what are 4 factory alloys worth?

[Tools R Us]

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Its all speculation anyways since I don't think there's any comparative studies of strength with FJ80 wheels.

I have never seen a formal study, never cared to look? I have seen the result of wheeling lots of different wheels and Toyota wheels holdup very well when compared to most other wheels. They tend to fail by bending/denting where most aftermarket tend to crack/break. Yes, as good or better wheels can be had, but expect to pay $$$$ for equal or better quality wheels.

If you look, they have the JWL-T certification, a significant specification that they meet. IIRC they are made by Enkei, a top quality manufacturer.

 

[SM Racing]

I am bringing this one back from the dead, FZJ80 wheels aren't forged. They are plain ole cast aluminum. If they were Forged they would cost significantly more than they do from Toyota and they would be much more desirable by others people with similar bolt patterns.

 

[Delancy]

I am bringing this one back from the dead, FZJ80 wheels aren't forged. They are plain ole cast aluminum. If they were Forged they would cost significantly more than they do from Toyota and they would be much more desirable by others people with similar bolt patterns.

How ironic, considering my eyes hurt from searching for forged17s on an iPad.

Toyota does offer a forged and half as much as any other I can find.

http://www.trdparts4u.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-9002

Edited: If you're correct, the Internet is polluted with misinformation. At 22lbs (if correct) don't see how they could be anything but forged, and there isn't a forged wheel on the market as light.

 

[SM Racing]

Why can't it be cast? Several features to look at. The basic finish of the wheel, look in the "windows". There is a very specific "grain pattern" typical of cast aluminum wheels. The outer surface of the wheel is machined. You would not machine across the grain of a forged aluminum wheel. It would destroy the carefully engineered grain structure inherent in the forging. That is basically what gives the forging its strength.

If you compare the more common factory forged wheels you will see the finish is SUBSTANTIALLY better than a generic casting. I believe Fuchs was the first production car forged alloy wheel. They were available on the 911 and then later on the 914. There is definitely a much better surface finish on the outside and the inside of the wheel. If you look on the backside of the Toyota wheel you will see a very porous and rough cast finish. The wheels are probably a pressure cast or spun casting., but a casting no less, its much cheaper than a forged wheel. There really is no reason to have a forged wheel on a production SUV. Maybe offering them as an option or some sort of aftermarket option maybe, but not right off the showroom floor.

Weight is not necessarily indicative of a forged finish. I have 12lb 15x7in wheels on my CRX and another pair of 10llb cast aluminum wheels. Proper design will allow for a very light design without causing issues with strength. The Toyota wheel is a good strong design but it is not forged.

Here is a good summary of the differences and reason to use each type.
http://www.esi-group.com/products/casting/Etips/e-tips/eTip16.pdf