Looking at a couple 15x8 wheels with 3.75 backspacing but they are aluminum. What are the ups/downs of aluminum vs. steel? I live in Iowa so I am not worried about crazy offroad performance but am planning a trip or two this summer to Colorado and possibly Montana.

 

Aluminum is usually (if not always) weighs less, less weight less strain on the mini-van motor.

 

Steel is cheaper and can be bent back into shape where aluminum would have to be replaced.

But less weight is, well, less weight. Hard to argue with that.

 

they both have good and bad.

steel is way cheeper.
steel is stronger.

Allum is much lighter.
allum will create less stress on stuff


what it comes down to is how much you like the wheel that you are looking at and what are you willing to pay. get what YOU want not what everyone else wants, or thinks you should get. no matter what both materials are good. if your doing hard offroad the steel will hold up better. just MY opinion. good luck in your choice.

 

Steel for me because they were cheap and when they get bashed its no big deal I'm not out much..

I went with Pro Comp 152's in a 15x10 (no rubbing issues) with 3.75 on the back space..

 

Is there an advantage to 15x10's vs. 15x8's? Most all of my driving is street.

 

I was going to start this exact same thread a few days ago. I would like to know, what one holds up better in the extreme cold?

Thanks!

 

I better defer that to someone else because I have no idea !!

 

If you are going with 12.50 wide tires, 9-10" rims would be better for the street (tires will wear better). But you will not be able to air down as far offroad, as you will blow a bead easier (the tire is less pinched with a wider wheel).

 

X2, I went with steel soft 8s when I put my 35s on, I can't replace missing pieces of aluminum but I can beat back bent steel with a hammer