A couple guys around home have been discussing an attempt at using 16 inch wheels on their 3rd gens, I have heard of people doing this and was curious what all it entailed. Is it just the clearance issue with the calipers or is there more involved? Your input would be appreciated.

 

I think it was the clearance, dunno what's been done to solve it though... I've found some aftermarket 17's that won't fit my truck!

 

i would think smaller calipers

 

You can fit 16.5(for military tires) by grinding the calipers and using a 1/2"? I think spacer.
There was a guy on cummmins forum that did it.

I wouldnt recommend it, but its not my truck. You really need 17" wheels to clear the calipers, and on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, I dont think ill be grinding on any calipers...

 

Does anybody else have any input on this subject?

 

Why does anyone want 16" rims over 17"?

 

X2, why would you do that ?

 

I would think using a 16" rim over a 17" would be the price of the tires.

 

There is probably $ 20 max price difference between the 2. To the cost of grinding brake calipers to make it fit I would be leary of that.

Place an ad on 2nd gen classifieds, these guys always want to get 17" alum rims instead of their 16" steel.
Stock OEM rims don't fit 2001 and earlier models with large rear drums.

You can trade them straight up. In fact I might be interested in 17" too

 

But, with the 3rd-gen fuel mileage already being terrible with the 3.73 ratio and 17" wheel\tire combo, why would someone install smaller tires\wheels which will really hurt fuel mileage forever, where the slightly less cost of those smaller tires could never be amortized?

The smaller tires will increase the effective final drive ratio, which would be equivalent to never ever shifting into overdrive gear, automatic or manual - just ask the guys with 4.10 finals what it's like in overdrive at any speed, particularly hiway speeds

Anyway, the 16's will never fit over the front or rear brake calipers on the 3rd-gen's corporate axles - suggestion: install 3.54 gears front and rear and the increased fuel economy will save you enuff wampum to amortize the price of the gears and pay the small difference over the price of the 16's for the 17" tires, mile after mile, year after year

 

Which ones? I just ordered some 17 inch motometals

 

there is a big difference on price of tires.... atleast there was from 18s to 17s.... On my old F150 it came factory with 18s and the cheastest tires i could find (MTs) were about 220 ea.... I found a set of factory 17s for 300bux.. I picked up a set of 33-11.50x 17 Hankook Dynapro MTs for 135 a piece....

 

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I know some of the Eagle models won't fit... but I'm guessing by now you know whether or not the rims you ordered work...

 

$135 tires on a $40K truck? Just askin.

 

While the op is suggesting smaller diameter wheels, there is no mention of tire size, its quite possible to obtain a 16" tire which is the same size or larger than 17".

For example, according to Tirerack a Firestone Transforce HT:
235/85/16 is 31.7" overall diameter and weighs 40lbs
265/70/17 is 31.7" overall diameter and weights 46lbs.

So, saves weight, cost and rolling resistance, all should help the wallet. A little less carrying capacity though.

Personally, I wouldn't go to 16" unless absolutely necessary. I'd put on 235/80/17 and be done with it.