Aftermarket vs. Stock wheels

[maluch]

Hello,

Pretty new over here after purchasing my 2013 LC back in November. So far my go car was and is still is my 1999 4runner but with two kids, space is limited and it was time for something newer. LC was always a dream and now its happening...he.he. The 4runner is a beast that took us everywhere in Baja and mainland Mexico!

I am debating the pros and cons of a new set of wheels. My driving plan is to probably to pun on 70% highway miles, 25% baja off-road miles and 5% slow rock terrain miles. I am planning to move up to a 33" size in tire to get some clearance. I am definitely conscious about funds and if I buy anything it has to be practical and looks is secondary. I know the benefits of reducing unsprung weight and see it as a benefit for my application. Nevertheless, I see that without spending +$500/wheel for an RW or alike (forged) with a gain of ~2-3lb/wheel (from what I found) that is not possible. It looks like there are the cast wheel options (ICON and such) but those look to be ~3-4lb/wheel heavier than stock so I don't see any benefit in those except looks?
It would be nice to make the wheels stand out a bit more but I can probably solve that with some spacers if it comes to that and I think that would still be a less costly and more practical approach...

I might be missing some aspects of this trade-off so if you have any comments and suggestions, based on what my requirements are, that would be great! I am exited to joint the ih8mud community and have been going over a lot of the builds.....one thing to say....simply amazing!

 

[timjax]

Flow-forged or low pressure cast wheels could be a good fit for lightweight, strong wheels. Plus downsizing to a 17" wheel will allow for more sidewall. This could present a functional, reasonably priced option if you go the aftermarket route.
-Method 313 in 17x8.5 +25 (5x150), also available in Black - 24.7lbs (Flow Formed plus tire bead grip knurling for airing down)
-Evo Corse DakarZero in 17x8 +40, multiple colors - 27.6 lbs (Low Pressure Cast)

The Methods are also fairly low offset without compromising function (right flush with the fenders) and super light weight, so no need for spacers. The Evo Corse are a tiny bit lower offset than stock so they also widen the stance a little (a bit more than half an inch), but the higher offset could allow for some more articulation than the Methods.

Some good 33's (285/70R17) that are also lightweight and offer good mixed use like you listed include the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, General Grabber ATX, and Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT. The Falkens and Coopers also come in 285/75R17 (as do KO2's, Nittos, Toyos, etc) which is another good size up for an almost 34" tire that isn't as hard to run as wide 35's. Can also do a 1" OEM coil spacer lift in the front to gain a little bit more clearance without opting for a full aftermarket lift, which is what I've done with my Grabber ATX 33's on 0 offset Methods.

 

[Rooskey]

I don’t like aftermarket wheels because most stick out past the fenders. Can’t stand that look

 

[hickuptruck]

Nah, I'd put the money into running a nice 2.5" coilover with RRs rather than spend it on wheels if running Baja.

 

[Markuson]

I don’t like aftermarket wheels because most stick out past the fenders. Can’t stand that look

?

 

[Rooskey]

?

Aftermarket wheels run a more aggressive offset and push the tires outward. This makes the wheels stick out past the fenders.

 

[Markuson]

Aftermarket wheels run a more aggressive offset and push the tires outward. This makes the wheels stick out past the fenders.

I’ll just say...It’s quite a bit more nuanced than that.

 

[maluch]

Thank you all for your responses. As hickuptruck mentioned I want to make sure I allocate funds to upgrades that will be functional for my type of use. Suspension upgrade vs. wheels would be one of them.

timjax, I did overlook the increase in sidewall as a positive impact by going to a 17” wheel. This would make the ride smoother in Baja (especially when I deflate) but it will have some negative impact for highway use which will be most of my driving, so it's a trade-off.

Running spacers on aftermarket wheel seems wrong to me for several reasons. Your adding weight, another failure point, service time and cost. So it seems like starting with a proper offset would be a must.

I guess in the end I will have to compare stock 18" vs. 17" aftermarket in terms of total weight including the tire and see if the gains are significant enough.....

 

[timjax]

Thank you all for your responses. As hickuptruck mentioned I want to make sure I allocate funds to upgrades that will be functional for my type of use. Suspension upgrade vs. wheels would be one of them.

timjax, I did overlook the increase in sidewall as a positive impact by going to a 17” wheel. This would make the ride smoother in Baja (especially when I deflate) but it will have some negative impact for highway use which will be most of my driving, so it's a trade-off.

Running spacers on aftermarket wheel seems wrong to me for several reasons. Your adding weight, another failure point, service time and cost. So it seems like starting with a proper offset would be a must.

I guess in the end I will have to compare stock 18" vs. 17" aftermarket in terms of total weight including the tire and see if the gains are significant enough.....

A suspension upgrade will definitely be worthwhile. But if you're already putting down the money on a new set of tires, it's also a good time to evaluate your wheel setup.

Hm not sure if it'll be a huge trade-off for the highway by going down to a 17" from an 18". That performance comes down to the tire mainly. The Falkens, Coopers, and Generals I mentioned are all stellar on the highway and the trail.

Typically people do a 1" or 1.25" spacer on the stock or TRD wheels, so that would mean you should look for a wheel in the +25 to +40 offset range to have the look you're going for without using spacers. The Method 313 in 17x8.5 +25 with the flow-formed construction is lightweight, strong, and seems to meet your criteria the best. Icon, SCS, FN Wheels, AlphaEquipt, Evo Corse, and a few other brands have some more options too.

It only really starts to poke past the fenders when you go lower than +25 offset, regarding what @Rooskey said. Luckily, the LC200 has several aftermarket options available that do not poke past the fenders.

 

[panerai7]

What options do we have which are not made in China besides OEM and Tundra with conservative offsets?
I'd like to upgrade wheels soon, I see Evo Corse are made in Italy. Anything else?

 

[hickuptruck]

What options do we have which are not made in China besides OEM and Tundra with conservative offsets?
I'd like to upgrade wheels soon, I see Evo Corse are made in Italy. Anything else?

If made in Chy-nah is the only aspect of a wheel you look at, then all I can say is you're doing it all wrong. Whatever is important to you lol...

 

[Markuson]

If made in Chy-nah is the only aspect of a wheel you look at, then all I can say is you're doing it all wrong. Whatever is important to you lol...

?

He simply asked for options.

 

[panerai7]

If made in Chy-nah is the only aspect of a wheel you look at, then all I can say is you're doing it all wrong. Whatever is important to you lol...

Just my personal preference to buy as little as possible made in that evil empire. YMMV

 

[scott johnson]

I run Icons and am really happy with them. Bought them off ebay. came from 4 wheel parts.

17x8.5 Icon Alloys Rebound Titanium Wheels 5x150 (25mm) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 17x8.5 Icon Alloys Rebound Titanium Wheels 5x150 (25mm) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[scott johnson]

A lot of people like these also. Probably because they look sort of like the RW's

17x8.5 Icon Alloys Sixspeed Gunmetal Wheels 5x150 (25mm) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 17x8.5 Icon Alloys Sixspeed Gunmetal Wheels 5x150 (25mm) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com