Steel vs Alloy

Looking at the possibility of replacing my stock 16" OR rims (primarily for looks) with either a new set of allows or steel. Steel is enticing being you can get good looking one for much cheaper. Is the weight that big of an issue? Will a daily driver with manjority highway miles notice it?

Trying to see if i can get what i want with steel or should i really just fork out the cash for some SCS or OEM alloys? If alloy is much better, than I might as well stick with the stock ones, and can put that money to other mods.

Thanks,

 

The lighter you can make it the better

 

is the biggest reason just for MPG's? How much will it change overall do you think?

 

Well oem steelies weighs the most, at roughly 31 lbs(17" steelies). That's what I'm running right now, and I notice the difference in mileage with a 2.7. Oem alloys aren't much lighter, avg 28lbs at 17".

 

Not much different on a 4.0, but the wheels are the best thing you can lighten up.

 

If you switch between steel and alloy, you will need different sensors. They do not interchange.

 

That's true too...I forgot my oems were also steelie, just the 5star version

 

If you go with steel let me know. I have 4 sensors I’ll sale you for $50. They came off my OEM.

 

So if I do switch over over from alloy to steel for cost purposes, it will cost more to switch sensors as well. Makes the switch less enticing..

 

I weighed the 16x7 steelies and they weigh about 28 lbs. The 16" 3rd Gen OR wheels are between 24-25lbs. The lighter the wheels/tires, the better overall.

Also steelies tpms will fit alloys.

 

Beware there are different alloys. If you plan on doing any kind of offroading, or heavy load carrying, do not buy cast alloys. The material ends up weaker than forged, and you will end up spending a ton of money repairing and replacing them. Cast is fine for light trail driving and normal around town use, forged is ok for medium off roading. If you plan on doing some pretty rough stuff, bite the bullet on weight and get steel.

 

3rd Gen OR wheels are a lot better looking than 2nd Gen ones. If you want to keep cost down, get those. I do believe the 2nd Gen OR wheels are lighter by a couple of pounds though. There's a few OEM alloys that are nice looking. Only reason manufacturers use steel wheels are to keep cost down that's why you only see them at the low end models.

 

I have aftermarket 16" steelies and will be switching to a 19lb SCS rim sometime soon. I can't wait to see how much the weight difference will feel and perform.

 

Yeah Ive seen some second gens with third gen OR wheels. Look pretty nice, probably can find a nice set for cheap when new 3rd gen owners go after market.

I like the 4Runner TRD Pro wheels, if that which OEM alloys youre thinking of

 

The 16" OR wheels are some of Toyota's lightest, and you are talking about going to some of Toyota's heaviest with steelies, which are also less durable and prone to corrosion.

You might find this thread useful:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...eel-tire-combo-trd-rock-warriors-ko2s.381030/

 

Basically pretty much all the 6 lug wheels off FJ, 4Runner, Tundra, and Sequoia (tacoma and pick ups included) will fit and some of them are actually nice and can be had for cheap. I've seen 3rd Gen wheels and tires go for as cheap as $500.

I personally like below and can be had for $200 or less a set.

 

I keep hearing this, but the sensors that came out of my alloys and steelie are identical

 

If they work then that's cool, but I know the part numbers are different and I thought they mounted at a slightly different angle, but I could be wrong about that.

 

I already have 6 lug toyota alloy set. I would like an upgrade either in performance or looks.

 

Alloys from a 4runner will bolt right on as well. I bought a set of 4 for $400ish off a 2016 that had never been mounted.