Steel wheels?

[ashooter]

The '92 FJ80 I just bought has some damned ugly chrome-plated aluminum wheels. Supposed to be 16" OME wheels for a 94(?) Cruiser, but I don't know if that's right or not. All I know is they're too damned "bling" for my taste.

I'd like to replace them with good quality 16" steel wheels and need suggestions about what to get and where to get 'em.

 

[Mike S]

I would opt for a set of OEM steel wheels, which are PAINTED. CDan can get them new for like $120 each plus the ride. You may be able to find some that are being replaced with an infrior 'bling' product.

M

 

[NorCalDoug]

I have some aftermarket black steel wheels on my rig. They're okay.

If I were to do it again, I'd go with the OEM steel wheels. The cheaper steel wheels, ones like the ones I have don't seem very strong.

The OEM steel whees are about twice the price of aftermarket steel wagon wheels, but I think they're worth the price.

If cost is an issue, you can usually find used 93-97 OEM alloys for sale here and on ebay or craigslist.

 

[Jason Andrews]

Or go the really cheap route and get some 15" black steel rims. That way your tire and rim combo will cost about the same as some 16" tires will alone.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I have some aftermarket black steel wheels on my rig. They're okay.

If I were to do it again, I'd go with the OEM steel wheels. The cheaper steel wheels, ones like the ones I have don't seem very strong.

Same here-I have inexpensive steel wheels and two of them are bent enough to feel when they are on the front. I don't think it's from rock impact-I think they came that way. If I could do it again, I would get the steel wheels from Toyota. They are kind of expensive, but look like they are made of better metal then the ones Doug and I have.

 

[IBCRUSN]

Not as "flashy" as the OEM steelies but HD just the same.

Stockton Wheel

And they even have a 60 semi-airborne in the picture.

 

[ashooter]

Thanks guys... I am going to end up some spending some bucks to get this thing the way I want it. (surprised?!?!) BUT, the cool thing is that by the time I have $10k in it, I will have a helluva lot better vehicle than I would with a more "modern" rig that cost twice that much... plus a lot of cool stuff like an ARB bumper, a roof rack, new tires, etc...

At least that's what I keep telling myself.

:\

 

[Proven]

I like the stockton wheels, they look pretty nice.

As for your buildup, I feel the same way and keep telling myself the same thing. I like building up an older truck more than buying a new truck. For one, you don't feel guilty for beating up a new truck and two there is just a very good character about 80's in general that appeal to my very being.

Can't wait to see your build up in progress come together!

I just got mine not to long ago and I am doing the maintenance stuffs now.

 

[ashooter]

Not as "flashy" as the OEM steelies but HD just the same.

Stockton Wheel

And they even have a 60 semi-airborne in the picture.

Any experience with these, or just what you see on their website? I like the way the ones on that flying 60 look.

 

[IBCRUSN]

I had a chevy truck at one time and I replaced the crappy wheels with their chevy copies. Good quality HD wheel. After seeing the solid steelie when I get a second set of tires for wheeling only I think I'll go with them. Much better than the $50 wheels at most retailers.

 

[Mickldo]

I had a cheap set of 15 x 8 steelies on my rig but wanted to go 16s so I got a set of OEM 16 x 8 steels and powdercoated them black. Heaps stronger than the aftermarket rims plus you know you're getting the correct offset.

 

[Walking Eagle]

Or go the really cheap route and get some 15" black steel rims. That way your tire and rim combo will cost about the same as some 16" tires will alone.

Ya', being a '92 you can do that, the rest of us are stuck with superior disk brakes, and expensive 16" tires / wheels.

 

[ashooter]

Tire sizes?

Even before I get the new wheels, I gotta get new tires - cracks in the sidewalls on all 4.

I see a lot of tire sizes shown here in people's sig lines. What sizes are good to go for OME 16" wheels (steel or alloy)? Was planning to go with 265-75-16's, but have seen people posting 285's and 305's as well. Are these okay for the stock 16" wheels?

At least some of the tires I've seen in those sizes are only supposed to be used for 7.5-9 inch wide rims, and I thought the OME's were 7" wide? Am I wrong?

 

[IBCRUSN]

I'm running 285's, which now that I have a 1" body and 2.5" OME kit they look small but will work until next season. At any rate if you don't have plans for a lift in the near future 265's will keep you in about the same power range. If you go with 285's you'll notice the power decrease initially but after time it won't be noticable.

The first shot is body lift only and the second is OME 2.5" heavy and body lift. All with 285's

 

[Mike S]

I am running 285/75/R16 Revos on stock alloy rims. The OEM wheels are 7" - not 8" like the alloys - but the slightly oversized tires will work fine with them. I ran 31X10.50's MTRs on my stock 6" rims on my 60 for many miles - no problems at all.

I would, in fact PREFER OEM steel wheels (powder coated gray) to the alloys on both the cruiser and the trailer. Eventually, I'll get there.

M

 

[cruiserdan]

The OEM wheels are 7" - not 8" like the alloys -

OEM 80 series steel wheels are 16 x 8 just like the alloys.

 

[BROKEROB1]

If you go with 285's you'll notice the power decrease initially but after time it won't be noticable.

I really agree with this and I think that this is something that many do not consider before making the switch to a 33" tire (or larger). I really do not like driving my rig around town with the larger tires on because of the difference, not only in acceleration, but also in handling, as this rig was made for a wider stance.

As some have previously mentioned, I also purchased a set of 16X7 steelies that were off of a Tacoma/Tundra. If I was to do it again, I would buy the 16x8 OEM and feed Dan's dogs (thanks for the visor and screws Dan... arrived today flawless as usual).

 

[Mike S]

OEM 80 series steel wheels are 16 x 8 just like the alloys.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH! But I didn't say WHICH OEM wheels!

M

 

[Beowulf]

The '92 FJ80 I just bought has some damned ugly chrome-plated aluminum wheels. Supposed to be 16" OME wheels for a 94(?) Cruiser, but I don't know if that's right or not.

The OEM alloys are a very good wheel and much lighter (think unsprung weight) than the OEM steelies. Another option is to have your alloys powder coated. I've seen several and they look very good. See the recent pics of Christo's UTE with bead-locked and powder-coated factory alloys. Probably less $$$ than a set of Stocktons.

-B-

 

[ashooter]

After what some of you guys say about the weight, I'm thinking I might be better off getting a set of the "brushed" alloys and using these ugly-a$$ chromed ones as spares. That way all the wheels will weigh about the same, and I can have an entire set of spares. I will probably not have these off the pavement more than 100 miles/year, and that will be 95% on dirt/gravel roads, so alloys might be more practical... With 265-75-16 tires.

Does that sound sensible to you guys?