2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Which wheels fit?

[Kirwin]

I was over looking at the 3G forum and it was brought to my attention that I may have screwed up. I bought a set of aluminum wheels off a 2500 4 X 4 Ram intending to put them on my 97 2500. Now someone over there leads me to believe that they won't fit for some reason. Has anyone over here put the aluminum wheels on a 97 Ram? What wheels fit what? Before I bought them I looked them up in Dodge's parts book and they showed that they used the same (aluminum) wheel for 2000-2002 2500 trucks. But I haven't tried them yet. Anyone know for sure? Thanks Ken Irwin

 

[Thomas]

They don't fit.



They can be made to fit by removing a bit of material from the exterior on the rear drums (brake drum lathe). There may be a bit of interference on the front with wheel-lock type turns.



Use of the search feature may let you see how some have adapted their pre model year 2000 Rams to these forged aluminum wheels.

 

[T-Bone]

Kirwin,



I have a 97 with 2001 alloys. I had no trouble on the fronts. I did have to remove some material on the rear drums. I took a wheel and the drums to a machine shop and had the drums turned on a brake lathe. Cost was 1 hour labor ($60). Sam P and the shop both verified the material removed was not structural. The main reason for wanting the oem alloys was the backspacing. They sit up under the truck unlike most aftermarket rims. The most back spacing I could find aftermarket was about 4. 5 inches. The oem alloys are 6. 5 inches. I would do it again.

pm me if you need more details.

T-Bone

 

[gsbrockman]

T-Bone :

Does the 16x8 alloys still center up by the bore center of the wheels on the hubs ?

 

[T-Bone]

Kirwin,

It does. In fact, now that you mention it, they were very snug. I actually had to use some emery cloth to clean up the rust on the hub so the wheel would seat firmly and not scratch my "new" alloys. Why I would worry about scratches there, I do not know. I had the my old tires mounted on the alloys at a local Discount Tire and they pointed out the tight and perfect fit.

T-Bone

 

[JGK]

gsbrockman,



I almost put on some late model aluminum wheels on my '98 last summer. Same story T-Bone said: shave off a little on the drums, but I would have had to hit the ball joints on the steering linkages just a tad with the grinder to keep them from rubbing near wheel lock.



Then a guy mentioned if I ever had an accident and it was in any way tied to my wheels or brakes, was setting myself up for a liability claim. Now I know the chance of that is very slim, so that was a minor, but worthy, concern. Then I found some nice after-markets for about $20 more per wheel than what I could get the OEM ones for. That, coupled with the price and time of doing the mods to use the OEMs caused me to just go with the after-markets.



Since you already have them, you may as well just go with it. Just keep the liability issue in mind. On the other hand, with all the mods many of us make on our trucks, that issue to be applied to just about anything.



-Jay

 

[bluequad]

Kirwin, see my thread on wheels. Maybe we could work out some sort of trade? I got 16x8 Eagle #589 but they stick out a little more than I like. Word is for me to get some wheel flares... that's not my taste. But the wheels are SHARP!



Steve

 

[jeepcjsrule]

bluequad





Would you be intrested in selling the 16x8 eagle wheels i am looking for a used set .

 

[bluequad]

Yeah, I'd consider selling them. I only put less than 200 miles on the set and they are only 1 week old or so. The wheel/tire shop said they'd give me credit towards a new set if I didn't put any more miles on them(although I'm wondering if that wasn't to passify me for awhile!). That's where I am at. Call me at 240-299-0995 if you are interested.



Thanks,

Steve