I put the newer 17" chrome wheels on my 1998 1500 2WD short box truck. They fit and look wonderful, but I had to reuse the old front hub cap/centers. I have heard and seen spacers for sale for the 2 wheel drive pick ups (4x4 models require no such spacer conversion, I believe).

So, my questions are:

1) These spacers push out the front wheels, correct? to clear the different bearing cap design?

2) If so, then wouldn't the front wheels then track wider then the rear wheels? In my opinion, that would make the drive line look a little goofy.

3) Can I swap some of the front components from a 3rd gen? and keep the stock wheel width/stance? My thinking is maybe I could swap some parts from a newer truck and avoid using the after market, crafted, spacers; I believe will push my wheels out further. If so, I could keep the stock width.

4) Could someone post me a link to the fore mentioned spacers? I once found them on ebay, but tonight, I had no such luck.

I will post a photo in my album in a few days.

 

I would not recommend using spacers on the rim studs since the wheels are designed to be supported by the studs right at the hub face. This area has the greatest shear strength and the least moment arm. If you use a spacer between the wheel and the hub you lengthen the moment arm and have more of a possibility of bending or snapping the studs. For normal use you might get away with it but for off-road you could get in a jam.

 

How wide of a spacer are we talking?