RDM16CTD

My truck came with the steel/chrome wheels & I've always wished it had the aluminum ones - I could buy a set of takeoffs for ~ $400 to $500 (with rebalance). I like the stock 17" size and I'm not looking for bigger tires. Is it worth changing on my 5 year old truck? Would I need different lug nuts or are they the same?

Not sure why I want them - just one of those things. Are there any differences in performance like from being lighter?

I plan to keep my truck for at least another 5 years or so - just turned over 20,000 miles.

What do you think?

Lost Lake

You just turned 20,000 miles on a 5 year old diesel?

You win the low mileage award for sure. You must live between a liquor store and a church and there must be a grocery store across the street.

RamWheelsBy4

I think it would be worth it. I have had both chrome clad steel and OEM alloys. One benefit of the alloys is they weigh a little over 15lbs less each.

I found a set of Power Wagon take offs, just a little bit different from the Ram Alloys.

Dodgezilla

I just went the opposite route because I have a need to be different. The steel rims are definitely much heavier. No harm in you switching to the alloys. Same lugnuts and same caps. You can find them cheaper though if you keep your eyes open. Keep checking Craigslist and the classifieds here....

GumpsVa

Just purchased a 2004.5 2500 with Aluminum 10" rims, also had on Dick Cepeck's Crushers (315/70/17) just installed (315/70/17) Firestone Destanation A/T's. Rides sooo much quiter and smoother....... Now I can hear the Radio at a normal level.........

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04.5 Maroon Dodge 2500 SLT Quad Cab, Lariet, 4X4, EGT, Trans Temp & Boost Gauge on piler, Magnaflow Exh w/5" S/S Tip

alltimelow1

I personally like the aluminum ones more myself - I found a set of OEM take offs at a truck outfitter store for $200 and snatched them up. Then, I put Nittos on the new aluminums and left the Michelin street tires on the steel wheels. That way I can throw the street tires back on for a long road trip if I want! Has worked out great for me over the years.

.boB

Is it worth it? In the purely economical view point, no, it's not. Lighter wheels (in theory) require less energy to get moving. That should save on fuel costs. You won't save enough fuel over 25K-30K miles to pay off the cost of the wheels.

Mopardik

Lighter wheels provide better acceleration, braking, and fuel economy, as well as less wear on suspension components. Now is this minute amount (relatively speaking) enough to be worth the extra $, only you can say for sure. I personally did the exact swap you are speaking of, because I really liked the look of the alloys so much better. The rest is just a bonus (and a nice one at that). I picked mine up off Craigslist in excellent condition for $325, but I did have to be patient, and drive a ways to get them. With fuel costs for pick up and a re- mount and balance, I still came in at about $400. Then I sold my steelies for $200, for a grand total of $200 spent. I personally consider it WELL worth it every time I look at my truck. Good luck with the search!

Fishguy 50

It is refreshing to see people that don't use the word alloy to describe aluminum. If your'e wheel's are steel, guess what?, they are alloy too. Almost all metal's are alloy's, with cast iron being a notable exception. It is one of the worst mis-nomer's in the mechanical world.

RonsRig

All of the above is good. Technically, it is an issue with unsprung weight. Tire, wheels, axels and housings are parts of the truck that are not supported by the suspension, ie; unsprung. That stuff is heavy and the lighter you make it the better. It is easier to change a wheel/tire, too. The ride is smoother, it is more economical, and it accelerates and brakes faster, over all weight of the truck is lighter. I did the same thing 3 years ago that you are considering doing now. Everything is good!

dieseljay74

I had steelies on my other truck. I couldn't ever get those **** things balanced correctly. When I switched to alloys, it was night and day. Lighter and easier on the balancing

Raspy

You could go with aluminum H2 wheels. Cheap, easy to get and fit the truck BETTER than stock wheels (with an easy modification). They even come in different styles.

BroncoAZ

"Better" on the H2 wheels is your opinion. I think the H2 wheels stick out too far causing more crud to hit the paint.

wiskeyVI

I have H2s and am going back to steel.
The H2s are heck strong and bout x2 the weight of the chrome clads I gave away.
Intow a 5er and need the weight they will give up.