Rims For 1997 Chev 2500 2wd

rodram · March 26, 2009

The rim offset for 1997 Chev 2500 2WD (16 inch 6-bolt 6.5 inch width) is different from standard steel 4x4 rims (larger rim width). I have been looking for a couple of extra rims (to have a set of studded winter snow tires). The standard oem 2WD rims are scarce and nearly impossible to find in my area. (I have checked all local wreckers.) Tires are LT225/75R16 LRD. What is the impact of mounting winter tires on 4x4 rims for the back of the 2WD pickup? Would the different offset from the fronts affect handling or suspension of the truck?This is not a problem or issue for newer trucks as the rim offsets were standardized for 2wd and 4x4 models a few years later.

rickpilgrim · March 26, 2009

running a wheel with different offset than OE usuall affects bearing wear in the hubs and if you have the non full floater rear axle the axle will break much easier.

The rim offset for 1997 Chev 2500 2WD (16 inch 6-bolt 6.5 inch width) is different from standard steel 4x4 rims (larger rim width). I have been looking for a couple of extra rims (to have a set of studded winter snow tires). The standard oem 2WD rims are scarce and nearly impossible to find in my area. (I have checked all local wreckers.) Tires are LT225/75R16 LRD. What is the impact of mounting winter tires on 4x4 rims for the back of the 2WD pickup? Would the different offset from the fronts affect handling or suspension of the truck?This is not a problem or issue for newer trucks as the rim offsets were standardized for 2wd and 4x4 models a few years later.

rodram · March 26, 2009

running a wheel with different offset than OE usuall affects bearing wear in the hubs and if you have the non full floater rear axle the axle will break much easier.

The rim offset for 1997 Chev 2500 2WD (16 inch 6-bolt 6.5 inch width) is different from standard steel 4x4 rims (larger rim width). I have been looking for a couple of extra rims (to have a set of studded winter snow tires). The standard oem 2WD rims are scarce and nearly impossible to find in my area. (I have checked all local wreckers.) Tires are LT225/75R16 LRD. What is the impact of mounting winter tires on 4x4 rims for the back of the 2WD pickup? Would the different offset from the fronts affect handling or suspension of the truck?This is not a problem or issue for newer trucks as the rim offsets were standardized for 2wd and 4x4 models a few years later.

rodram · March 26, 2009

Thanks for the reply and comments ... maybe I will just hold off and keep watching around for the oe rims somewhere ... I don't want to put any unnecessary stress on any part of this truck....

running a wheel with different offset than OE usuall affects bearing wear in the hubs and if you have the non full floater rear axle the axle will break much easier.

The rim offset for 1997 Chev 2500 2WD (16 inch 6-bolt 6.5 inch width) is different from standard steel 4x4 rims (larger rim width). I have been looking for a couple of extra rims (to have a set of studded winter snow tires). The standard oem 2WD rims are scarce and nearly impossible to find in my area. (I have checked all local wreckers.) Tires are LT225/75R16 LRD. What is the impact of mounting winter tires on 4x4 rims for the back of the 2WD pickup? Would the different offset from the fronts affect handling or suspension of the truck?This is not a problem or issue for newer trucks as the rim offsets were standardized for 2wd and 4x4 models a few years later.

DofD · March 26, 2009

running a wheel with different offset than OE usuall affects bearing wear in the hubs and if you have the non full floater rear axle the axle will break much easier.

Also depending on the amount of offset one is talking about and whether it is +ve or -ve from the OE value. A small amount of offset decrease from stock offset would not add any significant stress to the bearings or axle.

rodram · March 26, 2009

Thanks.... using the 4x4 rims instead of the 2wd rims would offset the tires towards the frame of the truck (inwards... ) by about 1 to 1.5 inches (I am guessing here by just looking at the rims)

running a wheel with different offset than OE usuall affects bearing wear in the hubs and if you have the non full floater rear axle the axle will break much easier.

Also depending on the amount of offset one is talking about and whether it is +ve or -ve from the OE value. A small amount of offset decrease from stock offset would not add any significant stress to the bearings or axle.