Knowing the different models’ bolt patterns and the lug pattern Dodge RAM 1500 and choosing the right one can help you make an informed decision if you’re looking to purchase new wheels for your Dodge Ram 1500.
The thing is that the vast majority of drivers and car owners don’t understand bolt patterns. when they are trying to purchase new wheels and rims for their vehicles, they are often left confused as to where to begin. This is what we aim to address in this post.
We will discuss the lug and bolt pattern of the Dodge Ram 1500 models made between 1994 and 2022 in this post. Additionally, we’ll be looking at some of the other popular type of RAM trucks… Including the 2500 and 3500. Let’s get started!
Bolt Pattern
When determining whether a wheel will fit your car or not, the bolt pattern of your car should be one of, if not the first factors to take into account.
But the one thing that makes the issue of bolt and lug patterns seem confusing to drivers is that there are different types of bolt patterns. You’ve likely heard of a 5-lug bolt pattern, 4-lug bolt pattern, etc. So which one does your car have?
That said, the great thing is that even though there are many different bolt patterns currently in use on vehicles, breaking the code isn’t as difficult as it first appears.
The number and spacing of the lug hole openings that correspond to the corresponding stud or bolt pattern measurement on the vehicle hub make up the bolt pattern.
Think of a circle that touches every stud and bolt hole. The bolt pattern features the number of holes and the diameter of that circle, which you can sometimes measure in inches and other times in millimeters.
Lug Pattern Dodge RAM 1500 – 4 Lug Wheel Pattern
For a wheel with four lugs, measuring the lug pattern Dodge RAM 1500 is relatively simple because you can measure from the center of one opening straight across to the other.
But patterns with odd numbers, like the 5×5 bolt pattern, require an additional step. When measuring a five-lug wheel’s bolt pattern, one must start to measure from the center of one lug. Then measure the imagined outboard plane that would connect the opposite two lugs.
It should be possible to confirm the pattern using this method. But there are several 5-bolt patterns with diameters that are extremely close to one another. This is best to check with a bolt pattern guide or buy a bolt pattern gauge to be certain.
Note: Unless accurately measured using a bolt pattern gauge, the measurement of a 5-lug wheel is only an estimate.
An uncommon and specialized tool is a bolt pattern gauge. Fitment specialists have precise bolt pattern details for every vehicle and review the data before listing a wheel as an exact fit for that vehicle. This ensures the proper fitment of 5-lug wheels.
Only wheels that will fit the chosen vehicle will show when choosing wheels by vehicle.
Lug Pattern Dodge RAM 1500, 1994–2001
The second-generation Ram 1500 model had a rugged appearance, exceptional toughness, and durability. Its impressiveness was even a topic of the prestigious MotorTrend Truck of the Year award.
If you want to find out more about (Dodge) RAM trucks, we’ve plenty of extensive guides discussing them. That includes looking at some of the more simple stuff… Such as how to program a Dodge key fob without a working one. Plus, we’ve compared it against other popular trucks, such as the RAM Rebel vs the Ford Raptor.
Alternatively, if you’re thinking of buying a used RAM, you might want to know if the RAM V6 vs V8 is better. Of course, we’ve also looked into the history of the Viper truck, and the Dodge Power Wagon, as well as some tips and tricks.
The latter includes discussing the reliability of the RAM EcoDiesel. On top of that, the reliability of the RAM 1500 by model year, in addition to the Dodge RAM transmission problems.
Dodge RAM 1500 Specifications:
- Center bore (CB) 77.8 mm thread size (THD)
- Wheel fasteners 1/2′′ – 20 UNF lug nuts
The lug pattern Dodge RAM 1500 from 1994 to 2001 was 55.5′′ (5139.7mm). This indicates that you will require five lug nuts to secure a wheel to this truck’s axle.
Additionally, a breakdown of the lug pattern Dodge RAM 1500 reveals that the RAM 1500’s rims have a diameter of 5.5 inches or 139.7mm.
Lug Pattern Dodge RAM 1500, 2002–2010
Despite a few minor differences, the third generation of the Dodge Ram 1500 resembled its predecessor.
For instance, the third-generation Dodge Ram 1500 offered more engine and suspension style options in addition to newer frame designs.
- Center bore (CB) 77.8 mm thread size (THD)
- Wheel fasteners 9/16′′ – 18 UNF lug nuts
On the models manufactured under the Dodge RAM 1500 brand from 1994 to 2001, the 55.5′′ bolt pattern was maintained. The wheel has five lug holes and a 5.5-inch pitch circle diameter (or 139.7mm).
Ram 1500 Lug And Bolt Pattern, 2011 – 2018
Sure, RAM and Dodge are still under the same parent company. However, Chrysler chose to separate them into separate businesses in 2010. This is clear by the fact that this generation was sold under the RAM name.
Dodge expanded its service offerings to include passenger cars like sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and minivans while RAM produced pickup trucks.
The lug pattern for the Dodge RAM 1500 (2011 to 2018) nevertheless retained the typical 55.5′′ lug and bolt pattern found on other models.
This model’s five-lug pattern is the same as other trucks with similar lug patterns. It measures 5.5 inches or 139.7mm across the pitch circle.
There was a change in the lug pattern Dodge RAM 1500 for the most recent generation, which runs from 2019 to 2022.
Other models of the Ram 1500 2019–2022 have a lug and bolt pattern of 65.5′′ or 6139.7mm. This translates to a six-lug pattern and a diameter of 5.5 inches for the pitch circle (PCD).
The Ram 1500 Classic’s bolt pattern is still 55.5′′ (5139.7mm), though.
Oh, and if you need to learn more about lug/bolt patterns, we’ve made in-depth overviews for other models besides the RAM 1500…
So, if you need to know the bolt pattern for a Ford Explorer, the bolt pattern on a Jeep Gladiator, the bolt pattern on a Chevy Silverado, the bolt pattern on a Ford Fusion, or the lug pattern on a Ford F150, do check out our write-ups there.
Bolt Pattern RAM 2500
We’ll discuss the knowledge you need to have in order to choose the ideal new tires or rims for your 2500 today.
The RAM 2500, which was produced starting in 2019, has an 86.5-inch bolt pattern (8165.1mm). It also has a center bore of 4.78 inches (121.3mm), and eight-lug nuts with an M14 x 1.5 thread size that must be tightened with 130lb-ft (176Nm) of force.
The bolt pattern on RAM 2500 models made between 2012 and 2018 is 86.5 inches (8165.1mm), the center bore is 4.78 inches (121.3mm), and there are eight lug nuts with an M14 x 1.5 thread size.
The 2011 RAM 2500 has an 8×6.5 inch (8×165.1 mm) bolt pattern, a center bore of 4.78 inches (121.3 mm), and eight-lug nuts with an M12 x 1.25 thread size that require 118 to 147.5 lb-ft (160 to 200 Nm) of torque to be tightened.
Tires And Rims For Ram 1500
New tire purchases can be intimidating. Given the overwhelming array of brands, sizes, and tire types available, it’s easy to become confused. But don’t worry, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge you need to select the best tires for your vehicle at the price you desire.
You must have the following information before making a purchase:
- What type of tires does my vehicle require?
- How much longer will the tires I’m considering last?
- How much am I willing to spend?
- Should I upgrade my tires rather than just get a new set of tires?
This guide will give you an idea of whether or not your ideal setup is feasible, no matter how mild or extreme it may be.
Sure this guide is for cars with Carli or Thuren performance suspension systems. The fitment information applies to lifts from the majority of other brands as well.
Trucks that go through intensive off-road driving will need more tire clearance, which is another crucial factor to consider.
For everyday use, a 3″ level might be sufficient to clear 40s, but fully cycling the suspension travel off-road will reveal something different.
You must carefully choose your wheel, tire, and lift configuration. This is if you want to move a lot of meat while still driving the truck hard.
To ensure a perfect fit, it’s crucial to buy wheels with the right offset and backspace. Check out this guide for a thorough explanation of wheel offset and backspace.
Wheel Width
However, offset and backspace only provide a partial picture. More tires than the printed size measure wider and taller.
Wheel width only makes this problem worse. A 13.5″ wide tire will expand outward when mounted on an 8″ wide wheel.
Take a step back before we begin. When it comes to wheels, tires, and lifts, it’s simple to overdo it. However, it’s a good idea to give your stock steering or suspension components a thorough inspection. This is before you add strain to them.
Check out our store if you need steering parts, ball joints, or any other accessories. You might also want to think about re-gearing. This is especially if you intend to tow a heavy load with tires that are 35″ or larger.
The most popular wheel and tire combinations that will fit each truck’s lift height are below.
2014 Ram 2500/2013 Ram 3500
With aggressive mud terrain tires, a RAM truck model from 2014 (just be wary of the 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 problems) or later with stock wheels and stock suspension can accommodate 285-295 metric-sizing tires. These are on factory wheels with no trimming or very minor plastic trimming.
An offset wheel that is between 8.5 and 9″ wide is an option if you want a more aggressive stance. These are wider with perhaps a 2″ poke from the fender. You might need to trim a small portion of the plastic fender liner to fit that specification.
On top of that, while you’re thinking about wheels and tires, you should consider the weight of the trucks, too. So, do refer to our guides on the weight of the RAM 3500. As well as, the weight of the RAM 2500.
3″ Kits And A 2-3″ Lift Level
You can fit up to 295 tires on stock wheels without trimming. Since the factory wheels are the determining factor, this is the same as a truck with stock-height tires.
When turning to full steering lock, they rub against the suspension because they tuck tightly in.
Large side lug tires, like Toyo MT tires, will make more contact with the radius arm at full steering lock than rounded tires, like all-terrain tires.
Even with the use of a high clearance sway bar (for more insight, check out our guide on what is a sway bar in a car, and what does the sway bar do) and radius arm, some contact will still occur.
With minor plastic fender liner trimming, +18mm offset wheels that are 8-9 inches wide and have between 5.5″ and 6″ backspacing can fit up to a 37″x12.5″ tire.
Remember that the more trimming you need the larger the side lugs.
With more pinch weld trimming than the previous specification, 0mm offset wheels that are 8″-9″ inches wide and have a backspacing of anywhere between 4.75″ and 5″ will fit up to a 37″x12.5″ tire. A 0 offset wheel has approximately 2 “from the fender line, of poke.
For full clearance with a 37″x13.5″ wide tire on the same wheel, you will need more substantial trimming.
With a moderate pinch weld and plastic liner trimming, 37″x12.5″ tires will fit on -12mm offset, 8″–9″ wide, 4.5″ backspacing wheels. This setup will always have some contact and rub at full articulation.
You can typically run 35’s with a light trimming on wheels with a -24mm offset and a 10″ inch width. You can also run them on a wheel that is 12″ wide, with moderate trimming. Any offset greater than -24mm needs to go with a 33″ tire and also needs trimming.
Wide wheels come with a price: cutting and rubbing.
But, if full truck lifts are too costly, you could check out our guide on how much is a leveling kit, as well as how much does it cost to level a truck, for a more cost-effective means of increasing your truck’s height.
RAM 2500/3500 Models From 2010 To 2012
Ram trucks from 2010 to 2012 share nearly the same frame and suspension as third-generation trucks from 2003 to 2009. As a result, there are nearly identical options for wheels and tires.
With a little plastic liner trimming, you can use 305 metric tires on a third-generation Ram truck with stock height.
Large side lug tires, like Toyo MT tires, will rub against the arms at full lock and will require more trimming of the plastic fender liner.
8–9 aftermarket wheels “With a VERY LITTLE trimming, a wheel that is wide with +12–22mm offset or 5″–5.75″ of backspace will fit a 35″ tire.
Because they move the tire outward, this setup will clear the arms better than the stock wheels. A true 35 will fit in this “with VERY SMALL plastic fender liner trimming, tire at stock height.
After a slight trimming of the plastic, wheels with a 0 or -12 offset and 4.5″ to 5″ of backspacing can fit a 295 without rubbing. The plastic fender liner will need further trimming for true 35″ tires.
3″ Kits And A 2-3″ Lift Level
At full steering lock, 35″x12.5″ tires will fit on stock wheels with some minor control arm rubbing. At full lock, tires with big side lugs will bump into the control arms.
Trimming is unnecessary when using control arms with high clearance. You can use high clearance control arms to center the axle and provide tire clearance at full steering lock. You are free to use 37″x12.5″ tires on the stock wheels if you so choose.
37×13.5 tires are feasible with the same setup if the plastic and cab pinch weld has moderate trimming.
For a third-generation Ram, +12 to +27 offset wheels with 5.75″ of backspace are the best option for mounting the largest tire.
35″x12.5″ tires can fit with factory control arms with some minor plastic trimming.
On this platform, the maximum amount of space is provided by 18 offset wheels and high-clearance control arms. You will require high-clearance arms to prevent control arm rubbing for the steering lock.
After the 3″ lift, aftermarket control arms also aid in centering the axle, allowing for more clearance at the pinch weld and cab corner.
With aftermarket arms, some fender liner plastic trimming, and cab pinch welding, 37″x13.5″ tires will fit.
With a moderate pinch weld and plastic liner trimming, wheels with a 0mm/-12mm offset that are 8″-9″ inches wide and have about 4.5″ backspacing will fit a 37″x12.5″ tire.
Speaking of lifts, we have other resources on truck lifts, if you need some help. Previously, we’ve discussed hitches for lifted trucks, if you need to tow something. Also, we’ve looked at how much to lift a truck, as well as the best lift kit brands.
Aftermarket Control Arms
Again, 37″ best tires come with high clearance aftermarket control arms.
35’s can typically run with only light trimming on a 10″ wide wheel or with moderate trimming on a 12″ wide when using -24 offset wheels that are 10″-12″ inches wide.
You will need a 33″ tire to fit anything with an offset greater than -24 without experiencing significant rubbing.
To center the axle after the lift and to provide more space between the tire and the cab corner pinch weld, it is best to use longer control arms with larger tires. This will minimize the amount of trimming that you need.
Tire options are constrained with stock wheels. Because of lifts over 3, “require long arms or radius arms; both have less inner tire clearance due to the factory wheels’ wide backspacing. This means anything bigger than a 35″x12.5” tire will rub against the control arms when the steering lock fully engages.
A 10″ wide wheel will only need minor trimming. These offset and backspace values balance clearance between the cab corner, fender liner, and control arms while allowing for the largest tire to fit.
You will typically need a 35″ tire for 12″ or 14″ wide wheels. If you have 37s on 12 to 14″ wide wheels, you’ll either need an 8″ lift. You may also give up turning ability, or do a lot of trimming.
2003-2009 3rd Gen RAM 2500
You can use 35″x12.5″ tires on the stock wheels of a third-generation RAM truck with some minor rubbing.
Large side lug tires, like Toyo MT tires, will rub against the arms at full lock and will require more trimming of the plastic fender liner.
8–9 aftermarket wheels “A 35″ tire can fit on a wheel that is wide, +6 to +25mm offset, or 5″–5.75” of backspace with the SMALLEST amount of plastic fender liner trimming.
However, because they move the tire outward, they will make more contact with the body than the factory wheels with the same size tire. This setup will clear the arms better than the stock wheels.
If you decide to use an aggressive mud terrain tire, you might need to add more plastic liners and/or trim your fenders.
A 305/70 or metric 34″ tire can be mounted on wheels with an offset between 0 and -12 and a backspacing between 4.5″ and 5″ without rubbing. The plastic fender liner will need to be slightly more cropped to accommodate true 35″ tires.
There is a constraint of tire options with stock wheels. Because lifts over 3″ require long arms or radius arms; both have less inner tire clearance due to the factory wheels’ wide backspacing. which means anything bigger than a 35″x12.5″ tire will rub against the control arms when the steering lock is fully engaged.
A 37″x13.5″ tire will fit on 8.5″-10″ wheels having a 0mm/-12mm offset or 4.5″- 4.75″ backspace with just minor trimming.
A 10″ wide wheel will only need minor trimming. These offset and backspace values balance clearance between the cab corner, fender liner, and control arms while allowing for the largest tire to fit.
You will typically need a 35″ tire for 12″ or 14″ wide wheels. If you have 37s on 12 to 14″ wide wheels, you’ll need an 8″ lift give up turning ability, or do a lot of trimming.
1994-2002 RAM 2500
Ram trucks from the second generation are infamous for having limited space for aftermarket wheel and tire setups.
The largest tire size for a stock truck is 285/70/17 in order to clear it and prevent rub at full suspension compression in turn. Only aftermarket high clearance control arms will allow 35″x12.5″ tires to fit without rubbing at full steering lock.
If you’re looking for more references, make sure you refer to our detailed tire size chart, as well as how to read the rim size. In addition, we’ve also discussed installing big tires for trucks, and the pros and cons of bigger tires on trucks. So, you should be well-prepped on whether they’re worth fitting.
35″x12.5″ tires with a 0-12mm offset and 4.5″-4.75″ backspace wheels that are 8″-9″ wide will clear a 3″ level or suspension system.
Wheels with an offset of +18 to +25 will fit more flush. A little plastic liner trimming is necessary for stock arms. There, is very little to no trimming necessary with aftermarket arms.
Control arms from the aftermarket will fit 37″x12.5″. Wheels with a 0mm offset and 4.75″ backspacing are required to run 37″ tires.
It is also possible to use wheels with a +18mm offset and 5.75″ backspacing. But these are not recommended because, at full lock, the tires will rub most aftermarket arms.
Fender trimming is necessary, regardless of the wheel or control arm that is utilized. The front fender must be cut; a section must be removed. And then, it must be re-welded in order to clear at full suspension travel while turning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Bolt Pattern
‘Bolt circle diameter’ or ‘pitch circle diameter’ are common terms used to describe the situation where multiple screw holes for bolts are evenly spaced with their centers along an idealized circle with a specific diameter.
Why Did Dodge And Ram Split
Dodge and Ram made the decision to separate so that each brand could concentrate more on creating cutting-edge models for the market. After they broke up, Dodge concentrated its resources and efforts on sedans and muscle cars, reviving vintage models like the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
What Lug Pattern Is A Chevy 1500
Since the late 1960s, Chevy has produced 1500 44 pickup trucks with the 65.5 bolt pattern. Are 6139 7 and 65.5 the same pattern? is one of the most frequently asked queries about the Chevy bolt pattern. They have the same bolt pattern, yes.
