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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: Soupy on June 14, 2011, 11:59:57 PM

Title: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: Soupy on June 14, 2011, 11:59:57 PM

So I scored a set of 5 235/75-15 wintercat snow tires on bronco rims. Unfortunately the center bore is to small in diameter. Fortunately I lready had a spare set of 8" rims that fit my tracker.
#1 Any gueses what I should expect to pay to have a machine shop increase the center bore diameter?   Any suggestions in either Portland or Salem OR?
#2 The metal is much thicker on these rims than any I have seen before. I'm guesing that would give them a heavier load rating for a f150? Is thicker / heavier better for mild wheelng? or is a lighter more typical steel rim a better way to go?

I'm debating whether I should sell the rims or put the $$ into them ans keep them for my next set of tires

Title: Re: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: tuxblacray on June 15, 2011, 03:52:41 AM

I did a set of aluminium factory Ford rims on a Bridgeport Mill with the tires on them. Mill the center bore out to 4.25.... My shop charges $50.00 an hour and it will take them an hour to do all 4. If you can find a friend who works in a machine shop the hourly rate gets much better.....  :laugh:

Title: Re: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: Soupy on June 15, 2011, 10:52:11 PM

Does anyone have any opinions if the thicker / heavier rims are better or worse for a sidekick. I know in the miata world lighter is almost always better for performance.

Title: Re: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: Invincible on June 16, 2011, 07:09:42 AM

I think they are way overkill for the tire size you are running.  Aluminum rims are the way to go.

Title: Re: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: Drone637 on June 16, 2011, 02:18:08 PM

It depends on what you are looking to do.  Aluminum is lighter and should give you a bit more power, but if your wheeling and in low range it won't make all that much of a difference.  And it's easier to pound a dent out of a metal rim.

Title: Re: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: Invincible on June 17, 2011, 11:07:43 AM

Thats what I do most and pounding a dent out of a rim is rarely a concern.  The reduced unsprung weight is well worth the very small risk in my opinion, especially when cruising down a gravel road full of washboards.
 

Title: Re: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: tuxblacray on June 18, 2011, 07:43:47 AM

Aluminium rims take a pretty good beating. Drone's point is a dead on if you wheel in an area that is rocky or you might bounce it really hard.

If your a drivin down the road / me & my buddies wanna play in the mud or run down thru the creek kinda guy these will work for you.

I love aluminium rims because of the durablity, light weight, and easy maintenance. I have them on my Samurai because I put 9.5 x 34 x 15 TSL's on it and wanted to keep the weight down as much as possible. Anything to make life easier on the drivetrain / motor is a good deal both on and off the road.

Here is a pic of the aluminium factory Ford Outlaw II rims that I milled down and have the same size tires (235 x 15). These are on my Vitara.....

(http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/45261/2460876230081905758S600x600Q85.jpg)

Title: Re: Ford Bronco rims
Post by: Soupy on June 18, 2011, 03:04:04 PM

I think that settles it ... anyone want to trade  / buy a set of steel ford bronco rims? ... will post up in classifieds when I get pics