Lighter Wheels vs. Heavier Wheels?

[ryancalhoon]

I am looking at a couple different wheel options for my new 35" Nitto Ridge Grapplers to go on my 2020 Rubicon.
One of them is the SCS K5 which is 25 lbs. and the other is the Raceline 949 7X which is 32 lbs. How much difference would I feel between these 2 different wheels on 35" Ridge Grapplers considering that amount of weight difference? Should that weight difference sway me one way or the other?

Sponsored

 

[Philly_]

Stay lighter if you can. You won’t regret saving weight, especially with heavier tires.

Although, weight of the tire has a greater impact than the weight of the wheel because of the distance from the hub.

I have 35” KO2’s with Method 704’s and I believe the wheels weigh ~33lbs. I could feel the weight after I swapped factory rubicon wheels/tires off, but the tire size and weight went up as well so I can’t say if it was more from the wheel or the tire.

Again, best to stay lighter if you can, but I wouldn’t fret too much if you’re set on the heavier wheels.

 

[blnewt]

Nittos are some of the heaviest tires out there, so yeah, if you can shave some on the wheels side that's a good plan. At least you have the 4.10 gears so shouldn't be as noticeable vs. running the same set on a Sport

 

[aldo98229]

You will feel the added weight in the way of a lumbering feel on corners, a harsher ride and, likely, shittier MPG.

 

[J0E]

Per ChatGPT:

In off-road situations such as rock crawling, the mass of the vehicle is generally more important than the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires in terms of the strain on the drivetrain. This is because rock crawling involves slow-speed, low-gear maneuvers that require a lot of torque and traction to overcome obstacles.

In these situations, the weight of the vehicle can provide the necessary traction and stability to climb over rocks and other obstacles. However, too much weight can also put excessive strain on the drivetrain, particularly on the axles, differential, and transfer case.

The rotational inertia of the wheels and tires can also affect the vehicle's ability to crawl over obstacles, but to a lesser extent than the weight of the vehicle. Wheels and tires with a lower rotational inertia can be more responsive to changes in terrain and can help maintain traction on uneven surfaces. However, reducing the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires is typically not a priority in rock crawling situations, as the focus is more on the vehicle's weight, traction, and ground clearance.

In summary, while the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires can have an impact on off-road performance, the weight and mass of the vehicle are generally more important factors to consider when rock crawling and minimizing the strain on the drivetrain.

I've got beadlocks and 38x13.5R17 Nittos on my JLR and never worried about weight. The 42x13.5R20 donut spare for my LJR is on the lightest non-beadlock I could find, it weights 143 lbs. The 43" Treps on beadlocks must be over 160.

 

[blnewt]

Per ChatGPT:

In off-road situations such as rock crawling, the mass of the vehicle is generally more important than the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires in terms of the strain on the drivetrain. This is because rock crawling involves slow-speed, low-gear maneuvers that require a lot of torque and traction to overcome obstacles.

In these situations, the weight of the vehicle can provide the necessary traction and stability to climb over rocks and other obstacles. However, too much weight can also put excessive strain on the drivetrain, particularly on the axles, differential, and transfer case.

The rotational inertia of the wheels and tires can also affect the vehicle's ability to crawl over obstacles, but to a lesser extent than the weight of the vehicle. Wheels and tires with a lower rotational inertia can be more responsive to changes in terrain and can help maintain traction on uneven surfaces. However, reducing the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires is typically not a priority in rock crawling situations, as the focus is more on the vehicle's weight, traction, and ground clearance.

In summary, while the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires can have an impact on off-road performance, the weight and mass of the vehicle are generally more important factors to consider when rock crawling and minimizing the strain on the drivetrain.

I've got beadlocks and 38x13.5R17 Nittos on my JLR and never worried about weight. The 42x13.5R20 donut spare for my LJR is on the lightest non-beadlock I could find, it weights 143 lbs. The 43" Treps on beadlocks must be over 160.

Yep, just depends on how you plan to roll

 

[Tncdrew]

Per ChatGPT:

In off-road situations such as rock crawling, the mass of the vehicle is generally more important than the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires in terms of the strain on the drivetrain. This is because rock crawling involves slow-speed, low-gear maneuvers that require a lot of torque and traction to overcome obstacles.

In these situations, the weight of the vehicle can provide the necessary traction and stability to climb over rocks and other obstacles. However, too much weight can also put excessive strain on the drivetrain, particularly on the axles, differential, and transfer case.

The rotational inertia of the wheels and tires can also affect the vehicle's ability to crawl over obstacles, but to a lesser extent than the weight of the vehicle. Wheels and tires with a lower rotational inertia can be more responsive to changes in terrain and can help maintain traction on uneven surfaces. However, reducing the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires is typically not a priority in rock crawling situations, as the focus is more on the vehicle's weight, traction, and ground clearance.

In summary, while the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires can have an impact on off-road performance, the weight and mass of the vehicle are generally more important factors to consider when rock crawling and minimizing the strain on the drivetrain.

I've got beadlocks and 38x13.5R17 Nittos on my JLR and never worried about weight. The 42x13.5R20 donut spare for my LJR is on the lightest non-beadlock I could find, it weights 143 lbs. The 43" Treps on beadlocks must be over 160.

You know what's nice about following forums like this?
Communicating with PEOPLE, and the benefit that comes from reading the vast wealth of other PEOPLE'S experiences.
It's important to me, at any rate. ?

 

[J0E]

You know what's nice about following forums like this?
Communicating with PEOPLE, and the benefit that comes from reading the vast wealth of other PEOPLE'S experiences.
It's important to me, at any rate. ?

Exactly ignore physics and go with other people's feelings

 

[Tncdrew]

Exactly ignore physics and go with other people's feelings

You missed my whole point, but that's ok. Take care

Sponsored