I am about to buy a 2002 Ram 1500 SWB 2x4 Quad Cab. Bad thing is, it has 17" wheels. I read in a review that the one's that come with 20" wheels also come with a stronger suspension and shocks and some other things to make up for more bounce on the wheel or something.

I am wondering if I would have to do all of that or if I could (Safely) just put 20" wheels on there without upgrading all the other stuff.

Thanks.[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

Before you go and spend your hard-earned money, here's a couple of things to consider.

If you live in the snow belt, and since the truck is not a 4x4, those 20" wheels and tires are not going to give you much traction.

I'm not aware of any stronger suspension or shocks on trucks with 20" wheels. In fact, the same parts are used for both. The only Dodge Ram (in the new body style) that came with beefed up suspension and shocks is the Off Road option.

Tires for the 20" wheels are more expensive than for 17", although there are some exceptions. Most 20" tires, however, are low profile. That's o.k. as long as you realize the ride quality is not going to be as good as with a traditional profile tire. Therefore, you may want to consider good quality shocks. Bilsteins, Ranchos, or Edelbrocks. Just get your wallet out. A set of these shocks will run anywhere from $260 to $300 plus labor.

If this truck as the 3.55 as opposed to the 3.92 rear end, you may have a problem getting the truck to get moving. The inertia needed to overcome the added weight of the 20" wheels and tires, is greatly improved with the 3.92 rear.

You will also need to have the transmission flashed to accommodate the larger wheels and tires. This is especially important if the truck has 4-wheel anti-lock brakes. If you don't, the speedometer and fuel economy figures will be off.

 

Hey Mazz, I was looking at your decription of your truck and I have a question what's the difference between the '04 and '03 tailpipe?

 

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't considered the gear ratio or the fact that it would make the speedometer and MPG be off. Looks like I will need better shocks though.

 

I think the difference between the 03 and 04 tailpipe is that the 04 has a resinator (sp?) just before the end of the pipe, that didn't make it sound as cool, where as the 03 did not and had a little more rumble in the sound.