theosdad

Thanks to everyone for the great advise. I do like the black steelies, but if makes a huge weight difference that might be a minor concern since I do about 20thousand miles a year.

theosdad

Anyone have a good steel wheel that is not so heavy?

mmccurdy

On the weight question....

Cragar 17x9 Soft 8's: 40 lbs. each
"Typical" procomp alloy 17x9 8089 series: 32 lbs.

Yeah, it's unsprung weight, but I'm willing to bet you will never ever notice this difference on your rig either in terms of fuel economy or handling. For comparison, a BFG KM2 to fit those rims will be in the neighborhood of 70 lbs.

The idea that somehow the steel wheels are flexing and affecting handling seems a little off to me as well. Size, tire choice/pressure, etc. will make 10x more difference than the wheel choice in these scenarios.

Add to this the fact that they're cheap (I can't tell you how many $200 alloys I've seen shredded on the trail...), sturdy, look good, field weldable, etc. and for me it's a no-brainer.

Of course I'm biased, since I'm running 15" Cragars, but just my two cents.

theosdad

Mmccurdy thanks for the great info. I didnt know the difference was so minimal. That really leads me more towards the steelies.

DeluxeJK

I agree, dont over think it. I have steelies and didnt notice a difference in drive. Just my opinion though

theosdad

Thanks delux

theosdad

From what I understand The backspacing is 4.5 which is 2 inches further out than stock. Someone correct me if I am wrong please.

Chris_CH

The cragar 17x8 is 4.5 BS'' but the 17x9 is 5'' BS, 35'' tires will fit on 17x8 even if the tire requires 8.5'' for the rim.

mgeorge15

I had a black pair of procomp steel wheels on my Yukon for about 3 years and the finish started coming off and the wheels started rusting. Dont know if they all do this, but i wont buy another set of steel wheels because of it!!

Paul R

mgeorge15 hit upon my deciding factor. Steel wheels rust. Aluminum does not. I went with Procomp alloys.