a friend that runs them on his 1999 dodge diesel and they are nice! You can find them on Craigslist. The Portland site now has a set of four for $200. I thought of buying them for snow tire wheels. The centers need opened up a bit to fit the rear axles as the axle hole is a slight smaller. He did his with a hand grinder of all things and looks okay. He then used Dodge hubcaps to finish the look. If I get a chance, I'll look to see the width stamped on my alloy rims and email you this info unless somebody else clues you in here. You'll like the alloys. good luck. Herb
 
OEM wheels are made from forged aluminum that will bend if it's abused. Most of the aftermarket wheels are cast aluminum and can shatter if worked to hard. I had a Eagle Alloy wheel shatter under normal driving conditions while pulling an empty trailer.

Probably 90% of the aftermarket wheels are cast not forged. Weld was probably the best source of forged wheels until they were bought out and then put out of business. Weld is back in business again but they make mostly racing wheels now. I think in time Weld will start making more street wheels again.
 
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