2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How strong (or weak) are 2000-2002 factory steel rims?

[CTD12V]

Hello All,

I would like to hear your experiences and input on the strength of the factory steel rims used from 2000 (I think) to 2002. These are the basic steel non-dually rims with the 9 small oval holes (factory P/N 5GE66S4AAA), as opposed to the earlier steel rims which had 8 slots. I have seen a lot people mentioning that the factory chrome-clad wheels used up through '99 were weak and bent easily. Are the steel rims bad as well, and specifically are the newer 9-hole steel rims any stronger?

I really like the look of the steel rims, rather than the chrome ones, and I'd like to get the wider rim size of the '00 - '02 rims (7.5 inches), but I don't want to trade one weak wheel for another. I would go with the mid-90s Ford steel rims made by Accuride, but their offset is less.

Thanks for any info you might have!

CTD12V

 

[CTD12V]

Hmm, nobody's had trouble with the painted steel rims?

 

[JR]

Never had any problems with the steeelies on either my 98 or former 2000. My 2000 originally had aluminum wheels but I ditched them after I cracked 2 of them. What problems are you having?

 

[CTD12V]

None yet, since I don't have any yet. I currently have the chrome five spoke rims that came stock with my '98, but I've always wanted to get the stock steel rims because I prefer that look. However, I've read of some people claiming the "stock" rims are weak and bend easily. I was hoping to get some clarification on whether the plain steel rims are also problematic, or if it is only the chrome rims. I had one tire shop tell me one of my chrome rims was bent slighly, but the next shop couldn't find it. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[JR]

I haven't seen any failures to speak of other than the aluminum wheels. That being said, I've been running 4th gen 17" wheels for a few years now.

 

[drag racer]

The OEM wheels on my '99 dually have a silver paint or powdercoat finish and I feel are stronger than anything else out there, and is why I have resisted the strong temptation from time to time to change to something else.