1996 C2500 Wheels Question

rduren1 · November 30, 2010

Hey guys. Looking for some experienced advice. I want to put some late model take offs on my 1996 C2500 3/4 ton 2WD. The truck has the 6X5.5 bolt pattern but I am getting many different answers from different sellers as to whether the newer model wheels will fit. Could someone please clear this up for me. I am basically looking at 17" and up depending on price, etc.

Thanks.

rodram · December 2, 2010

... only someone who actually has one of these GMT400 C2500 trucks and has looked for alternate or replacement wheels is going to be able to help you here... so here is what I haved learned about this issue....

The issue with finding other wheels for your C2500 (LD) truck is that your 2WD axles are about 2 or 3 inches shorter/narrower than the 4WD axles for the same year of truck .... thanks GM!!!

So... if you look at your wheels (likely the plain silver painted steel wheels), they are narrower rim width and the offset is noticeably different that any 16 inch wheels off of a 4WD truck of the same generation ... painted steel wheels or alloy wheels from a Z71 .... same bolt pattern, but different rim width and offset.

This difference in axle length between 2wd and 4wd trucks was harmonized in about 99 or 2000 when the GMT800 trucks came out with the same width of axles..... and the same wheels!

So.... NO, a newer 17inch GM wheel will not work on your '96 C2500 ... the back ones might mount OK but the clearance between the tire wall and your truck frame will be greatly reduced.... and if you mount them on the front you MIGHT be able to drive in a straight line ... but you will NOT be able to turn your wheels due to lack of clearance with the frame and suspension parts.

If you want other wheels ... you will have to talk to a tire/wheel dealer that has a reasonable understanding about these things and give him the specs you need ... 6x5.5 bolt pattern ... and the offset (whatever it is... it's either zero or very small) ... and maybe they can find an aftermarket wheel that will work for you.

I just gave up and continued using the stock wheels ... I even had a hard time finding one extra one of the stock rims ... pretty rare in my part of the continent...

rduren1 · December 2, 2010

... only someone who actually has one of these GMT400 C2500 trucks and has looked for alternate or replacement wheels is going to be able to help you here... so here is what I haved learned about this issue....

The issue with finding other wheels for your C2500 (LD) truck is that your 2WD axles are about 2 or 3 inches shorter/narrower than the 4WD axles for the same year of truck .... thanks GM!!!

So... if you look at your wheels (likely the plain silver painted steel wheels), they are narrower rim width and the offset is noticeably different that any 16 inch wheels off of a 4WD truck of the same generation ... painted steel wheels or alloy wheels from a Z71 .... same bolt pattern, but different rim width and offset.

This difference in axle length between 2wd and 4wd trucks was harmonized in about 99 or 2000 when the GMT800 trucks came out with the same width of axles..... and the same wheels!

So.... NO, a newer 17inch GM wheel will not work on your '96 C2500 ... the back ones might mount OK but the clearance between the tire wall and your truck frame will be greatly reduced.... and if you mount them on the front you MIGHT be able to drive in a straight line ... but you will NOT be able to turn your wheels due to lack of clearance with the frame and suspension parts.

If you want other wheels ... you will have to talk to a tire/wheel dealer that has a reasonable understanding about these things and give him the specs you need ... 6x5.5 bolt pattern ... and the offset (whatever it is... it's either zero or very small) ... and maybe they can find an aftermarket wheel that will work for you.

I just gave up and continued using the stock wheels ... I even had a hard time finding one extra one of the stock rims ... pretty rare in my part of the continent...

Rod R,

Thanks a million for the information! Now I just have to apologize to all the people I have bragged to about GM's parts interchangeability being so good. You are very correct about finding someone who knows about this model truck. I've spoken to many different dealers and wheel stores and have received lots of varying advice. Oh, well, I will just run her on out - just can't get that old Vortec to quit. Many Thanks

twavor · December 2, 2010

By golly, I gotta say I don't think I've ever seen a LD 3/4ton 2wd GM truck...I guess I've never thought about the LD's having the 6 bolt wheels....that would be a rare sight to see a two wheel drive Gm truck with 6 bolt wheels in the old body style.

Travis

rodram · December 3, 2010

Ron.. you are welcome ... yes you have a great truck there ... keep up the maintenance and you will have a more reliable truck than any of the newer models. IMO ...

Travis .. yes, they are a bit rare ... I've just had mine for about 2 1/2 years now but I am very pleased .. I had to fix the usual weak points (transmission and intake manifold gasket) just after I bought it but now it is reliable ... it has a little better suspension than a 1500 that comes in handy when pulling the 5th wheel trailer a few times in the summer.... before I moved in September my neighbour had an old company truck C2500 and he just kept telling the company to keep up the maintenance 'cause he did not want a new one. Other than that around here I have only seen 2 or 3 others ... you can't beat these well-made 88-98 trucks and I plan to keep mine running for a long time yet.

Everytime I think I might want a new truck, I read the discussion threads here about 5.3AFM engines with noisy lifters and consuming a quart of oil in 500 miles ... and then I think.... NO THANKS, I'll keep the one I got!