Hey Andre!
Thanks for the 'gomassey' website info!! They don't show the actual
wheels but I found 'em in a Jeg's catalog. I like the Typhoon series
in the 15x8 size. Only one drawback.....the backspace is 5.5 inches
which is identical to the 15x8 optional cast wheel available for my
'97. This backspace brings the outboard edge of the wheel to approx.
even the the fender lip. Any tire wider than the rim will end up
outside the quarter panel. That's where my problem is....i need a
15x8 with a 7" backspace!!! This would allow the 285/70/15 to sit
inside the edge of the box. A set of four of the 15x8 Typhoons would
run $600....definitly under the $900/set of 4 factory rally rims with
the mod's i mentioned in my previous post (thanks for the info on
Centerline James...I may give them a ring). I talked to a guy at
Early Wheel Co. a couple of weeks ago (mail order custom offset
smoothie and rally wheels). He didn't have any Dakota appl's but said
that there are only a couple of companies that make steel wheel rims
for the aftermarket in 2 inside diameters (when I find this info I'll
post it). He said if the factory steel wheel center matches with one
of the 2 i.d.'s he could weld in my centers at whatever offset I
wanted (within the limits of the rim). Stupid me though I forgot to
ask how much this would be. I imagine it's got to be less than the
$150/wheel that the local-to-me guy wanted to cut and weld in a
spacer. I happen to have the engineering dwgs of the '97 cast alum
wheels (15x7 & 15x8) and for the 15x7 steel wheel (like the 15x6 base
wheels for '97) for '98. It looks like the centers will work but at
$150/wheel for the steelies at the dealer I just don't know. I think
I'm going to check a few junkyards for post '92 Dakota steel wheels.
The axle housing shortening is still an option but I'll keep that as a
last resort.
Thanks for the help everyone!!
sean
'97 318,5spd,3.55SG
p.s. - sorry to ramble on but I imagine I'm not the first to hit this
'custom wheel' roadblock.
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
>Hey Sean!
>I have a 95 Sport and I've been looking for wheels also. Just found out
>that Weld Wheels makes some new truck wheels in our bolt pattern with
>the offset you need. They make 15x8s and 15x7s and possibly some in 16".
>Prices are very reasonable at $125-$135 ea from a dealer I found on the
>internet. I'm going to find their URL now and send it to you.
>
>Andre Mauboussin
>95Dak sprt V8/5spd/390SG 14.80@92mph
>
Sent it me too, I'm looking for rims/tires for my Dakota...
Thanks in advance!
...Sam '95 SLT
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