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UPDATED 01/22/2013!

After almost 3 years, it's now 2013 and finally time to update the OP in this thread. We thank the members of JK-forum for helping to make this thread one of the most popular threads on JK-forum. Without your input and help we would not be offering as many 15" alloy wheels for the JK as we are today. Without further delay, we have updated the comparisons below and have provided an up to date list of the 15" alloy wheels that we guarantee to fit. Please note that the MB72 has been discontinued however the Level 8 Tracker will be replacing this wheel and it will also be available in a -19mm offset by Mid February 2013.

As an enthusiast myself, and a cost conscious one at that, I thought I should share some insights with you all on this subject.

Those that are thinking about purchasing 15" steel wheels may want to consider purchasing 15" Alloy wheels instead. Here's why:

First, WEIGHT. Steel wheels are extremely heavy. The average 15x8 soft 8 styled wheel weighs approx. 27 lbs. On the aluminum side the average 15x8 alloy weighs only about 20lbs. This is a 35% weight difference. 7lbs per wheel may not sound like much to some of you but those that know about unsprung weight will tell you that every ounce you can save at your wheels is worth saving. The less weight you have in your wheels and tires the more $$$ you will save at the pump and the more power you will have at your feet when you want it.

Second FITMENT: Many of you have already found that 15" steel wheels are very hit and miss with brake clearance. Steel wheels are manufactured in two pieces, the center is stamped into shape and then welded to the barrel. This stamping process leaves flanges at the back of the spokes (or holes in the soft 8's case) and these flanges often make contact with the Jk's brake calipers. The easiest fix for this is to run spacers (not recommended by the wheel manufacturer). Running spacers adds $$$ to your wheel and tire package and again, weight. (The common Spidertrax bolt on spacers run $99.00 for the pair of 2) Some may try to grind down the wheel or caliper this is not recommended either. Grinding down the wheel can jeopardize the strength of the wheel and grinding down your brake caliper can be enough for some dealers to void your vehicles warranty. As for the 15" alloys listed below... They fit like a glove with no need for spacers. The 15x8 alloys below can run a 35x12.50-15 without any rubbing. (min leveling kit/mini lift needed)

Now on to STRENGTH: This is the controversial one and I personally don't know which one is stronger. I have heard arguments for both but I haven't seen any data to support either. Some say steel wheels are stronger and if bent can be straightened. Some say aluminum alloy wheels are stronger and have higher resistance for impacts. I have yet to see data from any manufacturer for impact testing. Both wheels are tested on a pass fail basis and both wheels, for DOT purposes, pass. According to the manufacturers of both steel wheels and the alloys listed below all of them have a load carrying capacity of 2400 lbs. :thinking: I'm thinking, I might be able to have some testing done for this subject. I will keep you posted.

FINISH: Steel rusts, Aluminum alloy doesn't. Enough said here I think. Either one can be touched up easily if scratched or scuffed.

This all leads us down to COST (updated 1/22/2013). Most people would think that with all the benefits for running alloy wheels there would be a pretty good cost difference as well. This is not always the case. The Level 8 Tracker below has been brought in to help you get more for your money and it is doing just that. Here are package details based off current pricing with Jk-Forum member Discount. (Prices do not include tax or installation)

Cragar Soft 8 with 35" KM2's -(one of our favorite tires :ya: )

15x8 Cragar Soft 8 13mm offset Black: $80.00 each with FREE shipping (includes center cap)
35x12.50R15 BFG KM2: $240.00 each
Mount and balance: FREE
NON TPMS valves: $3.00 each
Installation kit: (lugs): $45.00
Jk-forum member Discount with purchase of 5 tires: -$50.00 off total
Sub Total package for 5 each: $1610.00

Add cost of bolt-on Spidertrax spacers: $99.00/pair (X 2)
Grand total: $1808.00

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Now for comparison the Level 8 Tracker with 35" KM2's.

15x8 Level 8 Tracker -19mm offset Matte Black: $99.00 each with FREE shipping
35x12.50R15 BFG KM2: $240.00 each
Mount and balance: FREE
NON TPMS valves: $3.00 each
Installation kit: (lugs + hub rings): $45.00
Jk-forum member Discount with purchase of 5 tires: -$50.00 off total
Sub Total package for 5 each: $1705.00

*No need to purchase wheel spacers
Final cost is $1705.00

Those that want to can probably figure out the fuel savings in an average year to add to this cost difference. I'll leave that up to the mathematicians.

So your next question may be, what 15" alloys fit my 2007+ JK or JKU? Here's a list of the current 15" alloy wheels we guarantee fit.