Installing a larger set of wheels on a Dodge Ram pickup is a popular upgrade to this American truck. Larger wheels fill out the Ram’s wheel openings and make the Ram look much better. Larger wheels and tires also increase the handling and stability of a Ram, whether the truck is carrying a load or not.
Determine the size (diameter) of the wheels you want to install. Dodge offers a line of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) wheels that will bolt right onto a Ram in 17-inch and 20-inch sizes. The 20-inch wheels are available in aluminum, while the 17-inch wheels are available in aluminum or steel. There are also aftermarket wheels available in sizes of up to 26-inches, but keep in mind that the larger the wheel, the more difficult it is to make it fit without installment issues.
Install proper-sized tires on the wheels. In order to allow larger wheels and tires on a Ram, tires that have the right profile (height of the tire’s sidewall) and width need to be mounted on the wheels. If the tires have the wrong profile or are too wide, they will rub against the fender lips. The outer diameter of the wheel and tire package should stay the same; as the wheel gets larger in diameter, the tire’s profile needs to get lower. When ordering your wheels and tires, make sure the tire seller understands your needs.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels. Raise the truck with a floor jack and place it securely on heavy duty jack stands, or use a full size lift to raise it. Remove the stock wheels.
Slide the new wheels and tires onto the hub. Replace the wheel lug nuts and tighten with a lug wrench to the factory recommended settings.
Remove the jack stands and lower the truck to the ground, or lower the lift. Check the fit of the wheels and tires near the wheel arch to see of there is any interference.
Take a test drive and see if the tires run on any bodywork, particularly when cornering or when the steering wheel is turned sharply. If the tires rub a little, you may be able to roll the fenders by placing a baseball bat between the tires and the wheel arch and gently pushing the fender up, bending the inside lip.This should only be done if you are experienced with rolling fenders, to avoid damaging the bodywork.
