2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What size wheels are the 2002 drw wheels?

[rweis]

I currently have the stock steel wheels.



I want to look for some new / used aluminum wheels. I know almost nothing about wheels. All I know there is more to it than the 16" size.



What do I need to know to start looking for some new / used wheels?



I get the impression there is something called an offset. What is an offset? and what does it do for you?



What about rim width?



I tow heavy (13k) so need something that I can get a heavy rated tire.



I do not go off road at all.



I have DRW.



I do not have 4x4.



I do not have any changes to my suspension nor do I expect to ever have any changes to the suspension.



I do have the tow package (ie extra rear leaf springs).



Is there anything else I need to tell about my truck so you can help me?



Thanks,



Bob Weis

 

[joemyers]

I looked into this a couple of years back for my 2000 DRW. For one thing, None of the Mags had the load capacity of the steel wheels, and the other problem is the thickness of the Mag wheel hub, you cannot install two mags on the back. My best solution is to get a set of steel wheels chromed. JMTCW



Joe Myers

 

[MAX A/C]

Bob, duallys are limited in wheel options.



Offset is the difference between the centerline of the wheel, and the wheel mounting face (the flat part that mates with the hub). There is negative and there is positive offset, each one moving the wheel a different direction (more inboard or more outboard) when mounted on the vehicle. (I dont' remember which is which, I think positive offset pulls the wheel in closer. ) Using a wheel with offset other than what the factory designed into their wheels could result in rubbing suspension/steering components on a tight turn if the wheel moved inboard; or if moving the wheel farther outboard, then you are placing extra stress on wheel bearings etc. via the leveraging effect of having the tire out so far. Yes, lots of people run non-factory offset wheels... you just need to consider the ramifications. (Aren't all those Chevys with aftermarket wheels that stick way out if front funny looking?)



A related term is "backspacing" which is measured by laying the wheel face up on a flat surface and measuring the distance from the ground to the mounting face. Duallies of course have a large amount of backspacing due to the clearance needed for mounting two wheels on the same hub in the rear.



Rim width needs to increase to run much larger tires. Most tire manufacturer sites will tell you what rim widths to use with what size tire. With an '01 or '02 dually, you are safe with the stock 235/85 size for assurance that no rubbing will occur between the two rear tires under heavy loading. Some people have "upsized" to a 255/85 size with satisfactory results (I may do that, too). Earlier years used a less-offset wheel allowing a factory 215/85 size which some people have "upsized" to a 235/85. Some tire shops refuse to mount anything other than the factory approved size which in your case is the 235/85.



Like Joe said, you cannot install two mags on the back due to the hub centric design. You could by using an adapter such as can be found at http://dualdesignsinc.com/ Pretty pricey, though... and it's for mounting 19. 5" wheels, which some people want for load capacity.



To run the 4 outer wheels in aluminum (and the stock steel inner), check out Eagle Alloy dually wheels at http://www.aewheel.com/wheels_category.cfm?id=4



Rickson developed a business making direct bolt-up wheels in 19. 5" diameter for our trucks to enable the use of commercial tires. However, word on this forum (do a search to see what I mean) is that they take about forever to deliver an order.

http://www.ricksontruck.com/



You should be alright as far as load capacity by using 16" dual rears and running load range E tires. Assuming the factory 2600 lb rating each wheel, that's 10,400 pounds total rear capacity for the wheel specs, a bit more for the tire specs. You'd be well over the factory ratings for your GVW if you loaded up the rear of your truck to weigh that much. Some people do it, and some will go to a 19. 5" commercial tire/wheel rated at 3500-4500 pounds load each to handle the extra weight.



Hope this helps!

Scott