Steel vs Aluminum

Maybe need direction to another thread.

Was looking at getting new tires, possibly new rims to replace aluminum alloy.

Concerned at the possibility of corrosion on the alloy and looking at added strength and ability to repair on the steel rim.

Downside seems to be additional weight. Any input or recommendation? Looking at either 16" or 17".

 

Weight savings is worth it for the aluminum imo. Strength and repair ability of wheels is very rarely a concern.

 

Your frame will rot before the rims. Go aluminum

 

Normally I'd agree, but the area I live in has poor road conditions. Many friends in the area have cracked rims due to highway potholes.

 

I sure hope not with the fluid film each year, but darn this salt :/

 

What kind of tires? I could see that with the lower profile stuff, but anything with a decent amount of sidewall should have no issue

 

Aluminum corrosion is relatively harmless, are steel wheels really stronger? Obviously the material is but they are designed very differently.

 

One was a low pro, the other just a stock sedan 17" rim, not sure on the tire size. Not sure if it just hit poorly along the side. for reference when I say pothole, it was a good 4" deep and as wide / wider than the tire

 

I assume more aluminum is used, but just dependent on the design, that's why I was looking for any recommendations. For steel I was looking at American racing, not sure on an alloy.

 

I think Aluminum would be stronger then a stamped sheet metal wheel, just a hunch not sure. I recently ordered wheels from RRW I got the RR6-H. Everything depends on budget.

 

Yeah, even a 17 on a truck is going to have a lot more sidewall cushion than those. You’d really have to screw up to break an aluminum wheel on one of these if you’re running something like a 70 aspect ratio

 

do you live in PA?

 

NW PA yea

 

Steelies give a noticeably better ride over rough roads and potholes.

 

yea, those roads are awful. my condolences.

 

We wanted to chime in as well. As others noted, with enough sidewall the wheel would be protected.

Unfortunately your area is notorious for horrible roads, and although they may take a toll on all vehicles, only the short sidewalls are really in danger of damaging a wheel.

For corrosion resistance, fully painted wheels will fair far better than a polished or machine finish. We can help further, pm on the way.

 

I vaguely wanted aluminum, till I saw this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWM3o2v46KI

 

If damaged steel can be repaired. Aluminum usually cannot be repaired. I've been driving for a long time and never had a problem with either. Generally speaking I think most aluminum looks better. Not enough difference in weight to matter on a Tacoma.