+1 on the tuner and gears! Even with 37" tires my 4:56 and tuner put more power and torque to the pavement then I had stock with 33" tires. My gears are the best thing I have done to the truck yet.

 

Thanks HammerZ71....i'll get the tuner soon as i can find one cheaper than 379.00.....I'm looking at around 250.00 to 280.00 shipped ..I'll just keep looking for now???Marc

 

I used to have the aluminum 17' wheels. I switched to 20' aftermarket milano rims. The tires have always been 275/45/20. I think the weight differance is about 7-8 lbs lighter with the 20's then with stock. Yes I put them on the scale but dont remember the weight it was 3 years ago but i remember saving 30 somthing odd lbs switching to 20's and way better grip, handling and suspension cushion then the nasty 17's. If its lighter its got to help the tranny out!

 

I have stock 20's with B.F.'s 285 55 20 and took them off for the winter to put on 17 stock steel with 265 70 17 retreads. Right away the truck felt sluggish and the 17 was 1/2 inch lower in height and the 17 is a heavier wheel. I also lost about 3 mpgs too.

 

I don't know where you guys come up with this sh*t. I know the 20" looks nicer, but here is right from Dodge Specs:

17" Factory Cast Aluminum Wheels - Dodge 1500 series trucks 2006-2008

• Lug Pattern: 5 on 5 1/2
• Weight: 23.5 pounds
• Rim Size: 17x8"

17" Factory Steel Wheels (chrome cladding) - Dodge 1500 series trucks 2006-2008

• Lug Pattern: 5 on 5 1/2
• Weight: 28.5 pounds
• Rim Size: 17x8"

20" Factory Aluminum Wheels (chrome cladding) - Dodge 1500 series trucks 2006-2008

• Lug Pattern: 5 on 5 1/2
• Weight: 28.5 pounds
• Rim Size: 20x8"

This is from the Dodge Buyers Guide:

Here are the things going from a 17" to a 20" tire will improve :

Dry traction (especially cornering), wet traction (except for hydroplaning), Steering crispness.

Here are the things that choosing a 20" wheel will degrade:

Hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, ride harshness, impact resistance, fuel economy.

*The above assumes you stay with essentially the same tire. If you change types and/or speed ratings, then there will be additional changes.


But I don't know, maybe the manufacturer of those wheels doesn't know what they are talking about...

 

Lol, my tires are alot smaller then the stock 20'' tires that come with the ram. I dont know but if someone could comment, doesnt having a large rubber tire w/ air in it also add alot more weight. Those 17'' tires have alot more rubber to fill thus alot more weight. I am not using Dodge 20''s so I cant comment on those specs but mine are lighter and give me better MPG then those 17's.

 

I just got it off the 'net. It don't matter to me. I run off-road a good bit, even if just fixin' stuff & fishin' round the farm when I get up there. I need the smallest wheel I can clear the calipers with so the tire has enough flex & flotation and can give a good footprint when aired down. I miss the good old days of 35's on 15" wheels personally...

 

I had the stock 17's on my truck for about 2 days, before I bought a set of the stock 20's. Recently, I borrowed a buddy of mine's Ram, which came with the 20's origionally, and it seemed as if his truck was WAY more powerful. I get in my truck now, and it drives me nuts. I'm ready to drop the money for this 4.56 project. Where could I go about buying them?