Help with the new truck! While home on R&R, sold my LONG AS HELL '01 Dodge CTD Dualie and bought a new (yes!) '06 Dodge Ram CTD SRW Mega Cab. This truck is still LONG AS HELL, it just uses the space better (for my purposes - read as kids!). Want the truck to turn sharp and be more manageable in tight spaces, parking lots, etc. The long bed dualie was a pain in the Edit! So I've been told numerous times already not to mess with the rear steer conversions. Apparently lots of problems and plenty dangerous. I don't need any problems on Alaskan ice (if I ever get to go home). So I had a guy at KLM performance tell me (and I've heard this one other time, but don't recall where) that Centerline wheels are the only wheels with the correct backspacing for Dodge trucks. This backspacing will keep the lifted, big tire truck from rubbing tires into control arms, etc. and allow for tighter turns. Anyone have this experience or know anything else about the subject? I'd sure appreciate any help. Tighter turns will increase my owner satisfaction significantly. Guy specifically stated I should run 35x12.50R17's. I'm running the same size (except 18" wheels) in Helo's Maxx8's.

Thanks much,
1SG Phil Goldstine
Baghdad
172d Stryker Brigade

 

Just carry around a big jack and when you need to turn, get out jack up the rear and roll the jack, it will turn on a dime.

 

C'mon guy....got a real answer or what? I can appreciate the humor (even after 13 straight months in Iraq), but I'd really like to get the truck to turn as tight as possible.

Thanks,
Phil

 

get a 9 inch wheel with 5.5-6" backspacing...

 

Though I don't have a Megacab like you, I did have aftermarket wheels on 35's and my truck did not turn as sharp as it does now w/my bigger 35's and stock wheels. It may seem too simple to improve turning radius, but if you want all the help you can get stick w/ wheels w/ proper backspacing.

 

First off thank you for your service!! Very cool!!

My brother( U.S.Marine) will be home this weekend from his second tour.

I'm with Cquestad on backspacing but I'd prefer less rim width (if possible) as I'm a rock crawler. I also prefer steel rims whereas they can be pounded back into almost useable shape on the trail.

Rick

 

Hey, appreciate your time and info. Sounds like the Centerline's will be the way to go. Now, I just need to go home! Runamuck, tell your brother thanks and godbless.

Phil

 

Thanks for your service to our country!

 

1SG Goldstine....I did the same thing while I was home on R&R this past march i bought the truck in my signature. I love my truck its AWESOME Were you back in AK or where you waiting in Kuwait to go home. Just wanted to say hi from I'm just a little North of you LSAA is where i am at.

 

1SG Phil Goldstine, Tyler 02,

I can't help with the truck, as I drive a last century 2nd Gen, but wanted to thank you for serving.

My Marine nephew is home from NC this week, and will probably be returning to The Sandbox before long. His MOS is something like "heavy truck mechanic", but ended up doing QRF on his last trip over there. You boys be careful over there and return safely!

 

Hi akhunter68,

Thanks for the service from my family too. My son was there with the first Stryker brigade out of Lewis.

Back to your question: I have the mega cab too and just installed Centerline wheels with 35 in Toyo tires. The wheels are almost the identical backspace, 1/4 inch diference. Weld also maked wheels with the right back space but more a lot more $$$. I do not have a lift on the truck and nothing rubbs. Maybe at full turn with compressed suspension? I do not see any diference in turning tho.
Hope this helps, stay safe...

Peter

 

Crobtex

I can say this for both 1SG and myself that we APPRECIATE the SUPPORT and it REALLY does mean ALOT.. Good news is that I come home in October

Thanks again!!!

Tyler
LSAA Iraq

 

Amazing!!!! Us old farts, and EVERYONE else, are sitting over here drinking a beer, eating pizza (at least I am) , or whatever and enjoying life while you're over there making sure we can do it.....and you thank us!

I probably won't ever make it to ND again, but if you are any of your buddies ever make it to North Central Texas, let me know......there's a BIG steak and all the cold brew you can drink waiting.

 

Crobtex

I look at it as i am doing what i have to do. Don't get me wrong I Love it when people Thank Me for what i am doing! But i don't think I should (i don't want this to sound bad) be Thanked I mean i am just doing my job and look at what i do as "just another day in the office" Even though my job is not in an office. My dad say No you all of you need to be Thanked and I agree with him 110% but thats the way i look at it "Just something I have to do"

Thanks again for Everyones Support!!

Tyler
LSAA, Iraq

P.S: I'll remember that if i am ever down in Tx to take you up on that Steak offer and a cold one.

 

Dude!

Did you miss the helo out?

Forget to get on the plane?

Spent too much of Uncle Sam's money that you have to work OT?

Sleep late?

PO the Commanding Officer daughter?

You must be so short you have to pull down your socks and look over the top of your boots to see out.




Thanks man....... You sir, are a great American.