Just mounted a set of 17in polished aluminum wheels from a 2008 2500 on my 97 CTD 2500.

having trouble verifying correct lug nut torque spec's. got em torqued down to 145ft lbs. is this correct?

 

I do 145 to my dually steel wheels. Service manual says 140 for SRW and 145 for DRW.

Chris

 

I've had this debate as well, little worried about putting that much torque onto aluminum wheels. Haven't figures out the right answer, so still using the 140 for my truck, but wondering if we have a wheel expert on the website that could chime in on whether we risk damaging the aluminum with the torque we are setting?

 

The alloys have steel inserts that are installed onto hot wheels, then seized to when it cools. If anything the wheel would let loose first and the lugs and inserts would still be there.

Chris

 

that's my exact worry... have always torqued down alloy wheels to less than steel wheels.

if steel insert in factory alloy wheels is true, then 140 may not be out of line.

 

I've run aluminum wheels for years and torque them only to 105. Never had a problem. Most rims will tell you how much torque to put on them on the inside.

 

will be yanking one wheel back off to check for markings and put a strong magnet on wheel area to verify steel inserts.

soooo... is it official, 140 ft lbs for 2008 2500 w/factory alloy wheels?
only have factory manual for 97 CTD, so can't look up spec's.

 

I always use my calibrated elbow until they are tight. I wonder how people have survived this long without the torque wrench?

 

Yes, I pulled the specs from the service manual.

Chris

 

I only have been torqing my 20's to 105 ft/lbs as well as the stockers when I put them back on last winter. I double check every month and they all were still tight. No problems to report. I would never torque alloy wheels to 145ft/lbs. I could see the steel wheels but not anything alloy.

 

does the 2008 factory spec's for 2500 SWD at 140 ft lbs, make any distinction for steel wheel vs alloy?

 

My H2s are torqued down to 135.........

 

Just DRW or SRW. If I am correct on the steel insert part then we should be good.

Chris

 

I cant remember for sure, but I know that the torque rating on all 2500 and 3500 Dodges is either 140 or 145. I work at Les Schwab in Portland, and I know the first time that I did it, I thought it seemed a little strong but its about the norm for all 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Have a good one

Mikey