steel whees v. aluminum - weight?

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:22 pm

How much more do steel wheels of the same size (ie, Dunlap 16x7) weigh as compared to aluminum rims (like in my renegade)? Anyone know?

I'm considering getting a set. Anyone want to buy my Renegade rims?

raceinfan · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:31 pm

Adam don't know about the wieght issue

but where you wheel quite often I'd go with steel regardless just to be safe,I'm looking into the steel rock crawler rims 97 series I guess the outer edge is rolled to prevent blowing a bead during low tire pressure while wheeling :wink:

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:37 pm

Thinking about these:

raceinfan · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:41 pm

COOL

I've looked at those also

Guest · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:37 pm

I ONLY run steel wheels off road...the strength is definitely worth the increase in rotating weight. I've broken a few beads on aluminum wheels...no more for me.

lilmatty · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 11:01 pm

Buy 'em Adam.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 11:02 pm

There is no real weight benefit to the Aluminum vs Steel wheels...

My Rubicon wheels with 245 MTR's weigh in at about 74 lbs
Stock Sport steels with 255 BFG AT's weigh in at about 72 lbs.

the issue is more the bead and where/how you wheel, steel if you bend it, I have seen people pound it back and able to get their bead to seal so we could get off the trail. Aluminum, you chunk it, and you are done.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sat Dec 17, 2005 11:08 pm

thanks for the info. great tips.

"chunk it" i guess means you take a chunk out of the bead area and therefore cannot use that rim again. Makes sense.

Again, I ask, Anyone want a used set of renegade rims? ;-)

benmar2000 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:23 am

These are what I am running on my YJ.. I like them...

I am thinking of getting these for my Kj when I do my lift next year... They are the chrome version...

And if you trash one.. No big deal.. They are cheap to replace..

Ben

Guest · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 2:32 am

Those are the exact wheels i've been lookin at.

on one hand, chrome would set my patriot blue off pretty nicely. on the other hand, i'm a black steelie man

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 9:31 am

I thought the soft 8's don't fit the KJ's due to backspacing?

They seem to only come in 16x7 or x8 with either 4" or 5" of backspacing.

Can someone clear a few things up for me:

Stock size: 16x7x4.5" of BS.
Rubi Size: 16x8x5" of BS

correct?

And as I understand it, the backspacing is measured from inner lip of rim to the face or mounting surface of rim. Therefore, the larger the number, the closer to the sway bar the rim/tire is moved. Conversely, the smaller the number, the more the assembly is pushed out.

Assuming offset is kept the same, an 8" wide rim will need an extra .5" of backspacing to keep it centered the same as a 7" rim. This makes sense; manufacturers like to keep weight centered over wheel bearings.

According to the tire rack's web site, BFG recommends my 245x75's be mounted on a 7" rim. I get very little rubbing right now with the stock rims. (even less once ARB goes on this week!). Lil Matty is running 16x7x5" of BS and said he no longer rubs on sway bars. Does rub slightly when turning hard into a bump, like entering a driveway. Also noticed a definite difference in stance (wider). (I never rubbed on sway bars.)

I'm looking for replies from people running the following:

- 8" wide rim with 245x75 tire.
- 7" wide rim with that same tire.

Tell me what BS you have and where it rubs. Also what brand tire you have.

Maybe we can settle this once and for all. THANKS THANKS!

raceinfan · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 9:46 am

I thought the stock 16x7 rims were 4 inch backspacing :?:

I have the same rims as you adam on my columbia ed.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 9:50 am

Can anyone COMFIRM that stock backspacing is? I can't find that info anywhere. If someone has a stock rim laying around without a tire on it, can you measure it?

(lay rim down on it's face, put straigh edge across the side that's now up, and measure the distance from mounting surface to straight edge.)

NHLiberty · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 10:46 am

Don't forget - unless you move the OEM valve stems (with the low tire pressure sensor) you'll be living with the low tire pressure idiot light like I am

raceinfan · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 10:50 am

I don't think I have that luckily

benmar2000 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 11:33 am

If you order them from Summit Racing.. You can get 5in backspacing for those rims... As for stock backspacing.. I think it is 5.5in but the Rubicon MOAB wheels are 5in.. I think that is what I read somewhere on here.. Someone correct me if I am wrong..

Ben

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 11:45 am

benmar2000 wrote:

If you order them from Summit Racing.. You can get 5in backspacing for those rims... As for stock backspacing.. I think it is 5.5in but the Rubicon MOAB wheels are 5in.. I think that is what I read somewhere on here.. Someone correct me if I am wrong..

Ben

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm looking for fact, not "I think I heard from my brother's cousin's roommate..." etc.

Facts please. Just the facts.

pixeldzn · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 11:56 am

After we get the definitive answer, we need to post a sticky in the tires section.

Moab rims size/BS
stock 16" steel rims size/BS
stock aluminum rims size/bs
stock limited rims size /BS

reccomended upgrade size/BS

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:13 pm

I sent an email to DMX via Jeep.com. I've found them to be pretty responsive in the past as long as their answers can't get them sued ;-)

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2005 6:58 pm

My stock aluminum wheels are 16x7 with 5.5" backspacing.

These steel wheels you guys are talking about in this thread are awesome wheels, and they will fit the KJ in a 15x8 size with 4.0" backspacing!! I've seen two KJs with these 15x8 wheels on them. Supposedly, these steel wheels are one of only two 15" wheels on the market that will work on the KJ! And in 15x8, they are only $43 each!!

I'm really thinking about getting some of these in 15x8 for my KJ.

steel whees v. aluminum - weight?

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