Dhorn33

I am looking at a set of stock aluminum wheels in the morning to replace the chrome ones on my 97 2500. These are off on an 01 and supposedly in perfect shape with lugs and centers and the price is right so I think I will jump on them.

What is the difference in weight of the chrome wheels vs. the aluminum?

I am also looking for a set of bed rail tops for my truck. I like the ones that appear to be attached with double sided tape - and that fit really close to the contour of the bedside even coming down the side a little way (1" or so) to cover up some previous scrapes, etc. I think black plastic is what I want - what is a good brand for this and how much are they?

Finally - anyone have any personal experience with Certifit front bumpers? I need to replace my front bumper and the price is definitely right for the Certifit pieces with the total for the chrome, lower and upper valences being around $150. How is the quality and fit/finish of these parts from Certifit?

Thanks!

SIXSLUG

The aluminum wheels are definitely lighter than the steel wheels, probably by about 6-8 lbs, but just a guess. Make sure they'll fit your truck before you buy them. The disc brake wheels won't clear the drums on your trucks rear.
You could get the bed tops sprayed w/ line-x, etc and be done with it. Mine were sprayed when new and still looks good. I have no experience w/ the bumper ?. Kurt

Dhorn33

Can anyone confirm if the stock aluminum rims from an 01 2500 will fit my 97 2500? They are both 16" wheels but I think the aluminum wheels are a little wider (16x7 vs 16x8). I am going at 8 am to look at them so help quickly please!

mopar-or-no-car

Im not sure but i think i read that you have to grind off some off the fins on the outside of the drums to make them fit

mopar-or-no-car

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ght=wheels+fit

Dhorn33

What year did they change the wheels? I can't remember if the guy said they were on a 99 or an 01? Ugg.

mopar-or-no-car

i believe the aluminum mags came out in 2001

wurkenman

Certifit front bumper will be just like your factory bumper. Very good quality and fit. I would say even better than stock.

T-Bone

I have 2001 alloys on my 1997. I had to have some material removed from the outer lip of the rear drum. A machine shop did this for 1 hour labor. I took a wheel and both drums to the shop when I had it done. No modifications on the front end.

One of the advantages for me with the 2001 alloys is that they are an 8 inch wide rim with 6.5 inches of backspacing. This keeps 285s up under the truck. Most after market rims only have 4.5 inches of back spacing and cause the wheels to hang outside the truck. Some like that, I don’t.

The steel rims weigh in at 34.25 lbs each. I have an alloy rim that I can weight this weekend and let you know if you are interested.

T-Bone

Dhorn33

The wheels are from an 01 so I guess unless I get the brakes machines they are going to work. Am I right in the fact that these wheels only fit on trucks from 01 and 02 without modification required? Why would they have built a wheel that differed like that - it just seems really stupid to me?

I am waiting for some insurance money to come in and I will go get the Certifit front bumper and post the results.

T-Bone

I think the alloys only fit later models due to the introduction of rear disk brakes. 2001.5 did have rear disk. Prior to that – rear drums.

T-Bone