Albino99

When I originally bought my 1999 Dodge 2500 years ago, it was equipped with 315/70/16 tires on 16x8 custom wheels. I recently decided to get rid of the tires and wheels and go to 3rd gen polished OEM wheels. I found a set with 315/70/17 tires mounted on them. Because of the 3rd gen offset (making the wheels sit closer in the fender), I now have rubbing on the upper & lower control arms on both sides. I also noticed that both my brake lines are chafed from inside tire rub when turning hard either direction. I believe the chafed brake lines have been something happening for several years. The new 3rd gen wheels have only been on my pickup for 2 weeks, I can imagine they would wear the brake line down that fast (the chafing looks weathered/old). Currently when I crank the wheel near the stops Left or Right while moving, the tire catches the control arm lip and makes a horrible sound. I did some research on this issue.......... some say spacers are needed for 3rd gen wheels to work on 2nd gen trucks, others say you need to relocate the axle with adjustable control arms, etc, etc.

I really love the look of these new 3rd gen wheels and the narrow "tucked in" stance of the wheel/tire. I would like to keep this look, but not at the expense of chewing up tires and rubbing the control arms & brakes lines. Another side note, I am absolutely set on mounting new tires (285/75/17). Will these smaller tires be just enough to keep me from rubbing? I was hoping that 285's vs. 315's is all I need in size to avoid issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

oliver foster

I ran some 17 inch 3rd gen rims on my '95 with some 265 Nittos on it.
If I cranked the wheel all the way they would rub the lower 4 link. I just learned to NOT steer that far.That was enough for me.

clowndodge01

same wheels I did on my 01, I got spacers for all fours problem solved

AlpineRAM

The brake hose is a known problem with 16" wheels, go in small increments from left lock to right lock and watch if the brake hose gets close to the rim with your current 17" wheels. (getting close means might touch while one wheel is higher than the other) .

About the tires rubbing- get the new ones and see if it works- if not install something to adapt the stop on the axle. ( thin piece of sheet metal glued on the stop comes to my mind)
You definitely do not want your brake hoses to rub or your tires to rub in any circumstance- because you will need your brakes and your (inflated) tires one day.

Spacers can solve problems, but you need to verify that you still have enough thread engagement on your wheel bolts after installing them. ( an absent wheel will not aid you in braking and steering)

SIXSLUG

Jeez, you bought that rig 2500 years ago....

Mine rub a bit too with the 3rd gen 17's, I just don't lock the wheel over. Spacers for me wouldn't be an option...cheap fix and not the best way to go.