[megascape]

i currently have OE aluminium rims on my Escape. I have found a single steel rim off an old F-150 that I really like and am thinking of searching for 3 more. Besides weight are there benefits of the aluminium rims that are on all newer vehicles?

[Lip Ripper]

Aluminum is lighter,= less rotating mass. It dissipates heat better from the brakes.

[printman31]

Steel rusts,Aluminum doesn't.

[megascape]

what about for moderate off-road, mainly 20 mph to 25 small woopdy-do, quick breaking, and small maybe 16 to 20" ruts at slow speeds. Would the steel be better or is the alloy more then strong enough for those conditions maybe 1 to 2 times a month?

[printman31]

Originally Posted by megascape

what about for moderate off-road, mainly 20 mph to 25 small woopdy-do, quick breaking, and small maybe 16 to 20" ruts at slow speeds. Would the steel be better or is the alloy more then strong enough for those conditions maybe 1 to 2 times a month?

If you're going to be going off road with the truck. Then it's sort of a pick your poison... Aluminum may crack or break depending on what you hit. Steel you'll bend the rim...Both outcomes you'll have to purchase new rim.. If you're only going to be doing light off road. I really wouldn't worry about anything...Go with what you like & can afford..

[megascape]

Yeah, I agree and I also agree the the Hawks will take this Cup home
GO NUX, I mean go HAWKS!!!!!!!!

[Jonzo77]

steel holds air a lot better than Aluminum does.
and as far as the steel rusting part, aluminum does too, but after it corrodes...

[megascape]

Jonzo and all thanks. the air was something I hadn't even considered since we always have a tank with us. But, in the future who knows, who will be around. Anyway i've decided to do a search for the 94 F-150 wheels or something similar..

[just_ed]

Originally Posted by printman31

Steel rusts,Aluminum doesn't.

but aluminum does corrode which can lead to leaks as well

[megascape]

So this is what I'm looking for. the guy who gave me this said it's off a F150. I've looked at a ton of the F150's on the internet as well as OE wheels and years 80 to present but am unable to find them. Does any body have the answer?

[Dominick]

I have never seen a 3 slot opening in a F-150 they normally have 4 or 5.
Have you taken the tire off of it and looked for a stamping #

[megascape]

Ended up being an Explorer, just found out.1997 explorer. The guy had 3 but wouldn't trade for the aluminum..

[Justaguy]

The factory aluminum wheels are not forged, unlike alcoa wheels. If your aluminum wheels are forged they will not crack and break, they will bend. This is a nice option as you can heat the wheel and bend it back making for a spare. It will never be straight again but the tire will hold air, at least for a while.

I have found that in winter my rides with aluminum wheels will lose air if I'm not driving them. at 50 below zero the aluminum will contract a LOT more than steel and the tires just go flat. Parked in the garage, no problem. Problem is, garage is just not big enough. I have two full sets of factory aluminum wheels for my super-duty, one with summer tires and the other with good winter tires.

Long story short, it all comes down to what you want. Each has their good points, and their down sides. If you like how it looks on your ride, enjoy it. Its your ride.

[megascape]

that's good info. I've still been unable to find a set of '97 Explorer wheels..I've decided that is what i want so I'll just wait until I come across a set..

[andreasue]

Avoiding rust is the number 1 reason for aluminum wheels. It is also lightweight that can add you a better fuel mileage for a lighter car.

[Zephyrman]

Hey Mega, do a search for those wheels to fit a Ranger of the same year, they also were available with those wheels and may give you a broader search range.

[jwill188]

Another important reason for using aluminum rims is the accuracy of the radial runout. Aluminum rims have very little runnout which helps to improve ride. Steel rims which generally have the spider welded in cannot hold the tolerance on radial runout that aluminum riims can.

JW

[ghostriderr6]

That looks like it might be the spare. You'll have to search a little harder to find those since they're all just hanging around 1 at a time under vehicles.

[ghostriderr6]

If you're looking for a change have you thought of having your wheels powdercoated or painted black. I've looked into that and found a place here in Phoenix that would do all 4 for $250. I would have to bring the wheels in by themselves though so the X would be sitting on jackstands and I would have to dismount the tires.

[smithredenbacher]

Nice suggestion. Really cheap stuff.. Also from AZ though..