UPDATED 01/22/2013!

After almost 3 years, it's now 2013 and finally time to update the OP in this thread. We thank the members of JK-forum for helping to make this thread one of the most popular threads on JK-forum. Without your input and help we would not be offering as many 15" alloy wheels for the JK as we are today. Without further delay, we have updated the comparisons below and have provided an up to date list of the 15" alloy wheels that we guarantee to fit. Please note that the MB72 has been discontinued however the Level 8 Tracker will be replacing this wheel and it will also be available in a -19mm offset by Mid February 2013.


As an enthusiast myself, and a cost conscious one at that, I thought I should share some insights with you all on this subject.

Those that are thinking about purchasing 15" steel wheels may want to consider purchasing 15" Alloy wheels instead. Here's why:


First, WEIGHT. Steel wheels are extremely heavy. The average 15x8 soft 8 styled wheel weighs approx. 27 lbs. On the aluminum side the average 15x8 alloy weighs only about 20lbs. This is a 35% weight difference. 7lbs per wheel may not sound like much to some of you but those that know about unsprung weight will tell you that every ounce you can save at your wheels is worth saving. The less weight you have in your wheels and tires the more $$$ you will save at the pump and the more power you will have at your feet when you want it.

Second FITMENT: Many of you have already found that 15" steel wheels are very hit and miss with brake clearance. Steel wheels are manufactured in two pieces, the center is stamped into shape and then welded to the barrel. This stamping process leaves flanges at the back of the spokes (or holes in the soft 8's case) and these flanges often make contact with the Jk's brake calipers. The easiest fix for this is to run spacers (not recommended by the wheel manufacturer). Running spacers adds $$$ to your wheel and tire package and again, weight. (The common Spidertrax bolt on spacers run $99.00 for the pair of 2) Some may try to grind down the wheel or caliper this is not recommended either. Grinding down the wheel can jeopardize the strength of the wheel and grinding down your brake caliper can be enough for some dealers to void your vehicles warranty. As for the 15" alloys listed below... They fit like a glove with no need for spacers. The 15x8 alloys below can run a 35x12.50-15 without any rubbing. (min leveling kit/mini lift needed)

Now on to STRENGTH: This is the controversial one and I personally don't know which one is stronger. I have heard arguments for both but I haven't seen any data to support either. Some say steel wheels are stronger and if bent can be straightened. Some say aluminum alloy wheels are stronger and have higher resistance for impacts. I have yet to see data from any manufacturer for impact testing. Both wheels are tested on a pass fail basis and both wheels, for DOT purposes, pass. According to the manufacturers of both steel wheels and the alloys listed below all of them have a load carrying capacity of 2400 lbs. I'm thinking, I might be able to have some testing done for this subject. I will keep you posted.


FINISH: Steel rusts, Aluminum alloy doesn't. Enough said here I think. Either one can be touched up easily if scratched or scuffed.

This all leads us down to COST (updated 1/22/2013). Most people would think that with all the benefits for running alloy wheels there would be a pretty good cost difference as well. This is not always the case. The Level 8 Tracker below has been brought in to help you get more for your money and it is doing just that. Here are package details based off current pricing with Jk-Forum member Discount. (Prices do not include tax or installation)

Cragar Soft 8 with 35" KM2's -(one of our favorite tires ) .
.
Now for comparison the Level 8 Tracker with 35" KM2's.
Those that want to can probably figure out the fuel savings in an average year to add to this cost difference. I'll leave that up to the mathematicians.


So your next question may be, what 15" alloys fit my 2007+ JK or JKU? Here's a list of the current 15" alloy wheels we guarantee fit.

• 15x8 JK WHEEL OPTIONS | DISCOUNT TIRE DIRECT
• 15X8.5 JK WHEEL OPTIONS | DISCOUNT TIRE DIRECT
• 15X10 JK WHEEL OPTIONS | DISCOUNT TIRE DIRECT

Images and links:
15" Level 8 Tracker -30mm (Member: smirak)

15" Level 8 -30mm Tracker more pics: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...racker-190468/
15" MB TKO: (For more TKO pictures click this link: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...ilable-217441/ )

15" Razor and Chaos 5:https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...firmed-138003/
15" Razor : (Member: widowmaker)

15" Razor : (member Vulcan Classic)

15" Chaos 5: (member R-Law)

15" Chaos 5: (member TXbeachJK) x 33x12.50R15 - example of how far a 15x8 -19mm offset will stick out with a 12.5" wide tire

15" Black Rock D-Window Alloy Test fit: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...e-91404/page2/

15x8.5 ET-19 American Outlaw Deptuy

 

matt, thats a sweet set up my friend! pm sent

 

Mmm.... you got me thinking now...

 

any pics of these on jk
would oem lug nuts work
how much are the hub rings

 

Thanks for the comments everyone. Those that read this and find it usefull please post a comment to bump it back up to the top. I believe you will find similar things when comparing 16 and 17" steel wheels to a select few alloys as well. I may do another comparrison for those here soon.


There is a link in the "Fitment" section above to some pictures but they are in the machined finish. I'll add a picture to the OP. I don't have any pictures of the Matte Black mounted on a Jk yet. If you end up with a set please post some pictures here.

OE lugs would not work. Hub rings are FREE if they are available with the purchase of your wheels. Hub rings do not fit in steel wheels. (something else I suppose I could have pointed out).

 

I think i'm going to be ordering some of these once I can save up the money...they look good and i like the weight and cost for sure

 

I gotta say I do like this price for an alloy wheel this style!
So far I was gonna get 16"x8 steel soft 8's but now ... hmm
However I can't find 16"x8 for this wheel. I have very little knowledge when it comes to wheel and tire fitment, so this might sound dumb but I'd still like to know ...

Does this wheel: MB Wheel 72, 16X8.5 5-127 -6MTB
Fit this size tire: 285/75 16 with no problem???

Also the backspacing on the 16's I'm guessing is the same (3.75), correct?
I only have a 1.75" Leveling kit in the front and I just wanna make sure it all clears...
Thanks for the help!

 

The 16x8.5 ET-6 MB72 has a 4.5" BS which will work well for tire size 285/75-16. The 4.5" BS is also ideal for tires up to 37" in diameter so if you ever plan on running larger tires in the future, you'll be set on the wheels

 

I'm sold on these... just have to come up with the cash.

 

^Excellent choice. Please let us know if we can help.