One of the most popular custom modifications four-wheel owners make to their rides is swapping their stock wheels for aftermarket ones. This is sometimes done for cosmetic reasons- when a driver wants to switch up his 4×4’s look. Sometimes it’s out of necessity for example if you’ve gotten a suspension lift kit for your rig or you upgraded your tire size.
Regardless of the reason, you need to do ample research to ensure the wheels you get are right for your vehicle. After all, wheels are a hefty investment and with all the different options out there – from beadlocks to forged dishes- you want to make sure you get it right.
The wrong wheels could spell disaster for you and your 4×4. For instance, the wrong wheel diameter might result in your wheels not fitting over your vehicle’s brake calipers. Similarly, getting the wrong backspacing might mean that your tires won’t clear the suspension components.
Choosing the right wheels for 4×4 Vehicles
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The wheel material.
Wheels are typically made either from steel, cast aluminum or forged aluminum. Steel wheels are inexpensive and incredibly strong. Should you hit an obstacle on the trail, these wheels will bend, not break. On the downside, they are heavy and you might pay the price on the trail or at the pump.
Cast aluminum wheels are the most common thanks to their light weight and durability. Unfortunately, they tend to crack when hitting obstacles. Forged aluminum wheels, on the other hand, are light and strong but quite expensive.
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Backspacing and offset.
Between the two, backspacing is more critical in determining if a certain wheel will work for your 4×4. Backspacing is often listed by the manufacturer and the lower the number, the farther outside the wheel well the tires will sit. Offset is basically the distance from the centerline of the wheel to the wheel mounting surface. It’s considered negative if it’s toward the backside of the wheel and positive if it’s to the outside of the wheel.
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Wheel finishes.
Again, there is a variety of these available including chromed, painted, polished or powder coated. Each of these has its pros and cons, although powder coated ones do last longer than the rest.
Come Talk To Us
There are several other things to consider when choosing wheels for your 4×4. These include the weight rating, adapters and spacers, beadlocks, valve stems, and bolt patterns. While doing research will help you narrow down your wheel options, nothing beats the insight you’d get from speaking to a qualified 4×4 specialist. Pay us a visit at any of our fully-specialized Dixie 4 Wheel Drive shops and our experienced mechanics will be happy to advise you on the right set of wheels for your custom build.