Have a new 2004 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4. It came with the factory 20 inch chrome wheels and the slippery Goodyear Wrangler (GS, I think?) street tires - these are dreadful in the rain/snow. Anyway, this was the last truck the dealer had and I got a great price, so I took it. I love the way the wheels look on the truck and fill up the wheel wells, but the ride is a bit choppy and I need a more aggressive tire, espcially for offroading a few times per year.

Has anyone switched to 17 inch wheels/tires from the 20s? Was the ride improved enough to make it worth dropping $1500+ on switching? I realize that over the long run 20 inch tires will be pricey ($200 to $300 per tire) and there doesn't seem to be much available in 20 inch all-terrain tires that are reasonably priced, except the Michelin LTXs and Toyo Open Country ATs.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

 

I did that switch before picking mine up from the dealer. The 20's are nice, but the 17's are lighter and provide better acceleration. The truck feels a tiny bit better with the 20's in the turns.

 

My truck came stock with the 20's. I bought a set of mkw 17s and nitto terra grapppler 295/70/17 not only did it make the ride height better it seemed to improve the ride.