2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission what size tire can i run?

[CDenton]

hey guys i recently posted on doing a leveling kit and wheel spacers on my 98 dodge 3500 DRW. I got the leveling kit and spacers in im putting them on tonight. now my question is what size tire will fit? will 35's fit? was any cutting/trimming of the bumper needed? i would prefer the 35's over 33's but not sure if that is the best bet. i would really appreciate the input and if anybody has done something like this pictures would help me make up mind.

 

[WestTN]

I always run the stock tire size. Almost 100% of unusuall tire problems result from trying to reengineer the 'look' of the tires and wheels.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I almost always run 35" tires on all my 2nd and 3rd gen single wheels... ... Almost 100% of my problems are from foriegn objects intruding the tire's tread..... I don't have a lift on most of them. Without the lift, they'll occasionally rub the inner plastic fender well at around 60% turn. Those usually get ripped out by brush or vibrate loose and are cut out by hired hands... ... They do have replacement bumpers. They're cheaper than replacing a whole front end after running into a cow.



Your factory bumper will clear with 7" wide or factory rims. The leveling kit should make it clear the rear fender liner. The first pic is the wife's '97 w 315/75R16 Toyo MTs on Eagle Alloy 058 16x7". The second is a ranch truck with the same size on factory wheels, Falken ATs, factory bumper, etc..... Niether have any front end sping mods. I'm presuming since it's a dually, you know you will have to have custom wheels or spacers in the rear... . the front will track almost identical to the single wheel.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I run dualled 255/85R16s on my 2nd gens duallies. They are basically a 33x9. 00x16 size, and with the newer Dodge, 2000+ wheels, they'll clear well without spacers. Only certain brands can be run without spacers, and certain aftermarket wheels don't have the proper backspacing needed, either..... I use Alcoa's... . Ithink I have some pics up of my '97 in my gallery. The extra floatation really helps in the sand when I'm pulling a trailer. /webdata/photopost/data/500/medium/P1000143.JPG#ad

 

[TNoneya]

HHhuntitall - is there any lift in that white dually with the 255's on it? And what company makes that winch bumper you have on the front?

 

[AEdelheit]

"leveling kits" on these trucks for bigger tires are kinda a double edge sword, as you move the axle away from the frame the control arms will pull the axle back towrds the rear of the fender, a very common place for rubbing. 1/2" longer arms can do more for bigger tires then a leveling kit. Thuren Fabrication has some real trick arms that are curved to clear the tires, I have them and they work awseome

 

[HHhuntitall]

The white dually has the factory front springs in the photo. There are extra leaves and added arch in the rear, as I put a bale bed on it a few months after that... . All those trucks have the factory coil and links in front.....



Yeah, adding a lift block will move the rear axle back, but a 3" block will only move it back around 1/4". I've seen the Thuren products, and they look like they are made very well. I fabbed some years ago when I lived in Wichita Falls like that, using a large tubing press to bend em. I also stuffed them with solid plastic rods made from recycled diapers..... They were canes used for beating, errr, uh, herding cattle, sheep, and goats. A novel idea someone had. They were super cheap and fit the chromalloy pipe I was using fantastically..... anyway. The first ones I made I tested on my '90 half ton, and they were tougher than the factory Dodge ones. I don't like the factory ones. They bend so easy, it's ridiculous... . I've seen them bent just from pressing in new bushings!! The tire rub does get old after a while..... Moving the axle forward is the best solution I know of. I ran 38s on my '90, with only 2-3" of lift, and I trimmed the front fenders..... Supercoils had just started making their heavier coil spring, and I used those on it, with my own 4 link setup. Turned out nice. I rolled it several times one night and the frame and 4 link were fine... . me and the cab were pretty beat up... .



I think I was more beat up about losing the truck than the accident.....

 

[JMcCoy]

"leveling kits" on these trucks for bigger tires are kinda a double edge sword, as you move the axle away from the frame the control arms will pull the axle back towrds the rear of the fender, a very common place for rubbing. 1/2" longer arms can do more for bigger tires then a leveling kit. Thuren Fabrication has some real trick arms that are curved to clear the tires, I have them and they work awseome

This is correct. When I went to 35s, the tires rub on the rear of the front fender while turning. It used to only rub while turning and hitting a bump. Now since I have installed the Ford knuckles, which causes the wheels to stick out 3/4 inch further on each side, they rub whenever I turn. I used a sledge hammer to knock the sharp corner in but it still rubs. Like stated above, longer control arms will put the axle back in the center of the wheel well. You will probably need a combonation of the level kit and control arms to achieve clearance durring full turning and articulation. Good luck.

 

[TNoneya]

I was looking at a 2" leveling kit... which would give me an add-a-leaf for the rear and a 2" spacer for the front. Are there any steering geometery problems or excessive wear problems I should be aware of by installing one of these? Is there anyone that makes a decent aftermarket coil spring for the front that would give me the 2" I am looking for that also would give me a comparable ride or even better than factory? Am I going to need new shocks or shock spacers with only a 2" kit?

 

[HHhuntitall]

Yes. Supersprings makes an awesome aftermarket replacement spring that's a larger coil and is 2" taller. SuperSprings Self-Adjusting Suspension Stabilizers They are great for replacement bumpers or heavy trucks that you are outfitting. I use a lot of the SSC-23 on duallies that will be carrying welding outfits w/ insane heavy beds and front bumpers. The SSC-22 is better if you're not going to be making it heavier, as they'll ride a lot less harsh, but still are slightly heavier than a stock coil, and hold up excellent. I've installed and sold over 100 sets, and I have had no complaints about the coils themselves... ... Yes, they will change the geometry of your 4 link some. Some trucks, this causes a problem with steering, some it doesn't. Keep that in mind. Also, keep in mind, the weakest link here are the control arms. Don't go too cheap. Upgrades are designed to make your truck "better", not give you more headaches.



Yes, you will need aftermarket shocks, as you are actively changing the working area of your stock shocks by 1". If you don't add shocks, you run the risk of the shock becoming your limiting strap, which usually breaks the head off the shock. Rancho's and ProComp's are the cheapest, most readily available in my area, but certainly are not the best. Superlift shocks are ok, the 2" lift part number I have is SSS-85283. Reservoir shocks are quite a bit higher, but if you bash offroad a lot, they are worth it. I recently tried some Edelbrock reservoir shocks EDB-63505, and took a liking to them... . On the cheaper side, but probably best for the money, IMO, are the Bilstein's. The part numbers for the 2-3" lift are 24-185776 and F4-BE5-6647-H1, I think... ...



Most leveling kits I see consist of only the front spacers..... what kit are you getting that has the rear add-a-leaf spring?

 

[AEdelheit]

I was looking at a 2" leveling kit... which would give me an add-a-leaf for the rear and a 2" spacer for the front. Are there any steering geometery problems or excessive wear problems I should be aware of by installing one of these? Is there anyone that makes a decent aftermarket coil spring for the front that would give me the 2" I am looking for that also would give me a comparable ride or even better than factory? Am I going to need new shocks or shock spacers with only a 2" kit?

If you want a better ride and not a stiffer spring id suggest calling Don Thuren http://thurenfabrication.com/home.html , his website is outdated but he just released a 2" front coil that works great and has shocks to match it all
In one package, real nice guy to deal with

 

[HHhuntitall]

If you want a better ride and not a stiffer spring id suggest calling Don Thuren . : THUREN FABRICATION - HOME :. , his website is outdated but he just released a 2" front coil that works great and has shocks to match it all

In one package, real nice guy to deal with

Any idea on the compression rates? I know he used to make some pretty good leaf spring packages... . check that, they were VERY good packages. I had a 1/2 ton Ford with a set on it that had been custom made, and it worked fabulous off-road. Shockingly good ride, lots of travel.....

 

[AEdelheit]

Any idea on the compression rates? I know he used to make some pretty good leaf spring packages... . check that, they were VERY good packages. I had a 1/2 ton Ford with a set on it that had been custom made, and it worked fabulous off-road. Shockingly good ride, lots of travel.....

He told me a while back but I forgot, I do know there a close rate to the 4th gen coils, Dodge softened them up quite a bit from the 3rd gens

 

[TNoneya]

(Reply to HHhuntitall's msg)

I had to go back and research the kits I was looking at. They were lift kits not "leveling kits. " The two companies that seemed to have reasonably priced stuff were Tuff Country which gave you 2" coil spacers and an add-a-leaf kit for the rear. The other company was Superlift that gave you the same thing... spacers & add-a-leaf. I suspect their stuff might not be great quality. If at all possible... I would like to go up 2" in the front and get a BETTER than factory ride if that's possible?? I mean... it has been 14 yrs since that truck was built... hasn't somebody got a better spring? I think the add-a-leaf for the rear will be sufficient. I don't want to have to get into replacing u-joints all the time, ya' know? As far as those Thuren springs and Supersprings go... which will give me the 2" I want up front and a better ride?

 

[HHhuntitall]

If you're looking for better ride in a whole kit, then, yeah, I'd look for Thuren or Fabtech. If you go cheap, don't be mad if it doesn't ride like you want. Just blocks and add a leaf is not gonna get you where you want..... Just my opinion.