One of the mod's I'd eventually like to make on my truck is to up-size my rims to the 20" 5-spokes of the later 3rd gen rams. I've found some threads on this, but still haven't found specific answers to some questions that I have after reading them.

- What are the rim sizes and offsets between the 16" aluminum rims on a 1996 RAM 1500 and a 3rd-gen (the later style 5-spoke) 20" rims?
- Are spacers needed to install these on the 2nd gen?
- Are longer wheel studsneeded?
- Are different lug nuts needed (there were some questions about the size/shape of the lug nut seating area between the two rims)?
- are there differences between fitting down to a 2nd gen 4x2 vs. 4x4 (mine is a 4x4)?

BTDT experience would be helpful. Thanks!

 

Alright, I know this doesnt help at all. But Ive seen a 2nd gen with the 3rd gen 20's on it. If I was down where I live instead of 5 hours away I would go and talk to the guy for ya and answer some questions...

 

Thanks for your support! I've studied several of the threads that make mention of this swap in the forum, but there doesn't seem to be one comprehensive posting that provides the necessary info. There also may (or may not) be concern with the 20" rims sticking outside of the wheel wells on a 2nd gen.

These are the things I want to clarify. "Enquiring minds want to know!" :-)

 

As far as I know (I've also seen it on this forum before) it's a straight swap. 3rd gen rims fit perfectly on 2nd gen Rams. However, the other way does not work because of larger brakes on 3rd gens. I haven't done this myself tho, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

 

Being a 4X4, yours are a direct fit... Mine is a 2X4 and has the large hubs on the rotors that I had to modify to make my wheels fit. Mine came off of an 03 and I like the look, only after I couldn't find the 20's that you are wanting to mount.

 

Im running 17" from a 2004 ram 1500, no issues, I am 4x2 though, he was a 4x4.

 

there a direct bolt on for 4x4's...you dont need longer wheel studs or lug nuts..thou 3rd gen's have bigger lug nuts and slightly larger wheel stud's..and i didnt find that they stick out too much..i only have one picture with the 20's on..from last year before i put on the 35's..my truck has the winters on it right now because i havent driven it since last december but i can go throw a wheel and tire on it and take pictures if your really interested...

 

funny, most guys want to go with bigger rims. i went smaller. took my stock 20's off and went with cepek 17's. i just like the look of all that tire in there.sold my 20's to a local guy for 200$. they werent perfect but they were in really good condition. he put them on a second gen with no issues as far as i know. atleast he never said anything about having to change anything. and to tell you the truth, i think they look better on his truck than what they did on mine.

 

Yes the 20's will directly bolt up to your truck! I've had the 20's on my truck for nearly 6 months now. They look great and ride great. I used my stock lug nuts with no issues as well. Here's a pic of my setup.