Rim materials (Aluminum/steel)

[sparks57]

What is the difference? Why would anyone want to run aluminum rims? They are lighter, but they don't look as good as chrome rims... what's the deal? And is there much of a difference between stamped and forged steel rims?



I read that aluminum rims "run truer". What is that supposed to mean?

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

I just put on a set of Alcoas off a '97 CTD that I got from YogiBear.



I like them . . they look



Aluminum is stiffer and does not bend as easily. most aluminum wheels will crack or break when they bend. They tend not to bend until they fail but they will flex a little.



Steel wheels tend get out of true easier but survive the abuse a little better, meaning when they fail they don't usually break, they bend. They will flex more than an aluminum wheel without permanent deformation.



Forged is stronger in steel or aluminum.



Aluminum doesn't rust and is much stronger at the same weight and much lighter at the same strength.



An aluminum wheel will usually stay true longer, hold more weight, and weigh less than an equvalent steel wheel. The reduction of unsprung weight has a favorable affect on efficiency (MPG) and handling.



FWIW,

Mark

 

[JFitzgerald]

Aluminum looks better IMO, but the biggest reason I won't run chrome wheels is that they get rusty after one winter in IL. Darn road salt. #@$%! I bought my aluminum wheels new in '97, haven't polished them, and they still look decent.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

we don't get much salt in these parts

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

The problem I've had with chromed rims is they really aren't well done at all..... heck, I think they just hold up a steel rim, point out the chroming tank to it, and say "see"... . then toss it in truck to be sold. .



but I may be wrong... .



Bob.

 

[JFitzgerald]

Mark - you're lucky you don't have to drive in the $%&* road salt. It's a sore subject with me right now. I just bought new rocker panels for my truck to replace the rusted panels... .



You're right Bob. The only chrome wheel I've have seen survive the road salt for any length of time is a factory chrome wheel that was on a '95 2WD Chevy my dad had. You could see it had a much better finish than the typical aftermarket chrome wheel.

 

[sparks57]

I am running the 2nd gen chrome rims that my grandpa ran for like 80k miles. They still look brand new when I clean them up. Of course, we sand our roads, we don't salt them.