Community Forums

uncledon · 03-18-2017, 05:36 AM

I have a 2002 Silverado that needs some attention to the wheels. I have looked a bit into replacing the factory steel wheels with aluminum, but with having to change out the studs and all it started to become a lot more expensive than I wanted. I understand that I could just have the wheels broken down and have them repainted (powder coated) which isn't off the table yet.

My real question is in the Stainless steel wheel liners like these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/400723426361...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT.

Anyone out there have any first hand experience with these or similar and would care to offer their opinion? Thx.

RayJr · 03-18-2017, 05:47 AM

I have an 04 Silverado 4X4 that was a basic work truck when I got it and I picked up a set of Silverado aluminum wheels and tires, Craigslist, and they bolted right on and look a lot better then the old style steel wheels. Who told you you need to change the studs??

uncledon · 03-18-2017, 06:25 AM

Ray, the guy at my local tire store, who sells wheels too told me that. I didn't question it as it seems reasonable that an aluminum wheel has to be thicker. Are all four wheels on three rear the same, or are the inner ones different?

miniceptor86 · 03-18-2017, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncledon

Ray, the guy at my local tire store, who sells wheels too told me that. I didn't question it as it seems reasonable that an aluminum wheel has to be thicker. Are all four wheels on three rear the same, or are the inner ones different?

All 6 wheels are the same.

I don't know where you live but if it's in the "rust belt" I would spend my time and money on painting the steel wheels. Alloy wheels will corrode over time and are very expensive to have refinished. Powder coating once chipped will begin to bubble up and come off in sheets. The powder coat tends to hold moisture underneath and with no corrosion inhibitors exacerbates rust.

Painting and chip repair can be done with "rattle cans" of rust inhibiting primer and color of your choice (get creative). The tires don't even have to be taken off, just deflate and stuff playing cards between the tire and wheel in a fish scale like overlap and then cover the rest of the tire with newspaper or what ever.

Duoglide1 · 03-18-2017, 05:13 PM

I bought a contractor grade truck with steel wheels and had the Ford dealer put on the stainless liners. I did have to go with valve extensions. I like them and like the fact that rotations are easier and cheaper. YMMV

RayJr · 03-19-2017, 06:05 AM

Well I am getting old but when I switched to the aluminum wheels I know I didn't have to change studs, one thing I don't remember is if I got the lug nuts from the guy I got the wheels or did I use the stock nuts! I kind of think not the stock nuts. There are a million Silverado's out there run one down and ask the owner if you can try one. OR visit your local "Used Parts Emporium" that's junk yard and ask them. OR just run a set down on craigs and tell the seller you need to check one and make sure they fit!!!

wingnut60 · 03-22-2017, 10:06 AM

I see a lot of wheel/tire sets on Craigslist--some are spectacularly reasonable as new take-offs (amazing what some people will spend on different wheels/tires on a brand new truck) But, you having a 2002, GM has probably changed boltsize/patterns since then.
As mentioned, try one before buying....

uncledon · 03-22-2017, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayJr

Well I am getting old but when I switched to the aluminum wheels I know I didn't have to change studs, one thing I don't remember is if I got the lug nuts from the guy I got the wheels or did I use the stock nuts! I kind of think not the stock nuts. There are a million Silverado's out there run one down and ask the owner if you can try one. OR visit your local "Used Parts Emporium" that's junk yard and ask them. OR just run a set down on craigs and tell the seller you need to check one and make sure they fit!!!

I can't imagine NOT having to do something with the lugs. Steel wheels are much thinner than aluminum. Even if only the outside wheels on the rear were changes out, I would think longer studs would be required. Am I missing something?

wingnut60 · 03-22-2017, 03:17 PM

Here are some questions for you--
How is it that the steel wheels and aluminum alloy wheels can be swapped to any position on a dually? You can run the steel on the front if you don't mind the look, and you can put the alloy front on the inner rear if you so desire?
If you have a lug that fits the alloy, then it will fit the steel unless the lug bottoms out, which it doesn't.
You can put the spare on anywhere, and it is steel--how does that work?

powderman · 03-22-2017, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miniceptor86

Powder coating once chipped will begin to bubble up and come off in sheets. The powder coat tends to hold moisture underneath and with no corrosion inhibitors exacerbates rust.

That is true only if the substrate was improperly prepped, or not fully cured.

BTDT.

uncledon · 03-22-2017, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Here are some questions for you--
How is it that the steel wheels and aluminum alloy wheels can be swapped to any position on a dually? You can run the steel on the front if you don't mind the look, and you can put the alloy front on the inner rear if you so desire?
If you have a lug that fits the alloy, then it will fit the steel unless the lug bottoms out, which it doesn't.
You can put the spare on anywhere, and it is steel--how does that work?

So you are saying that I should be able to take a set of (4) Chevy 8-lug aluminum wheels and put them on my truck without any problem? The factory lugs should be long enough and have enough thread purchase?

uncledon · 03-22-2017, 06:27 PM

Ok, so I did what I should have done in the first place. I went to "The Diesel Place" forum and got the answer there. Guess lots of people run steel inners and aluminum outers on the rear without having to mess with lugs. Thx.

wingnut60 · 03-22-2017, 06:49 PM

Looking back on my post, kinda looks snarky, sorry. I only know this because I'm on my 3rd dually, and the steel inner/spare has always bothered me--and the polish on one side of the alloys.
All late-model duallys with alloy wheels have the steel inner dual and spare--I guess to save $$.
If you are wanting newer wheels for your '02, then figure out the bolt pattern and go to Tredit.com to see what wheels will fit. Then you can look for something on Craigslist, tho most of the take-off sets are for late model trucks--it certainly is a low-cost way to get a set of new wheels. Have also seen sets of wheels/tires for less than the cost of the tires alone. As I said earlier, since '02, GM has surely changed the bolt pattern, at least Ford did.
Good luck--new set of wheels makes for a happy truck!!

uncledon · 03-22-2017, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Looking back on my post, kinda looks snarky, sorry. I only know this because I'm on my 3rd dually, and the steel inner/spare has always bothered me--and the polish on one side of the alloys.
All late-model duallys with alloy wheels have the steel inner dual and spare--I guess to save $$.
If you are wanting newer wheels for your '02, then figure out the bolt pattern and go to Tredit.com to see what wheels will fit. Then you can look for something on Craigslist, tho most of the take-off sets are for late model trucks--it certainly is a low-cost way to get a set of new wheels. Have also seen sets of wheels/tires for less than the cost of the tires alone. As I said earlier, since '02, GM has surely changed the bolt pattern, at least Ford did.
Good luck--new set of wheels makes for a happy truck!!

Youre a good man for making an apology Wingnut, but I didn't read your post as snarky. Thx. for all the info.