i just got a 97 3500 and it has little 215 tires that need replacing. id like to go bigger but understand the offset on the earlier duallys wont allow. so planned on going to newer rims-3rd gen,but after looking it over and comparing a 01,another 97,and 96, they all have around a 4" wider axle housing, whats the deal with this one?? the 215 tires are within 3/4" to the u-bolts on the springs now and the other trucks have over 3"????? wondering if this is a single wheel axle? this is my first 12v and 5th ctd,but im limited on some of the basics on these earlier trucks so thanks for any input,ps like to run 245-265 tires

 

Try the direct-fit 3rd-gen 17" wheels with 235-80R-17's - looks fine, lasts a long time................

 

Is yours a cab and chassis model?

The 00-02 rims also have a different offset, thats when they came with 235/85 tires stock. Those will fit on the older rims as well, just have to watch the gap between the tires.

 

My '96 rolled off the assembly-line as a 2WD DRW club-cab - I liked all but the low 2wd stance - fortunately, 2nd-gen frames are 3-piece weldments: front section determines 2wd or 4wd - middle section determines cab-type and wheelbase - rear section determines bed-type and wheelbase - I separated the front 2wd frame at the factory seam, sectioned in the 4wd front frame, then located an '01 C&C front axle and installed it, as I didn't want the added weight of the 4wd drivetrain - rebuilt, converted to 2wd and installed the NV5600 6sp, added Hydroboost, currently installing the '01-'02 rear disc brakes on my oem '96 D80 3.54\locker so as not to mess with the excellent 2wd fuel mileage - I have the 4wd stuff in case something comes up to change my mind - the 3rd-gen DRW 17" wheels\tires round out the upgrades

 

how is this determined?

 

cab and chassis models have a narrower width than a true dually and did not come with dually beds.i dont know the exact measurements but i should ive owned a couple of both and have ran 235 85 16s on them both older and newer with no problems and i routinely haul 25k. i believe the gvw on the cab and chassis is a little heavier but not sure. i order 90 inch width flatbeds for chassis models and 94 inch flatbeds for duallys with the front corners turned in because i dont like overhang in the front.if yours is a cab and chassis with a factory dually bed on it the outside dual will be inset too far it should be fairly even with the dually fender maybe inset an inch or so.

 

im convinced this is a cab chasis model as it was a service body on the truck before and is narrower axle. but can this be changed to singles without spacers on this axle?

 

Just bolt the SRW wheels on and go. 19Fury69 just put a D80 C&C rear end in his 2500 after he blew his 70 apart. Used to be a disc brake dually, now its a drum brake single. Looks like it all just bolted on.