NHDiesel

Hi all-

I'm looking for affordable 19.5" single wheels for my '96 4x4 Ram 2500. I'm looking mainly for tires that will last a long time for a fairly affordable price, and I have found 19.5" tires aren't a whole lot more than good 16" tires. Anyway, when I say affordable, I mean that I don't have a budget for a set of custom wheel adapters and/or high-end aluminum wheels. This is a work truck with over 200K miles, so spending $2000+ on a truck that isn't even worth $2000 doesn't make sense.

O.K., now for my question. In my research, I have found that the smaller, older UPS trucks used 19.5" steel single wheels with our bolt pattern. Unfortunately, UPS doesn't sell off any of their stuff. In fact, their trucks are actually considered a trademark, and when they are retired, the trucks are dismantled beyond use then crushed with a company rep witnessing it. I get this info from my father's uncle who owns a very large salvage yard where UPS trucks are brought to be crushed. So, does anyone know where these wheels could be purchased, either new or used? I really don't care about the style or condition...I can clean them up and paint them. I just need a source, either somplace that will ship or someplace in New England where I could pick them up.

Jim

Moose10

Try contacting someone at UPS who works with the vehicles they're getting rid of and see if they can point you in the right direction.

mkubacak

I think some of the trucks run 17.5" wheels. I have always thought that would be an ideal compromise between weight and durability of the tires. Just that there is even less of a selection of 17.5" tires than the 19.5" tires.

Someone on here got some GM 19.5" wheels, but they were for a dually.

You have a good idea though, let us know what you find out.

NHDiesel

Thanks. I found an inside source with UPS, so I'm just waiting to hear back from him. Hopefully I can get a set so I can double check center hole diameter, back spacing, etc. The 17.5" tires are a good idea, but as was mentioned, selection is very limited...and as I found out, they are more expensive because they are an odd size. I have 3 vehicles which use 17.5" tires (two Iveco box trucks and a Chevy Tiltmaster ramp truck) and tires run around $250 each (at least they do around here) and selection is extremely limited. If I were able to find 17.5" wheels in our bolt pattern, I'd grab them, since I have 2 great sets of 17.5" tires just going to waste since I'm getting rid of the other trucks. Once I get the info on the wheels I'll report back what I find.

Jim

mkubacak

Glad to hear it. Let us know what you find out. My brother may want a set for his Suburban.

NHDiesel

Just remember that these are very basic, plain steel wheels. They look like the plain wheels most cars throughout the 60's and 70's used which were covered by hubcaps, only larger. I don't mind that look at all for my work truck...in fact, I think it would have a bit of a nostalgic look, which I like. Painted to accent the truck I think they would look fine, but I realize they aren't for everyone.

Jim