I traded my aftermarket wheels and tires for a set of stock wheels and tires off of a 2000 Dodge 2500. I really like the way those factory wheels look on our trucks. Well the drum on a 96 is way bigger than the drum on a 2000. I had to put the truck on a lift, start it and put it in gear while grinding the outside of the drums until the wheel would fit over the drum. It wasnt that much to take off but have about 0 clearance between the wheel and the drum now. Bad idea? Anyone else had to deal with this. I have seen pictures of early 2nd Gens with the later 2nd Gen wheels on them like I did, they look sharp, just wondering about others experiences. Thanks


Kevin

 

With a brake lathe, take about .125 off the outside diameter of the drums. You will have to custom grind the steering knuckle and tie-rod ends on the front.
I have pics of what I did, if you need them.
See also: http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/wheel/specs.htm

Chris

 

They went right on the front without any problems whatsoever. I wonder if you had to do that because you put 17" wheels on yours instead of 16". Thanks for the input.

 

What year did the 17" start? Will they fit a 1995 2500 without any modifications? Or are there only certain years that will fit a 95?
Dave

 

Just a thought, if there is little to no clarence between the brake drum and the wheel, would that not transmit brake heat directly to the tire?

Rich

 

IM thinking that it will have an effect on the wheel due to heat. My question is, will the drum swell while braking when towing? I do intend to get back in there and ensure that I have more clearance than I do.

 

Mine are 16" wheels, and the previous were 16" wheels. The difference between the 96 and 99 may be a factor. I put the 2000 16" aluminum wheels on my 99, and had to grind the front. My 96 has 2004, 17" wheels on it. No clearance problem there.
In 2000, Dodge changed the front diff, in addition to putting smaller drums on the rear. They relocated the end of the steering knuckle to be more centered in the wheel radius, and flipped the ball joints so they connect to the axle housing from the opposite direction. This allowed the 2000+ wheels to have a smaller inside diameter and clear just fine.
They went to 17" wheels in 2003, as they changed to different brakes and a different axle manufacturer.

Chris

 

Hmmm... wonder if the 2003 (and newer) 17" would fit a 95 then... If the 04 17" fit a 96, I would think so...
Thanks Chris!

 

They oughta go on just fine. On the front, center hole was kind of tight though. I didn't grind anything, just put some anti-seize in the centers so I can get them off in the future. The rears were not as tight.

The 96, with the 2004 17" wheels on it.


Chris

 

The 17" look good! I'm torn between putting 16" and 17" inch rims on... Mainly due to tire price. The 17" just fill the wheel well better.... Thanks Chris!

Cool site, too!
Dave

 

What is the stock rim size for the 95 Dodge?