steel wheels??

[Acecon]

just picked up 3500 srw lly and love everything about it except steel wheels . will 2500hd aluminum work other than difference in w/rating???

[LA DMAX]

Acecon, the aluminum wheels off of a 2500hd should fit. It is an 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern which is typical of GM 3/4 and 1 ton axles. I wasn't aware of the weight issue, and if that bothers you I would think again about changing. Just being conservative but I would not go below the stock rating on wheels or tires. Are the steels the only wheels offered on the 3500 SRW?

LA DMAX

[Heartbeat Hauler]

It's probably more a matter of tire rating than the wheels. The 2500 alum. wheels (6.5" wide)can only safely handle the 245/75/16. The 3500 SRW comes with 265s, to wide for the 2500 wheels. A bunch of guys do mount the 265s and even bigger on the alum wheels, but it isn't safe in my opinion especially with a load. You could go to a 255/85/16 on the alum. wheels, but that is a tall tire and you may not be able to recalibrate for ABS, speedo, shift points, etc.
JP

[GA-DMAX]

I hate to break bad news but the 2500 Rims won't fit the 3500. Even though they are 8 bolt the bearing housing is larger in diameter as a result of a larger diff housing and HD axles. According to my GM truck man they didn't get the new aluminun wheel certified by the DOT in time for 3500 intro. Look for them on the 2005's. Don't feel bad you made the right decision. I'm looking to trade my 2001 2500HD on a 2005.

[Heartbeat Hauler]

GA-DMAX,
So you're saying that the 2005 3500 SRW trucks will have the alum. wheels like the 2500s, but you can not take a 3500 alum wheel and put it on a 2500? Did I get that right?
Sure would be a shame. My wife drives an 04 2500 Sub and it would be nice to have the same wheels only a little wider for bigger tires.
jp

[GA-DMAX]

Heartbeat Hauler;
That's what I'm old by my GM truck guru. I'm going to see him this weekend and verify everything in person. I'm looking to trade my 01 on an 05 myself and I don't like those steel wheels. Will follow up here.


2001 D/A EC SB Juicebox, Banks Exhaust, Uni A/F full guages.

[Heartbeat Hauler]

GA-DMAX,
I'll be interested in what you find out. Thanks.
JP

[Lawnboy]

Just thought I'd throw this out there.

On several GM websites, they list the 3500 SRW wheel as being a STEEL 16" x 6.5" wheel (picture avail. soon). Isn't that what the 2500HD's have size wise?

Could it have something to do with the actual weight rating of the PYO aluminum wheel?

Doesn't the 3500 SRW have the same 11.5" American Axle rear that the 2500HD Diesel and 8.1's have?

Why would the hub be larger?

[Idle_Chatter]

I feel the same way, Tom. The 2500 has always had the same frame and axle as the 3500, with the only difference between the two being DRW and spring packs. It seems odd that the 3500 SRW would have any different running gear. I think you nailed it on the capacity of the aluminum wheel versus steel.

[Brian W. Littleton]

Just rerplace my steel wheels on the 3500 SRW today with Alcoas.
THe GM rim is 16 x 7" marked on the rim.
Southwest Wheel has the best Alcoa package around.
7600 mile after 5 weeks and am loving this truck.

[Lawnboy]

Originally posted by Brian W. Littleton:

THe GM rim is 16 x 7" marked on the rim.
Great! When the 3500 SRW's DO come out with PY0's (or whatever RPO code they'll use) I'm sure there will be a lot of these "new wider PY0's" floating around for sale, much like they have been with the current ones.