Dually Rims- Can you mix steel with Aluminum?
Hey Everyone-
I have a 1993 Ford E350 dually which houses a 1994 Eldorado. One of the outer rear rims has taken a beating on the outer bead and needs to be replaced. Currently, all rims are steel on the RV, however I have found a replacement Rim which is Aluminum at the local Truck junkyard.
This Alumimum rim will fit, but I am not sure if I should use it. My mechanic says that he has heard you should never put Alumimum and steel rims next to each other on a dually, but isn't sure why.
I have called the local dealership and asked if it is a no-no. The Parts guy told me that it is common practice for Aluminum to be put on the outside and steel on the inside. I checked some online forums and have found for the most part that everyone else does the same.
I then called the place I bought the aluminum rim from and asked if it is feasible and was told "probably not a good idea" (They thought I was looking for an aluminum rim and said they would they would return it no problem).
Well, I'm torn here- Of course safety is 1st always, BUT I can't find a concrete reason as to why I shouldn't mix Aluminum with steel; quite contrary from most people. This brings me to the price- The Used aluminum rim cost me $100 cash and carry.......A Steel rim from the ford dealership will cost $360 before tax. Now again, if it is a safety issue, then I don't have a problem spending...But I can't seem to get a real answer.
Help!!!
I have a 1993 Ford E350 dually which houses a 1994 Eldorado. One of the outer rear rims has taken a beating on the outer bead and needs to be replaced. Currently, all rims are steel on the RV, however I have found a replacement Rim which is Aluminum at the local Truck junkyard.
This Alumimum rim will fit, but I am not sure if I should use it. My mechanic says that he has heard you should never put Alumimum and steel rims next to each other on a dually, but isn't sure why.
I have called the local dealership and asked if it is a no-no. The Parts guy told me that it is common practice for Aluminum to be put on the outside and steel on the inside. I checked some online forums and have found for the most part that everyone else does the same.
I then called the place I bought the aluminum rim from and asked if it is feasible and was told "probably not a good idea" (They thought I was looking for an aluminum rim and said they would they would return it no problem).
Well, I'm torn here- Of course safety is 1st always, BUT I can't find a concrete reason as to why I shouldn't mix Aluminum with steel; quite contrary from most people. This brings me to the price- The Used aluminum rim cost me $100 cash and carry.......A Steel rim from the ford dealership will cost $360 before tax. Now again, if it is a safety issue, then I don't have a problem spending...But I can't seem to get a real answer.
Help!!!
