I recently purchased a 97 CTD 2500 4x4 x-cab, long bed. It currently has 33/12.50r-16.5's, but I want to go back to a stock factory wheel. I have been unable to locate any 16" 8-lug on 6.5, but I found a cheap set of 17's off of an 06 2500, 8 lug. Will they fit my 97, or are the gen3 wheels metric? Tire shops I have talked to can't seem to help me. I sure do need your help, guys. Any Ideas? Thanks.

 

Same bolt pattern. Double to check, but the center bores should be the same size as well. A lot of guys run 3rd gen wheels on 2nd gen trucks.

Fords are the only ones that run the goofy 8 on 170mm pattern.

 

I thought Ford was the only one that went metric, but I want to be certain before I drive 150 miles and spend a couple of hundred bucks that I can't afford to waste. I'm just getting back to work after 6 months off, and money is tight. I really do appreciate your feedback. Thanks

 

Believe your factory wheels were 7". The 3rd gen steels are also 7" I believe. Aluminums are 8".
But they should fit. Worst case - may need 1/8" spacer, like those that come with Centramatic Balancers.

I use 3rd gen 17" factory steels for drag racing and fit fine. Turn better with the spacer. You could make spacers easy enough, or order separate (without balancers) from Centramatic.
See spacers - bottom left...
http://www.centramatic.com/300.html

RJ

 

I can save you 50 miles worth of driving. Im 98.3 miles from Mexia and i have a set of factory wheels off of an 06 that i had on my 2nd gen. They have BFG A/T's on them. Two of them have about 40% tread, and two have about 20% tread. Just thought i would throw that out there.

 

Big Red 97'
call me and tell me what you have and want for them. Joe, 270-562-2823

 

I sell Dodge trucks. The 17's will fit over the drums fine. Steel or alloy don't matter. What won't fit though it he 16" alloys off of the 01 and 02 with rear discs. I buy 17" take offs all the time. good to step up to the 265's instead of the 245's too.

 

Only major difference will be the back spacing. 3rd gen wheels won't stick out as far as 2nd genners.