I have a 2004 2500HD and am looking to move from LT245/75R16E tires (rated at 3042 lbs @ 80psi) to LT265/75R16E tires (rated at 3415 lbs @ 80psi), as I'm purchasing a fifth wheel with a sizable pin weight, and would like some beefier tires. But this seems pointless if the OEM rims could not handle the additional weight (from a perspective of strength-- I do like the LOOKS of 265's better).

QUESTION: What is the rim/wheel rating of the cast aluminum OEM rims/wheels??? I've heard they are made by Alcoa, and possibly Hayes Lemmerz-- neither could seem to help me with this question (or didn't WANT to help). Can I *assume* that the wheels are probably rated 500lbs MORE than the OEM tire rating of 3000 lbs, as they would have to AT LEAST be as strong as the tires?

I'm told there's a number stamped on the rim, and it can be seen simply by removing the wheel from the hubs (this might be wrong-- the tire may need to be removed, but that's what I heard). Anyone taking off their wheels/tires in the near future? Could you check?

Thanks in advance...
Paul.

Well, I have my stock rims off and could not find anything that would indicate the load carrying capacity of each rim. The only numbers that I could find was the GM C/N, Date of manufacture, the size and Hungary was stamped on them. This was all on the hub area under the cap. I have the tires off the rims and there is nothing on there either. I have the forged aluminum rims also. I don't think they are much above 3100 each. I know that the new eagle alloys are higher rating @ 3450 IIRC. I have seen the figure before, but I'm not sure where right now. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

OB

Hi OB:

Thanks for looking. Check out this link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7961838824&category=66482

This guy was selling 4 OEM rims/tires off an 04 2500HD, and stated that they were made by Alcoa (in USA), and that they were NOT made in Hungary. Notice the picture which has the stamping. May or may not be true-- I don't know where Alcoa makes there wheels. He states that the Alcoa's are better than the Hungarian ones, but it seems likely that GM would call for the same specifications/tolerances for ALL rims, regardless of origin. Is that a wrong assumption?

Paul.

Mine have alcoa stamped on the inside of the wheel, but I saw nothing indicating load rating unless its in the code stamped. I also recently moved to 265s.

You still don't want to go over the GVWR of the vehicle to be safe.


DEWFPO

In most states he could technically go up to the max axle rating. The 2500 hd and 3500 (IIRC) use the AAM 1150 rated at 10,930 lbs.

3042*2= 6084 lbs
3417*2= 6834 lbs

Still well below axle rating. However, the 2500 is minus 3 leaf springs and overload springs compared to the 3500. Could add springs or the popular choice of airbags. I personally have the AirLift Superduty air bags.

Except for springs, tires and wheels, the 2500hd and 3500 are the same chassis, brakes, etc.

Just be realistic and check with your DOT for additional rules.

For the first couple of years, these wheels (PYO option which started for the '99 model year) were made by Alcoa in the US. Since then they have been made in Hungary. GM will not supply the PYO wheel on the 3500 SRW truck (which comes with the E rated 265s), so I would assume that they are not rated as high as those tires.

Well... just took my truck in to have Bilsteins put on... had the mechanic take off the wheel and check the imprint:

GM Hungary T DOT
06/60/63 16 x 6.5J x28
Superior SFI
GM C/N 959 4142

...guess I got the Hungarian ones... still don't know what they are rated for.

In most states he could technically go up to the max axle rating. The 2500 hd and 3500 (IIRC) use the AAM 1150 rated at 10,930 lbs.

3042*2= 6084 lbs
3417*2= 6834 lbs

Still well below axle rating. However, the 2500 is minus 3 leaf springs and overload springs compared to the 3500. Could add springs or the popular choice of airbags. I personally have the AirLift Superduty air bags.

Except for springs, tires and wheels, the 2500hd and 3500 are the same chassis, brakes, etc.

Just be realistic and check with your DOT for additional rules.

I just recently added the AirLift Superduty air bags, which gives another 5000lbs of spring support, bringing both the rear axle and springs to the same amount (around 11,000 lbs)-- almost DOUBLE the final weight on the back of my truck. The true "weak link" is the wheels/tires, and I suspect that is why the GVWR is 9200lbs-- which is NOT the sum of the front/rear axle ratings. Note that the 3500HD SRW has a GVWR of 9900 lbs, or about 700lbs more. Note also that it has the 265 tires, which are rated for 400lbs more than the 245's, thus 800lbs more can be loaded on the back axle (which is ROUGHLY the increase in GVWR... 700lbs). The "rear axle rating" (of 6084lbs) is NOT the TRUE axle rating AT ALL (true is 11k lbs)!!! In all practicality, it is the "wheel/tire rating". Put larger rims/wheels on your 2500HD, and you have effectively raised your GVWR and axle ratings (though the sticker may still say GVWR = 9200 lbs). The problem is that the larger you go with tires, the less effective towing power. 265's probably won't diminish towing power very much, and provide an addition 400lbs of support, per tire. Seems like a good compromise.

Paul.

Could one add the 3500 rear springs and overloads to a 2500HD? How about just the overloads?

Hi OB:

Thanks for looking. Check out this link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7961838824&category=66482

This guy was selling 4 OEM rims/tires off an 04 2500HD, and stated that they were made by Alcoa (in USA), and that they were NOT made in Hungary. Notice the picture which has the stamping. May or may not be true-- I don't know where Alcoa makes there wheels. He states that the Alcoa's are better than the Hungarian ones, but it seems likely that GM would call for the same specifications/tolerances for ALL rims, regardless of origin. Is that a wrong assumption?

Paul.
I don't know why some would be made by another company unless that is GMs way of getting a bigger profit margin (this is probably true). I would think that they would have to meet a minimum standard for the truck. Although, this sounds just like the military because the contract goes to the lowest bidder. I don't think there would be a difference in either. I haven't heard of any problems with the forged rims. Although, when I was shopping for rims, I noticed that most the forged (welds and such) were only rated for 3100 lbs each. Most the cast aluminum rims were rated at around 3400 lbs. I wish I could find the rating for the stock rims, but I can't seem to find it.

For the first couple of years, these wheels (PYO option which started for the '99 model year) were made by Alcoa in the US. Since then they have been made in Hungary. GM will not supply the PYO wheel on the 3500 SRW truck (which comes with the E rated 265s), so I would assume that they are not rated as high as those tires.
========
Actually, the PY0 is 6.5 inches wide, and a 265 calls for wheels 7.0 to 8.0 inches wide. So, GM specifies a different wheel for the 3500SRW.

ALCOA has two new truck wheels out. One is 8 hole Classic rated at3710 and nthe other a 5 spoker rated at 34xx( don't remember exact numbers).They are available from SOUTHWEST WHEEL online.

Could one add the 3500 rear springs and overloads to a 2500HD? How about just the overloads?

The local spring shop said they could add another set of leaf springs to my truck for $200, but (as I understand it) the AirRide bags provide a much smoother ride, as they increase (or spread out) the "soft range" of the suspension. I had Tibren (rubber) overload springs on my previous F-150 and they seemed to help. Lot's of people towing with the AirRide's, and having favorable comments.

Summit Racing had the AirLift Superduty's for $215 for bags only. That is what I bought. I already have a dc compressor and good dial air guage.

I did some research on where alcoas are made. Guess what, They are made in hungary too.(http://www.alcoa.com/car_truck/en/market_map.asp) Of course I couldn't find the style of rims that GM puts on the trucks, but some of their other rims that would fit on our truck range from 3415lbs and 3745lbs load rating. So, either of the rims that are on your truck (alcoa or hungary), are still alcoa. Also, the stampings are under the caps on my wheels, no need to pull the tire off.

I think you would need to have a a 2500 long box for the 3500 rear springs to fit.

Could one add the 3500 rear springs and overloads to a 2500HD? How about just the overloads?

I think you would need to have a a 2500 long box for the 3500 rear springs to fit.

I'm there. I got a weird truck; 6L gasser w/ 5 spd and long box. Would like a little more spring for the camper.

Source: http://www.alcoa.com/hungary/en/home.asp

"As the 12th largest employer in Hungary and a major contributor to the community, Alcoa is recognized as an active participant in the country's successful transformation to a market-based economy. We first entered Hungary in 1993 by acquiring the state-owned Light Metal Works of Székesfehervár, now known as Alcoa-Köfém Kft. Today, we have four business investments operating in the country that produce and export innovative products and solutions for the aluminium ingot, packaging and consumer goods, automotive and industrial markets. These include extrusion and rolling ingots, flat rolled products, automotive structures, truck bodies, extrusions, plastic closures, wire harnesses, and wheels for trucks, trailers and buses. Highlights of the recognitions we have received include the 2001 and 2002 Business World for the Environment national award from the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum and the Business Ethical Award from the Budapest Club in 2001."

The strongest wheels for the 8-bolt SRW are the Ricksons at 4500 lbs each.

On more than one occasion I have thought about adding the 3500 DRW overload
springs to my 2500HD. You need new springs, spacers and the frame-mounted
spring lands. It is much easier to buy the airbags.... that is what I did.

I run my 2500HD at about 6 tons, but with 9 tons of wheel/tire capacity. It works
great.

The strongest wheels for the 8-bolt SRW are the Ricksons at 4500 lbs each... with 9 tons of wheel/tire capacity. It works great.

These must be 19" or 20" rims with THAT kind of capacity. The highest rated 16" wheels are 7" wide models made by Alcoa... 3400 & 3700lbs (roughly). Effective towing power is better with 245 or 265 16" tires... 265's have a maximum rating of 3400lbs, regardless of brand, so it would be impractical for me to get wheels with larger capacity if my tires are maxed at 3400. However, OEM's are only 6.5" wide, and I wouldn't mind having 7", or better... 8" wide rims, which would give better stability (same principle as a dooley-- just not as dramatic). I don't think Alcoa makes 8" wheels though, at least not for our truck.