Wheels

[sloanxx]

I have a set of aftermarket wheels on my 2500 now and am interested in what brands of wheels you guys are running that have a comparable offset to the stock wheels so they don't rub? I also want to go back to the size of tire that originaly came on the truck. In 99 did Dodge offer an aluminum rim from the factory and does anyone have set they'd like to part with?

 

[PRout]

This is a good question.



Today, I just was in a bind when I bought my Dunlop Mud Rovers. Found the reason for thinking I had a bad tire. BOTH front stock steel wheels were bent. One was pretty bad.



Ended up buying what was available at America's Tire. Nice looking aluminum wheels 16x8, but didnt realize until they were on that they stick out alot farther than stockers. Dangit.



Everyone around thinks they look cool, but it bugs the heck out of me knowing the tires are sticking out of the wheelwells, and theres more stress on the bearings. Its not how things were engineered.



Yea, would be good to know what is working for the members that have done their homework. What fits in the wheelwells without having a backspace, or offset problem.

 

[Un-Hemi]

As far as I know, the factory wheels in 1999 were steel. The ones on mine are 16 by 6. 5". The stock tire size was either LT245/75/16 or LT215/85/16. There *may* have been a 7. 5-wide option in a steel wheel with a trim ring. My service manual doesn't give any wheel specifications.



The factory 16 by 8" alloy wheel was introduced after 1999, and there are fitment issues with the older trucks, to do with the rear brake drum outer diameter and interference with either the steering components or the brake caliper on the front. I understand they can be made to fit. (they'd better, cuz I have a set out in the garage!) The standard tire on the alloys is a LT265/75/16.



The back spacing on the factory alloys I have is 6 1/4". (Yes, six and a quarter inches). They should sit under the fenders nicely.



I hope this helps. Perhaps someone that has retrofitted the alloys onto a '99 or earlier truck can chime in.

 

[rspinks]

6.25" backspacing!

that's an unusually large backspacing number for 16x8 wheels, no wonder so many aftermarket wheels are spaced out too far. Probably limits the selection of wheels for our trucks.

 

[BK]

TommyTurbosaurus ,

I agree with what you've written.



The reason that the after market rims stick out, is that the stock 6. 5" rim as the same back spacing as the aftermarket. That's pretty much the back spacing your stuck with. And the stock rim is right at the edge of the fender well.

So add on another 1. 5"..... that's how far your sticking out of the fender well.

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

Yeah my 16x10s poke out quite abit. I believe they also have stock backspacing. It makes the tire rub on the outside when articulating the front axle. they are not even close to rubbing any where inside. 34. 5x12. 5 MTs

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My Alcoas are forged, rated 3415 lb, 16x7", and have 1/2" more positive offset than stock (toward the outside). Therefore the total for the tire is about 3/4" more. Not very noticeable. I got a good price at www.southwestwheel.com I see that they have been uprated to 3750 lb, still $110 each plus accessories.

 

[sloanxx]

I have a set of Ultras on there now that came with the truck. I like the look I just hate seeing all the crap that gets sprayed down the side because the wheels stick out so far. I am installing mud flaps but even that will only solve the lower part of the problem. I would rather put on new wheels than install fender flares on a 2x truck. Those Alcoas look sweet and you say the backspace is only off by 3/4"?

 

[PRout]

Thank you Joe & Sloan. Will call southwest tomorrow.

 

[sloanxx]

Here is a pic.