Okay. It's been snowing here since Thursday night and we have gotten about 2 feet here and over 3 in the mountains......So as I sit here thinking and wondering.............

Has anyone ever compared wheel/tire package weight? Since more weight means more strain on the vechcle, does anyone know of a specific tire or wheel or combination of the two that yeilds weight savings?

If we were able to save 100 pounds of tires or wheels or.... it would be a benefit. So tire and/or wheel guys......... riddle me this.

 

The 17" Moabs with BFG M/Ts definitely weigh more than the 16" steelies with 225's. I think the extra size and traction from the M/Ts is far more beneficial than the smaller less aggressive tires, despite the weight savings.

 

Okay before we get to the "go with 225's and 14" wheels"....... I'm talking about real M/T type off-road capable tires and wheels. It seems like some tire manufacturer would be using Kevlar and/or other strong materials incorporated into tires to save weight and improve performace. Similarly wheel manufacturers using strong alloys to save weight but keep or improve strength would also want to promote that.

 

I have pondered the same thing. It only makes sense. However, lighter wheels usually mean more damage when bumping up against a rock. With a broken rim it's hard to get anywhere. But yes I would say heavier wheels and tires do put a strain on your entire drivetrain. Brakes suffer and then there is performance or lack there of for us V-6 challenged JK owners. More weight means less gas mileage too. It really depends on what you use your rig for.

 

Okay, wasn't sure what you were really getting at. As for wheels, probably be hard pressed to do much better than Aluminum from a weight standpoint. As for tires, most of the manufacturers post tire weight, so they are pretty easy to compare as they vary significantly (just as the sizes do for equal stated size). The BFG M/Ts that come on the Rubicon are about as light as they get from what minimal research I've done on it. Haven't looked at the new MT/Rs from a weight standpoint to see what they are coming in at.

 

I posted this same question a while back, though no replies on it.

Best comparison I have come up with is in the Quadratec catalog I received in the mail. It shows the stats, w/weights, of all of the swampers, and a selection of goodyear, maxis, cepek and mickey thompson tires.

Haven't seen any lists for wheels.

My new question on wheel weights is: How accurate are the mfg's listed weights?
Since a 35" tire is 'actually' a 34.something. And that 34.something is 'actually' a 33.something when you get it mounted and on the jeep. Just questioning how much leeway there is on mfg's listed weights...

 

chains and these (you definitely saving 100 pounds)Attachment 22544but i think that you are trying to save weight on the wrong part.....to have less strain on the jeep start above shocks...

 

Goodyear silent armor w/ kevlar? Cast Aluminum?

 

i think you would be suprized id bet steel wheels are lighter!!!!!!!

 

I think that's great Atuldo - what is your suggestion?