Maybe this should be in the wheels & tire forum, but I'll try here first. Please move it if inappropriate.

I just picked up my new to me '03 dually. No $ left for wheels, so how much do the chrome simulators cost and where does one get some? How do they install?
Thanks!
Clint

I think around $300 and I was told, can be purchased at Camping World RV Centers

Lock...the best place and price I have found is Pacific Dualies (http://www.pacific-dualies.com/). They quoted me $263 shipped. Part No. is 29-1608. They are the bolt-ons that go under the lug nuts.

Camping World has sims, but they cost around $360 for non-members and $316 for members.

I've got phoenix simulators and are the best I have owned to date.

I've got phoenix simulators and are the best I have owned to date.

How much are the Phoenix Sims? Hadn't heard of them!

Dammit, I was afraid someone would ask!:cool: I honestly don't remember, I got them from the local dealer, and they are the easiest set(as far as mounting goes) that I have owned. IIRC somewhere between $2-300 complete? Been a couple years and I have slept since then!;)


http://www.phoenixusa.com/

Cool...I will check them out! As I have not ordered mine yet, I will give them a fair chance! Thanks!!!

I had a set of Pacific Dualies on my 93 Dually for 10 years, and they looked as good the day I sold it as the day I put them on.

They mount under the lug nuts with a cover cap that goes on over the lug nuts, so if you put a set of lock's on the rim's no one will be able to steal the simulators either.

If I had to get another set of simulators they would be PD again.

Also don't forget to get a set of stainless valve stem extenders for the rears so you will be able to air up the interior tire. You can just rivet the bracket's to the center cap's.

Just don't get the valve extenders that don't rivet. I got a set for my '93 that where an afterthought. They snapped into the hand hole. Once I had them work loose and cut the braids and the rubber. Needless to say I had an empty inner tire.-:t

Just don't get the valve extenders that don't rivet. I got a set for my '93 that where an afterthought. They snapped into the hand hole. Once I had them work loose and cut the braids and the rubber. Needless to say I had an empty inner tire.-:t

:exactly:


And also very important too replace the rubber valve stem's with a metal one's that bolt to the rim.
I had the inner go flat because as the tire rotated going down the road the centrifical force pushed the stem extender out some and cocked the rubber valve stem causing it to leak air.:eek:

Try www.jaeeagle.com and go to their GMSPO (GM licensed stuff) and check out their chrome simulators. They bolt on to the lugnuts (2 of the chrome "lugnuts" bolt onto the threaded part of your factory lugnuts) and they look SHARP! I believe I paid 249 plus shipping. They're nice and factory appearing! :)
Check them out! I love mine!
-Matt

:rocking: Those are sweet! I'll give them a call and see about doing a sweeter deal! Pacific Dualies are still better priced.

Y'all got me wonderin' about the extensions though! I want to make sure I can rivet the extension brackets!!!

Does anybody here know a good source for the metal valve stem extensions.

I looked on jaeagle today and the valve extentions they have don't look like a bad deal. They also look like they will work with my phoenix sims. I am going to get a set and try them out. They just clamp under the decorative nut that holds the sims on. So they won't work for all types of sims.

I just can't find a set I like. Anyone have pics???

I ordered a set of the Jaeeagle sims and the valve extensions. I'll let you guys know how they work out when I get them (hopefully soon).

I struggled with the look also. I like the aftermarket wheel choices, but $ and ease of tire rotation killed that idea. I liked the sims on my dad's Dodge. They have 8 or 10 holes in them instead of just 4, and really look like an aftermarket wheel. Of course, they are made of chromed plastic too and I'm NOT fond of that... I think the SS sims will look good and sounds like they last with care!

I just can't find a set I like. Anyone have pics???

Not great pics but mine are here (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=544124#post544124) post #175

Yall are going to love those sims! One question for you guys with the extensions...Have you had problems with the extensions leaking? I work for a city fleet, and we replace extensions all the time on our firetrucks for leakage. Granted, they're "lowest bidder" extensions, but they're rubber and leak none the less.... Any suggestions?
-Matt

How much are the Phoenix Sims? Hadn't heard of them!
Looks like Summit Racing has Phoenix simulators. They show a couple different ones ranging from $130-$180.
I noticed that they say for the look of stainless wheels; do they make some that are actually chrome?
Brian

What do you guys think of these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33744&item=7986491109&sspagename=WDVW

Thanks

Honestly?

They are a PITA, I had/have a set on my '93 dually, they are very tricky for tire guys to figure out. Gotta put on the sim, then the retainer ring, then the lugs, then the decorative cap, then two screws that hold them on. It is very frustrating watiching them do it wrong, and have to redo it over and over......:rant:

The Kind that I have you put the wheels and lugs on normally, then put on the sim, then the two retainer nuts, much much easier. You can have the sims off in 20 seconds without removing the wheel.

I bought my simulators locally from Royal Tire and Brake in Wichita Falls, Texas. They mount under the factory hub cap, over the lug nuts. You get to keep the factory hub caps with Chevy Bow Tie, thus not having to look at what appears to be an old cake pan hub cap. The best part is that I only gave $149 + tax. If you would like to check on some, their number is 940-766-6444.

Pheonix sims are very good,bolt under lugs,use factory hubcaps. Gives it stock appearance. $139.00 + $8.95 handling, FREE SHIPPING!

http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=/egnsearch.asp&N=400021

part # PHO-SLG116

OK, call me stupid, but what is a wheel simulator?

Thanks

Ed

What do you guys think of these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33744&item=7986491109&sspagename=WDVW

Thanks
I was looking at those also. My first thought was that you get what you pay for, but then again this seller has over 1600 transactions and 100% positive feedback.
Anyone here bought some off of ebay?
One other question, is there a big difference in finish (shiney vs dull) between the different brands?
Brian

I looked on jaeagle today and the valve extentions they have don't look like a bad deal. They also look like they will work with my phoenix sims. I am going to get a set and try them out. They just clamp under the decorative nut that holds the sims on. So they won't work for all types of sims.

Feedback on my valve stem extension purchase: if you buy the Jaeeagle sims (GM licensed version), the valve stem extensions will not fit. They are very helpful and even sent some new brackets but they don't clamp as well I'd like. They will work with other types of sims that use lug nuts to hold on the sim, so I'll sell them to anyone that wants them. PM me.

The sims themselves are great, however! 20 second install per wheel, no prob and look nice. I may try to polish them even more, as they had a few fine scratches, but look great. The choice of the Chev or GMC emblem makes them look 'factory' also (which I like -- I had the grey caps; not chrome).

I was looking at those also. My first thought was that you get what you pay for, but then again this seller has over 1600 transactions and 100% positive feedback.
Anyone here bought some off of ebay?
One other question, is there a big difference in finish (shiney vs dull) between the different brands?
Brian

Hey guys! I just bought a set of those! I spoke with Arlan and saw a couple of other sales by him to GM owners, and there has been nothing but fantastic feedback on the fit and finish of them. I also talked to him about use with the OEM caps and he assured me they fit and look awesome. He even offered me a discount of $15 if he could keep the caps that come with the kit.

Sounds like a great business man to me!!!:thumb:

So...I will be the guinee pig for this set and let you all know how they fit. I was a little bummed however that I have to get my rear valve stem extensions elsewhere. I'm thinking of going with the JAE Eagle's set as we have been told above that they work well with the kind of sim's that attach under the lug nuts, like these do.

On Edit: BrianB...I have seen many diffferent brands of sim's on the highway and in the campgrounds. They all appear to have the same shine and luster to them. I will give y'all feedback on that too!!!

does anybody have stock center caps for a 2002 3500,i lost my rear center cap last week after getting new tires installed in fl.,the longer plastic lugs that come w/sims kit didn't tighten up and lr sim and cap fell off at the tenn. border,,, feel free to call me at 847-800-1698 and tell me what you want for them

thanks, fred

does anybody have stock center caps for a 2002 3500,i lost my rear center cap last week after getting new tires installed in fl.,the longer plastic lugs that come w/sims kit didn't tighten up and lr sim and cap fell off at the tenn. border,,, feel free to call me at 847-800-1698 and tell me what you want for them

thanks, fred

I have my stockers for sale, but they are grey (not chrome). They are collecting dust so if you want 'em, let me know. I think I'll have them for quite a while since I seem to be only one that bought a base model truck. LOL

I bought a set of these and have them on my truck. I couldn't be happier they fit nice and look good. I installed them with the factory centers. No issues what so ever and it took three days from order to my door. I would highly recommend them.

I bought a set of these and have them on my truck. I couldn't be happier they fit nice and look good. I installed them with the factory centers. No issues what so ever and it took three days from order to my door. I would highly recommend them.

Awesome!!! I should have mine by the weekend then!!!

Awesome!!! I should have mine by the weekend then!!!Did you get your simulators on? How do they look?
Brian

Did you get your simulators on? How do they look?
Brian

Hey Brian! I got them on Tuesday! I just finished polishing my OEM center caps and am headed outside to install the sim's.

They look fantastic out of the box. But I did have to contact Arlan again because there are 4 holes larger than the others and they didn't look big enough to go over the lugs. Well...they aren't. So...I have to pull all 8 lug nuts...center the sim...and carefully retighten. NOT what I was hoping for. And for this reason it is going to make the center cap mount extremely difficult to center because I will have to hold the sim and the center cap mount.

Anyway...let me install them and I will get back to you with pic's that I can post on here! I am going to go with the OEM caps, but I will make an attempt at installing the center cap mount on a front wheel and see how it centers up.

Well...I didn't install them! I don't have valve stem extensions and since these are going to be a little more difficult to install, I'm going to wait so I can do the whole install at once.

I put in a PM to Lock to see if he still has the set of JAE Eagle extensions that he bought. If he still has them I will buy those. I really need to find a set that I can use with the OEM center caps and the caps that came with the sim's. I went to all the RV stores in my area today and all any of them had were the rivet on kind and I don't want to drill any holes in my sims or my caps. I need the kind that bolt under the lugs.

Ummmm....Lock doesn't have those anymore, I do.....:eek:

I haven't tried to install them, but if it goes south for me, crazy you are next on the list to give them a try.;)

Sorry about your trouble's with your sims, like I said before, they are a PITA, that is why I went with phoenix sims.......;)

Hopefully you can get your situation handled.

Based on rolloffhills experience I purchased the Phoenix DOT sims about a month ago. I really like them. I added the AirMax valve extensions, the kind that come with brackets that bolt on under one of the simulator mounting jam nuts. Recently drove 2500 miles with no problems. I'm not sure that I would recommend simulators if you regularly drive on rough dirt roads, but otherwise, they look great and they let me put off the wheels and tires for another year.

Ummmm....Lock doesn't have those anymore, I do.....:eek:

I haven't tried to install them, but if it goes south for me, crazy you are next on the list to give them a try.;)

Sorry about your trouble's with your sims, like I said before, they are a PITA, that is why I went with phoenix sims.......;)

Hopefully you can get your situation handled.

Thanks...but I'm sort of in a rush so I'm just gonna order another set from JAE. Thanks anyway!!!

I read you post above, but didn't realize these were the sim's you were talking about. Oh well...I'm sure they will look awesome once installed! It's just going to take a little extra time putting them on.

I've lost two rear simulators and caps while towing heavy. They were installed over the lugnuts and secured with the center caps. I don't believe the tire guys knew what they were doing. When the rims heat up the plastic lug caps do as well and loosen up. The next set are going under the lugnuts. FWIW. JJ :)

I've lost two rear simulators and caps while towing heavy. They were installed over the lugnuts and secured with the center caps. I don't believe the tire guys knew what they were doing. When the rims heat up the plastic lug caps do as well and loosen up. The next set are going under the lugnuts. FWIW. JJ :)

The JAE Eagle GM licensed sims use their own stainless steel center cap using two of the eight "cover" nuts that attach to the factory lug nut studs for the plastic center caps. Its pretty simple and slick; I've only had mine for a short while now, but I've checked them and they stay tight. Plus they take less than 10mins to install or remove all 4 of them.

I'm not sure that I would recommend simulators if you regularly drive on rough dirt roads, but otherwise, they look great and they let me put off the wheels and tires for another year.

Why is that? Most of my driving is off road or on gravel/dirt rough roads, I haven't had any problems. Just curious that's all.;)



BTW check your sig, I noticed something you might want to change;) Sierra :thumb:

rolloffhill,

When I driving over about 60 miles of albeit rather rough dirt roads on vacation, I had to stop a couple of times and tighten up the jam nuts. The front sims also shook around quite a bit on the wash boarded sections. I was guessing this might be more or less a constant problem, but sounds like your's have withstood the test of time, so maybe it isn't a real issue.

And thanks for the heads up on the sig. :)

Well (knock on wood) I haven't had any problems with mine loosening, and hopefully won't.

No problem on the heads up....;)

OK BrianB...they're on! Rears went on lickity split and were very easy to center, although it still took some effort. The fronts are plain and simple...a PITA!!! Rolloffhill was not kidding!

The primary problem with all 4 is that they are exactly the same circumference as the outer edge of the wheel and there is nothing in the center of the wheel to hold the sim on center.

So you have to slowly tighten 4 of the lug nuts all the while attempting to hold the sim on center. As you get close to tight, the sim tries to pop to one side of the wheel edge. You must hold it in place as you tighten. And just slamming it with an impact doesn't cut it. It will still pop. So the ticket is to tighten them slowly until there is enough grip on the lugnut to hold them in place, and then hit it with an impact gun. And...since this was my first time installing and also since I have a sore hand from surgery, I'll forego the installing of the polished center caps that came with the set.

But...once they were centered and tight, and the center caps installed, they look frickin' great! Here's some pics!

CrazyDaze,
Thanks for the update and installation experience. Your truck looks awesome!
Brian

rolloffhill,

When I driving over about 60 miles of albeit rather rough dirt roads on vacation, I had to stop a couple of times and tighten up the jam nuts. The front sims also shook around quite a bit on the wash boarded sections. I was guessing this might be more or less a constant problem, but sounds like your's have withstood the test of time, so maybe it isn't a real issue.

And thanks for the heads up on the sig. :)

Well JP, I think you put a curse on me.

I heard an awful noise coming from the back wheels, went and looked and low and behold the back right was loose....:(

Never had that problem before, it is a first, oh well I guess I will have to keep an eye on them from now on....:cool:

I got my simulators from the guy on ebay; although I have nothing to compare them to, I think they look good. CrazyDaze is right, they are a bit of a PITA to install. I had one lug nut that stripped out when I was taking it OFF! Maybe they stripped it out at the factory when putting it on and left it. I also bought the valve stem extensions from JAE, I don't know if I got the wrong ones or what, but the part of the bracket that goes under the lug has a larger inside diameter and a smaller outside diameter than the lug. So, the bracket would only be under half of the lug. I didn't put them on yet, for fear of the uneven clamping force that would be applied to the wheel. Unless I am doing it wrong, any ideas????
Brian

I also bought the valve stem extensions from JAE, I don't know if I got the wrong ones or what, but the part of the bracket that goes under the lug has a larger inside diameter and a smaller outside diameter than the lug. So, the bracket would only be under half of the lug. I didn't put them on yet, for fear of the uneven clamping force that would be applied to the wheel. Unless I am doing it wrong, any ideas????
BrianI just spoke with Michael at JAE. He said that they do not make a valve extension kit that fits my '05 GMC.
Brian

I just spoke with Michael at JAE. He said that they do not make a valve extension kit that fits my '05 GMC.
Brian

That was a bit different than the story I got: they told me they didn't make a set of extensions that worked with the GM licensed simulators they sell. Interesting...

Alright I have had the extentions that I got from LOCK for a while now, but I rotated my tires today and thought I better give them a try.....

Well they worked with my Phoenix Sims!!!!! Of the 2 mounting brackets that I got from LOCK I used the one with the smaller hole that mounts under the jamb nut that holds the sims on.

The extentions that I got are alittle long so I had to improvise and give the sim a quarter turn to mount the extentions bracket.

Time will tell whether these are going to work, but for now everything is a go.

Here are some pics........;)

Alright I have had the extentions that I got from LOCK for a while now, but I rotated my tires today and thought I better give them a try.....

Well they worked with my Phoenix Sims!!!!! Of the 2 mounting brackets that I got from LOCK I used the one with the smaller hole that mounts under the jamb nut that holds the sims on.

The extentions that I got are alittle long so I had to improvise and give the sim a quarter turn to mount the extentions bracket.

Time will tell whether these are going to work, but for now everything is a go.

Here are some pics........;)

Thanks for posting those pics!!! I was having a crisis about how to mount mine because of the excessive length of the hose. I see that you moved the mount one lug over from the closest lug and that takes up the slack nicely.

Thanks for posting those pics!!! I was having a crisis about how to mount mine because of the excessive length of the hose. I see that you moved the mount one lug over from the closest lug and that takes up the slack nicely.

Yep they are plenty long......:rolleyes:

Longer than anyone could need I would say......;)

Phoenix makes a nice set that goes in place of chrome trim ring but keeps OEM center cap. Saves some money too.

I just bought a set of the Phoenix sims today for $129 shipped on ebay..

I just bought a set of the Phoenix sims today for $129 shipped on ebay..

If those are new and unused, I would say you got a great deal!!!

Brand new....

OK BrianB...they're on! Rears went on lickity split and were very easy to center, although it still took some effort. The fronts are plain and simple...a PITA!!! Rolloffhill was not kidding!

The primary problem with all 4 is that they are exactly the same circumference as the outer edge of the wheel and there is nothing in the center of the wheel to hold the sim on center.

So you have to slowly tighten 4 of the lug nuts all the while attempting to hold the sim on center. As you get close to tight, the sim tries to pop to one side of the wheel edge. You must hold it in place as you tighten. And just slamming it with an impact doesn't cut it. It will still pop. So the ticket is to tighten them slowly until there is enough grip on the lugnut to hold them in place, and then hit it with an impact gun. And...since this was my first time installing and also since I have a sore hand from surgery, I'll forego the installing of the polished center caps that came with the set.

But...once they were centered and tight, and the center caps installed, they look frickin' great! Here's some pics!

I got some of these from the eBay guy (Arlan), and they do look sweet! Fronts were a little trickier to center than the rears, but they do look great with the factory centers. Oddly enough, they creak while rolling at slow speeds (creakycreakycreakycreaky in the Home Depot parking lot - had the window down). Wheel torque is OK, though. I'm thinking about pulling them and applying foam tape at four points along the rims to see if it will shut 'em up. Probably make it easier to center them, too.

My simulators creaked when new. Creaking stopped after about 700 to 800 miles I think, may have been less. I guess they have to get "broken in"...I didn't adjust anything, they just stopped creaking.

My simulators creaked when new. Creaking stopped after about 700 to 800 miles I think, may have been less. I guess they have to get "broken in"...I didn't adjust anything, they just stopped creaking.

Huh.... that's odd. Well, I'll give 'em a little while before I do anything, then. Thanks for the info!

I don't think it will just go away unless you change something, the creak is the sim rubbing on the tire, if your tires are low, or the sim isn't centered just right. But there is also times when it can be perfectly centered and it doesn't matter it still creaks.

That is the most annoying thing about sims, the creaking, but the price is right so what are ya gonna do......:cool:

BTW Northern tool has Phoenix sims on sale, IIRC they are $119.00

Huh.... that's odd. Well, I'll give 'em a little while before I do anything, then. Thanks for the info!

Yes, the creaking will just go away without doing anything, at least in my case it absolutely did. Today I had my tires rotated and the front sims are creaking again. I'm not going to touch them, hopefully the creaking will just go away again. I think they just need to somehow seat themselves. I'll keep track of how many miles it takes for them to stop.

Yes, the creaking will just go away without doing anything, at least in my case it absolutely did. Today I had my tires rotated and the front sims are creaking again. I'm not going to touch them, hopefully the creaking will just go away again. I think they just need to somehow seat themselves. I'll keep track of how many miles it takes for them to stop.

Throw some magic pixy dust on them, and maybe they will then.....:rolleyes:

I have had several trucks with sims, and sometimes the creak, sometimes they don't, sometimes they creak and you don't know it.......:cool:

Does anyone else find the creaking is kinda embarrassing in a parking lot, or a dyno event, LOL.

:o: :o: :o: absolutly...

Throw some magic pixy dust on them, and maybe they will then.....:rolleyes:

I have had several trucks with sims, and sometimes the creak, sometimes they don't, sometimes they creak and you don't know it.......:cool:

I know it sounds weird, but the creaking just went away. I even had somebody else drive my truck slowly past me and the creak was gone. Now it's back since I had the tires rotated yesterday. I need some more of that pixy dust.

Does anyone else find the creaking is kinda embarrassing in a parking lot, or a dyno event, LOL.
:exactly:

So I'm kinda inclined to drop it into first and let the exhaust drown 'em out!):h

After a round trip to PA over the weekend the creaking went away. It took about 300 miles, but the creaking stopped. I guess the Pixy must live somewhere in PA:)

It was only the front driver side that was creaking. The rear have never creaked. I have the type of simulator that allows the use of the stock Chevy logo center cap (I guess that would be considered a 2 piece??). The simulator snaps on then you put the stock Chevy center cap on. It didn't creak until I put the center cap back on. Take the center cap off...no creaking, put the center cap back on...creaking started again.

Anyway, like I said, after about 300 miles the creaking stopped. Yes, it's highly embarassing to me:o: , to drive into a parking lot with the damn simulators creaking. I wonder if the 1 piece simulators creak (the kind that will not allow the use of the stock Chevy center cap)?

Wait til you have the money for the wheels if you can, I've had sims before and didn't like them very well. Mine squeeked real bad when the wheel was turning.

Wait til you have the money for the wheels if you can, I've had sims before and didn't like them very well. Mine squeeked real bad when the wheel was turning.

I agree, wait until you have the money for the wheels. The sims were already on the truck when I bought it, the dealer put them on. He said they are covered for the 3yr 36k mile warranty since they were on the truck at the time of purchase. I will put up with them until that runs out then I'll get a set of some cool wheels. Next time I have the tires rotated I'm not going to wait for several hundred miles until the creaking stops, I'm going to make the dealer screw around with them to make the creaking stop.:muahaha:

I think the stock wheels would look pretty good if they were dipped in chrome. Anybody seen or heard of anyone doing this?

I've thought about it, but can't be with out my truck to take the wheels off to be dipped. And I really don't want to buy another set, cause then you may as well buy a set of aluminum ones.