Festus

Hello folks. This is my first post so I'll try to keep it short. In '98 I made the mistake of not ordering a diesel to begin with. Now I have been checking around and ran into a deal for a 2003 DRW. I have 3 questions. Please help ASAP as this truck on the lot isn't going to last.

1) What leveling kits are available and where to get for a 3500 DRW?

2) Where can I get a high idle kit (electronic) to prevent wet stacking?

3) I'm new to the 17" wheel thing. I would like to replace ASAP the OE 235/80R17's with a slightly taller A/T tire, possibly a touch wider (without rubbing in the rear), and has better tread for grip. I did a search and can't find anything out there for a DRW. I will be using the truck frequently on oilfield and logging roads. Does anyone have a secret to what's available out there?

Thanks to anyone that can help - I don't have much time to make a decision! [undecided]

Kerry

Mopar_Mudder

I just ordered a Air Lift air bag kit for mine. Don't need it for leveling but see if I can get a little better ride with a 40' trailer on. Don't worry about it hangin low in the back, with close to 5000# pin weight mine sits level.<br><br>As for high idle, their is already a high idle built in if the temp is below a certain point.

erics76

If you're wanting a 4x4 leveling kit for the front, you can try www.jackit.com. That's where I got mine. Not sure if the 03's are different from the 02's in the front or not. 255 seems to be the widest you can go for a DRW without the tires rubbing on eachother. I've got the formula to convert metric sizes to inches at home, I'll post it tonight if it hasn't been posted by that time. Maybe this will help in the meantime: You've got a 235/70R17/. 235 is the width in milimeters. 70 is the % of the sidewall heigth(sp?) compared to the width. I.E. your sidewall is 70% as tall as your tire is wide. Hope that helps.

erics76

I found the formula at work. Goes like this: use the 235/70R17. Take the 235 and divide it by 25.4. That's the width in inches (9.25). take that number (9.25) and multiply it by the 70, as a precent (.70). 9.25x.70=6.48. Take 6.48 and mult. it by 2 (6.48x2=12.96). Add the rim diameter (17) to that (17+12.96=29.96) 29.96 is your height. So, your 235/70R17 is a 30x9.25R16 in normal terms. You can use this formula with any metric tire. Hope this helps.

Haulin_in_Dixie

If all that is true than how is it that my Michelen 235/85 XPS Ribs are 32 inches and Goodyear are 30 inch. There has to be some variables in the formula.

doug

yes, there are some variables:<br><br>first, the above formula is exactly correct, but it predicts theoretical heights only. Actuall manufacturing lines produce tires that are different. In other words for a tire to be designated &quot;235/85&quot; it has to be close to that but there is a wide margin of error. The actual specs from the mfg will tell you its height, # of revolutions per mile, etc. Incidently, the actual size of the BFG AT KO is very very close to the theoretical values.<br><br>second, the formula predicts theoretical height when off the vehicle (unloaded). put the tire under a loaded vehicle and the diameter goes down on the order of 5% depending on the tire and its air pressure. for example, my BFG AT KOs are 31.25&quot; diameter on the truck, but the size predicts 32.8&quot;. thats over 1.5&quot; difference.<br><br>third, actual tread depth affects actual tire diameter by just under an inch. from brand new to illegally worn. <br><br>fourth, air pressure will have a profound affect on ride height.

erics76

What Doug said. <br><br>The formula is what a tire SHOULD be. Every manufacturer's actual tire size will not be as perfect as the formula.

erics76

I use the formula as a guideline. It tells me what tire should &quot;theoretically&quot; fit. I use it to narrow the choices down. If you really want to know the actual size of a perticular tire, you had better talk to the manufacturer or a tire dealer. They can give you the actual size of their tire, because no two manufacturers make a 235/70R17, or any other size, with the same actual width and height. To add to Doug's post, rim width will change actual mounted height and width too.

Scotty

Festus, welcome to the board. theres a few of us Canucks and several up there in Edmonton that are diesel crazed...we get togehter often and theres a get together in Calgary on Sept 27th.

I was looking at the trucks at Derrick a few wknds ago...they have a big supply of 03's

Check out this thread in the events area...https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...threadid=16321

Scotty

VPI

I have been looking for a high idle kit for my truck as well. I have been unable to find one so I am using a stick between the peddle and the seat . Hope this helps. If you find one let me know.

Festus

Thanks for all the replies. If anyone else has any more information, please feel free to add.

It's good to see so many are members from around here. Im not sure about Sept. 27. It's elk hunting season.

I'm surprised that a high idle kit isn't readily available to keep things warm in winter and the A/C working more efficiently in the summer. It would be better for the charging system when using a winch for example. The go pedal is basically a pentionemeter(sp?). I'm pretty good with automotive electrical. I'll have to take a good look to see if a signal can be sent to the PCM when the truck isn't moving to give it more fuel.

The OE Goodyear Wrangler GSA 235/80R17's are 9.2&quot; wide and 31.8&quot; tall. I would like to switch to something with a little more agressive tread. 10&quot; wide shouldn't rub beteen the duals and about 33-34&quot; in diameter. I just can't find anything close to that online. I was hoping someone was in the know of an alternative.

BTW, if anyone knows of someone wanting an immaculate gasser with 94200 km and all the goodies, have them check my picture attached and email me at elk10@telusplanet.net for more details. The bumper is available separately and will fit any 2nd generation Dodge.

erics76

A 255/80R17 would be around 10in. wide and 32in tall. A 255/85R17 would be around 10in. wide and 33in tall. A 255/90R17 would b around 10in. wide and 35in. tall. I don't know if these sizes exist, because I haven't looked at 17 inch tires. I hear that 255 is the widest you should go with duals. I had some 265's on my for a year, and they did rub.

GO 4LO

How aggressive do you want to go? Super Swamper LTB's are available in a 34/10.50/17 size - weight rating is just under 3100 lbs. Check out http://www.intercotire.com/html/ltb.htm for more info. Hope that helps!
Chris

Festus

I've heard good things about Interco. Those tires are impressive, but a little too agressive for 50%+ pavement driving. Now if the TrXus Mud Terrain or STS came in a close size, I would have been on the phone most immediately even though the dealer hasn't called back on any final numbers yet. :-X :

Anyone else...feel free to add anything!

GO 4LO

Have you looked into the 19.5&quot; wheels and tires at all? Big money, but lots of extra capacity and some larger sizes...
Chris