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1st Gen. Ram - All TopicsDiscussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.
Decided I wanted to swap some Alcoa's on Freight Train at the same time I wanted to install new tires. So I bought two different sets of Ford Alcoa's and six new BFG All-terrains. I ultimately decided on the circle Ford version because the center hole was more esthetically pleasing if I decide not to use the center caps. I tried to find a set of Alcoa caps that fit the center hole and allowed the fronts to have the open centers and couldn't find them. The center hole is 4.88" which is odd as most are 5.1". So I decided to try a set of Eagle Allow versions that are chrome steel. I bought a set of swivel washer nuts and abs nut covers from iowa80 that fit the odd 5/8-11 studs. So I am torn on going capless but will have the covers over the lug nuts OR have the caps and the nut covers. I like the look of the caps but am not sure I like the round edge on the front wheels of the caps around the hub edge. So what do you guys think? Caps or not? Also does anyone know if having the caps up against the aluminum wheel hub face will it cause corroision? Thanks guys
RAM
P.S. These wheels were my first attempt at light sanding and polishing. While they aren't perfect as I didn't feel comfortable sanding the deep scratches out I think they turned out real nice for an old work truck.
I like the caps....think they leave the rims looking more complete.
Cows I agree. The one thing I don't like is the cap's edge all the way around the face. I guess I so used to regular center cabs that just push through the center hole. I guess its a give and take. I give on seeing the caps edge to get the center bling.
In general, I don't like caps that prevent me from taking hub temperatures.
4.88" is a standard center bore. A push-thru cap will get in the way of hub-piloting the wheel. The 5-1/8" is the generic oversize bore that most aftermarket wheels use (usually SRW wheels).
I think the caps look great and nice job polishing those rims. If the center caps are aluminium, you can take a router with a flush trim bit to them and get rid of the rounded inside lip, if they are plastic, then I'd just leave them.
I think the caps look great and nice job polishing those rims. If the center caps are aluminium, you can take a router with a flush trim bit to them and get rid of the rounded inside lip, if they are plastic, then I'd just leave them.
The center caps are chrome plated steel. Heavy pieces. I have a set of Eagle Alloy covers that are not center for 4wd but these are exactly like those without the script on them. These are just as heavy as those.
The rims look really good in the pics but imperfections such as deep scratches and the rust around the lug hole are still present and show in person. I bought a Zephyr kit that had three buffing pads and three compound bars. On the first two wheels I started with the roughest buffing wheel and they turned out okay. The last two wheels I lightly hand sand the wheels first with 400grit sandpaper to cut the worst off. I then used 2500 to smooth. Then used the pads/compound in the kit. I think they turned out the best and they were in the worst condition when I started. Basically I was to scared to sand with an orbital or use heavier grit paper as I was afraid the kits wheels wouldn't take out the papers scratches. I am not an expert, I just wanted to see if I could clean them up a bit. I don't even like the chrome look. I do love the deep aluminum wheels though.
It took longer than expected being busy but today I had a day off work to help dad with some things but I was able to get my new rubber mounted on my Alcoa's. Sadly I was not able to install the center caps I wanted to as the flanged washer style lug nuts I used was to wide and they wouldn't fit with the center caps installed. Now I have an old set of Alcoa rear center caps that push through the backside but after reaching out to an Alcoa dealer online it seems that even the Fords didn't run front center caps on 4x4 duallies. So I will be ordering up a pair of Alcoa #1612 rear center caps to cover the rear hubs but I am not to worried on the fronts as the Warn lockout hubs don't look to bad. I did install lug nut covers. I got the nuts and nut covers through Iowa80. So anyone who has a chance to buy a cheap set of Alcoa's for an older Ford yes, they will work and I think they look good. So what do you guys think? Note I will update once I get the center caps on.
