ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: bentparts on May 11, 2006, 02:45:31 PM
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I've been considering replacing my stock steel rims with some aftermarket aluminum rims, for weight savings as well as appearence. I know from my motorcycling experience that lighter rolling stock is better on the suspension, and for performance. The less unsprung weight the better the suspension performs, and the easier it is to accelerate and brake the wheels. Does anyone have any experience with alloy wheels on their off road Trackick? Is the alloy rim significantly lighter? Is it worth it? I'm running 31x9.5 Swamper TSL Radials on stock rims now. Any reccomendations on brand and rim size. I may go to a 32 or 33 x10.5 in the future if the 5.83 gears from Boondox come thru, so I'd like to be able to use the same rim. Thanks Guys.
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You should try and find a newer set of Aluminum Sidekick rims. I am pretty sure that all Suzuki 15inch rims are interchangeable, as long as they're off of a 4x4 off-road unit. You should definetly get a set of Aluminum wheels, super tough.
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the astock sidekick rims are a little narrow for anything over a 235 size tire. I have 15x7 rims with 9.5" wide tires and they fit nice.
Alum is lighter but not as tough for offroading. They still work fine but can't take the fits from large rocks like a steel wheel can.
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:) Thanks Chet, if I wanted to go with a 15x7, could I go to a 10.5" wide tire in the future without a problem?
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I forgot to mention, I have scraped the edges of my rims a few times, I guess with alloy I would have taken a chunk out probably.
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A 7" rim is about perfect for a 10.5" wide tire. 8) How do you like those TSL Radials?
I'm kinda going through this right now. I want the lighter wheels and would like a narrower rim with less backspacing. Lighter wheels would be good as well.
In my shed I have some aluminum Tracker wheels and a stock steel one. The difference, while not great, is noticeable. It will only get bigger as the wheels get bigger. A while ago I was comparing various aluminum 15x8's and steel 15x8's online and the shipping weight of the steel ones was around 30lbs while the aluminum ones was closer to 20lbs. It ads up but it isn't dramatic.
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I have aluminum turbine rims from an old Bronco on my tracker that I'm running 31x10.5 tires and it seems fine. They were cheap too.....just like me!
:)
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I'm also a motorcycle guy 8) That said, I'll have to trow in a "that depends". Keeping in mind that 4x4 and motorcycle are totally different applications. I'll trow out the pro's and con's and see what you think is best for you...
Lighter Wheel:
All these pro's are for "at speed" (driving on the street). When traveling slow (like when offraoding), a few pounds of rotational weight doesn't matter. On the street, you'll see gas savings, improved breaking, improved accelleration, and less unsprung weight = your suspension will behave better.
Cons: Won't take the same abuse when offroading. Steel is MUCH stronger, and can take punishment from scrapes and dings.
So, if your Zuk is a daily driver, aluminum is good. If you're wanting offroad reliability - keep the steel wheels.
~J~
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Are you sure steel is stronger?
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Steel wheels are certainly more durable, they rarely crack, and aluminum wheels will crack quite easily.
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Are you sure steel is stronger?
Absolutely. Aluminum just doesn't have the strength that Steel does. Like Quaddawg said, they crack easily.