Alloy vs Steel

[XxShaggzxX]

I tried to search for it and I didn't see what I was really looking for.
I understand the difference between alloy and steel wheels and everyone I go Jeeping with all use steel. So are alloy wheels really that bad? I know steel you can make them almost be a wheel again if things get out of hand but how often are alloy wheels really breaking or bending?
If I could run a 15 inch steelie it would be different but they don't fit so the prices are real close for some alloy wheels so I am leaning towards alloy based on availability and diverse options.

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[MrZappo]

Its not a problem until it is and then you are SOL ... If an alloy rim cracks it all over ... Stranded ...

Unlikely unless you are really pounding on things IMHO though ...

 

[whiteglad]

Wider tires protect the rim area of the wheel. You have to be pretty extreme to break a wheel that is properly torqued to the hub.

 

[InvertedLogic]

You'd have to mess up pretty bad to destroy an alloy wheel I'd think. I'm talking 5psi and running through a rock garden at 30mph. The rim of the wheel might get scratched by big rocks in tight spots, but I've never seen one destroyed outside of a car accident or a racetrack.

 

[PyrPatriot]

I worry about the rim cracking, but only if I was going long-term in remote, especially places like South America or Africa, yah I would take steel wheels, and 2 spare tires/wheels at that!

 

[XxShaggzxX]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I honestly don't see myself putting my Gladiator in a situation that may result in a broken wheel. I am still quite new to the Jeeping and my bank account has a tight grip on how crazy I can get.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I honestly don't see myself putting my Gladiator in a situation that may result in a broken wheel. I am still quite new to the Jeeping and my bank account has a tight grip on how crazy I can get.

I run 35s on stock alloy wheels. Aired down to 20-25psi, lots of sidewall bulge on the 3-ply sidewalls to protect the wheel, in my conditions of wheeling

 

[XxShaggzxX]

PyrPatriot that looks like a whole lot like mine. I dig it.

 

[PyrPatriot]

PyrPatriot that looks like a whole lot like mine. I dig it.

You have good taste

 

[TJDave]

I learned to hate steel wheels on my Jeep TJ almost 20 years ago. Ever since solid axles and coil springs was introduced, precise balancing is a must.
Often, after aired down off road, I would develop a wobble. I must of hit a rock or a stump just enough to bend the steel wheel and throw it off balance. A trip to the tire store for a balance fixed it..again and again. A problem I never had with the old alloy Rubicon Moab wheels. So, I went back to alloy wheels and never looked back. Happy wheeling decades and a few Jeeps later, I've never cracked a rim, and never had to re-balance unless I was upgrading tires.

 

[XxShaggzxX]

I learned to hate steel wheels on my Jeep TJ almost 20 years ago. Ever since solid axles and coil springs was introduced, precise balancing is a must.
Often, after aired down off road, I would develop a wobble. I must of hit a rock or a stump just enough to bend the steel wheel and throw it off balance. A trip to the tire store for a balance fixed it..again and again. A problem I never had with the old alloy Rubicon Moab wheels. So, I went back to alloy wheels and never looked back. Happy wheeling decades and a few Jeeps later, I've never cracked a rim, and never had to re-balance unless I was upgrading tires.

That is very informative to me. Thanks for your input.

 

[dreston]

A nice set of alloy wheels will not bend easily.

 

[WXman]

Steel can be bent back into shape enough to get off the trail or side of the road if you hit something. Steel can also be sanded and painted to keep them looking the same for 50 years. But, they are heavier than alloy which sacrifices a tad bit of fuel economy and that's why automakers started using light weight alloys decades ago.

Weight/efficiency and looks = alloy

Function and longevity = steel

 

[Phljeeper]

Steel has its advantages but so does alloy. IMO, alloy looks much better. I will admit that I cracked an alloy wheel once (and I don’t think I was doing anything dumb) but have been wheeling alloys for the last 15 years and one cracked wheel doesn’t seem terrible or frequent. Was an unfortunate incident and slid off an obstacle and hit it just in the wrong spot I guess. I would think I would have damaged a steelie too. Just ran the spare and had to replace the alloy wheel (AEV covered it as warranty). For what it’s worth I have had multiple other broken parts on the trail over the years including a driveshaft, axle shaft, shock, tie rod, and others I am not thinking of right now. So all said you will probably break parts wheeling but steel vs alloy doesn’t seem to me to make much difference. Go with what you like.

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