Wheels - steel or alloy?

[longfiredragon]

Steel, or Alloy?

Steel - might be heavier/stronger (Cheaper, less to choose from)
Alloy - Lighter? (More expensive in general, More Styles)

Manufacture ? (Have no clue, who is good, bad, or ugly)

Thanks

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[aldo98229]

How about both; alloys that look like steelies?

 

[longfiredragon]

Right. Those have a great old school look on your jeep, very nice.

Also, do I need lighter wheels with 35"s and the D30 axles. I don't want to have too much weight, I read on here 35'S are already pushing the strength of the D30.

 

[aldo98229]

My educated guess is that the added stress on the D30 axles comes from the larger diameter of the 35s, more than from the unsprung weight.

 

[Some Random Guy]

What are you planning to do? I wouldn’t worry about the D30 unless you put in a locker and drive stupid.
Does ocean spray accelerate corrosion on steel down there? I’m not familiar. My steel Sport wheels were corroding within 1,000 miles here in Washington.

 

[longfiredragon]

I won't be doing crazy hard core off roading no.

The salt from the ocean can be really bad, but only if you live over near the ocean. I am about 20 miles inland, so not bad. I have heard it can be a bigger issue up north if they salt the roads in the winter.

I heard some say you would have to rinse you vehicle every day you drive it with fresh water if there is salt on the roads.

Washington State right? It can be a very wet place even if you're not on the coast. I lived there for about 7 years, graduated high school there.

 

[garyji]

". . . 20 miles inland" You still have plenty of salt air.

G.

 

[Some Random Guy]

I’d still recommend alloy wheels. Steels can make sense if they’re free, for off-road use only, or you’re on a budget and *need* new wheels for size problems.
I’m also a function over form person (see my hacked up plastic bumper winch install).
I doubt you can find a bad enough wheel available new from any reputable shop that it would actually be a concern. I’d worry more about having a design that can get caught on things.

 

[dragoneggs]

No brainer for me. Alloy.

Less weight, better looking, lots of designs, less corrosion.

 

[longfiredragon]

I was leaning towards alloy wheels.

I have lived in FL. since 1986, always 15 to 20 miles inland. Never had serious rust or corrosion issues. But I know friends that live right on the water and on the beech area and it is a lot worse.

 

[blnewt]

Just be sure to select wheels w/ proper backspacing (or offset). Don't want tires poking like a skateboard or tucked in where contact will occur w/ even a mild bump.

 

[Jim1964]

The most significant difference really only involves severe service where it might take an impact. Steel will bend and for a trail side repair can be hammered on. Alloy will crack or break.

For mainstream use, not likely to ever matter.

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