I am not been able to find a weight rating for the factory 16x8 aluminum wheels.
Does someone know what it would be?

When Dodge offered the aluminum wheels as an option, in 2000 I believe, they also changed the drum shape.
Can these later drums be retrofitted on early 2nd gens (94-99)?

 

I haven't been able to find a weight rating either but I do know they don't fit over the earlier drums without some grinding on the outside of the drum.

 

I would assume they will hold up to the max weight rating of an E rated tire of stock size.

Yes, the newer rims will work on the older trucks if the drums are ground a down a bit.

 

I know they will fit the older drums with grinding but, I am also wondering if the later drums (00-early 01) can be fitted on the older axles (94-99) then no grinding would be required.

Just wondering.

 

One would think but I have seen rims with the weight rating on them that were not rated as high as the mounted tire. This was a PU rim but can't recall what it was off and don't know if the tire was the recommended one or not.

 

I'll check my FSM and see if there is any info for 01 rims.

 

Just go to the hew 17" rims and tires, they fit over all drums and calipers, work great on my 99, 17 tires are easier to find now anyway.