If you go bump up to higher pressure tires, you may wanna switch to metal tire valves if you don't have 'em already.
Not all tire service centers carry them either so check ahead.

 

Once you have the metal tire valve stems, you will never need to replace them unless a road hazard gets them first.

As for Load E tires, Chrysler has a TSB out for our vans on the 16-inch rims to upgrade from load-D to load-E. Not only does this help with fuel economy, but it helps greatly with stability. I have the old TSB saved on my computer someplace. I use to post that info a few times in the Ram Van forum threads around the web.

My van's hwy mpg right now is back around 19.22 with the 5.2L, 46RE w/OD, 3.92 rear on the 8-lug steel rims LT225/75R16 B2500 HD suspension (based on the B3500) 12-passenger van. That's saying a lot since the van is much heavier than the B2500 regular suspension with 5-lug rims.

Once you get the load-E tires, keep them inflated over 60psi for MPG benefits. I've kept mine around 70-80. Recently, the Firestone HTs are doing the best. The Yokohamas are junk and wear out faster in one summer. BFG Commercial TAs are alright and wears a little longer. The Firestone's are doing exceptional well.

 

Years later now... I finally did it... and I love it! Rides so much better!

Parts list:

Wheels - Black Rock Series 997 16x8 p/n: 997685550 - load rated to 3000lbs, 5 x 5.5 pattern with +13mm offset.

http://www.blackrockwheels.com/


Tires - BFGoodrich Commercial T/A - LT225/75R16 @ 65 PSI.

However... there was a dilemma... amusingly these new wheels are such a perfect fit on the front (more inset) that I could swear the turn radius is better... but strangely the whole van felt a bit unstable at highway speeds (my old rims had the front wheels just a bit further than the front wheel wells)...

As shown... it did look a bit funny as well.





SO.... it was time to add some additional parts.

Hubcentric Wheel Spacers (for rears only) - Trans-Dapt Performance Billet Wheel Spacers p/n: 3623 - 1.25" thick, 5 x 5.5" pattern.

http://www.tdperformance.com/



I installed using Locktite Blue as well.



And voila! Van now stable at speed and rear wheels fit perfectly!



So here's the final result - I went and bought some black lug nuts to match... although I'm not crazy about the glossy black wheels I may paint them or cover them.





Also as noted my rear is higher - I went to aftermarket springs (mistake) I'm going to start trolling for oem springs.

-Michael

 

Good pix...thanks

 

yeah thanks for the update

 

thanks for the update

 

Nice look to your van and great choice of wheels.