Originally Posted by meep
I've bought two sets, and have toyed with the idea of a third set for my truck, but so far haven't seen anything I like.
1. oem wheels are usually pressure cast, I think they call it, which is the strongest way to do it for the weight of the wheel. Finding an aftermarket wheel that is pressure cast is possible, but they are 3x the cost of the regular offerings. So, when going aftermarket, there's a weight or strength penalty vs oem. Both times I've done this, it's been on a tow vehicle, so I watched the weight capacities as a "must," and the heavier wheel/tire combo was felt in a slight reduction in highway ride quality. The truck had a stiff suspension to begin with, so the change could be noticed, especially on longer drives.
2. I like the styles of the aftermarket wheels - there's a lot out there to choose from. I think some styles will end up lasting longer than others - I'm a fan of black wheels but I think they may come in and out of style (both sets I bought were black)
3. I actually want to decrease my wheels size from 20" oem to 18", because you can just feel the unsprung weight on this very nice vehicle. BUT, the majority of the aftermarket wheels tend to go wider or change the offset to push the tire farther outboard. While a small amount isn't a big deal, taking the center line outside (or inside) of the steering pivot point ends up applying braking forces into the steering hardware, which we'll feel at the wheel when braking on uneven surfaces. If the surfaces are even, we won't feel it, but the forces are still there; not really something you want. In the end my best option may be oem take-offs, if I can find them. BUT -- I *really* wish I could just try a set of 18's to see how they track while towing, compared to the oem 20's. The truck drives on rails even with a travel trailer behind that - best tow vehicle I've driven. In this case, I have no interest in messing that up, and it may just keep it's stock wheels for good.
4. there are a very small number of threads I've come across where aftermarket wheels weren't balanced well from the factory.
5. both sets of aftermarket wheels I ended up with (the ATX line of American Racking) were solid wheels, well-built, and did fine. BUT, in both of those the plastic trim bits on the wheels were not substantial at all- it was sort of shameful to have these massive, machined wheels with flimsy center caps and clips.
Great post on many subjects that most people don't consider. After many years I'm still trying to figure out all of the subjects you mentioned, plus others. Just tire, and wheel weight are a HUGE piece of the puzzle. I wish I could find aftermarket wheels to replace the "widow maker" wheels on my 1950 Chevy fire truck with 2400 original miles. They are 20 inch wheels running 7.00x 20 inch bias ply tires. 3 out of six are 68 year old tires made by US Royal. The truck I just bought is from my 7 generation family's hometown in NW Kansas. It is the location of the historical site of the "Home on the Range" cabin.