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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Wheels & Tires => Topic started by: Benjy_26 on October 15, 2009, 10:59:35 pm

Title: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: Benjy_26 on October 15, 2009, 10:59:35 pm

 Benjy_26
New User | Posts: 32 | Joined: 09/09 Posted: Today 09:58 PM
Hello all.

It's  time for me to start looking for wheels to mount onto my K5 project.  Currently the truck has a 406cid small block, a TH400, and a NP208 t case.  I recently installed a Dana 44 and a Corporate 14 bolt from a K20 and stuffed the axles with 4.10's and a Detroit locker in the rear.  I plan on running a tire around 35-37" tall.  The truck will be used for a bit of everything; a bit of rock crawling, desert blasting, mud whumping, and general trail running.  The tires I plan on running are more than likely BFG KM2's, Wrangler MTr's with kevlar, or perhaps some bias ply Super Swampers.  The rim size will be 16 inches, by the way.
What do you all think?   

 

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: VileZambonie on October 16, 2009, 04:33:09 am

I think I hate bias ply tires.

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: Benjy_26 on October 16, 2009, 08:32:38 pm

Quote from: VileZambonie on October 16, 2009, 04:33:09 am

I think I hate bias ply tires.

THis truck will be trailered to and from the trailhead, hence the possibility of running bias ply's.  My daily driver has radials.  Aggressive mud terrains, but radials nonetheless.

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: malibu795 on October 18, 2009, 05:25:14 pm

steel... .. bent... can hamer it back..

allumimnum... once bent... basicly junk..

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: Engineer on October 18, 2009, 06:13:34 pm

I recommend radials because they have a more compliant nature about them.

In order for bias ply tires to have the casing flex that radials have you have to air down pretty low, and constantly risk popping a tire off of the bead.

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: 79K20 on October 19, 2009, 04:49:41 pm

Quote from: Engineer on October 18, 2009, 06:13:34 pm

I recommend radials because they have a more compliant nature about them.

Quote from: VileZambonie on October 16, 2009, 04:33:09 am

I think I hate bias ply tires.

I thought Benjy was asking about rims? Not optimal tire construction....

Anyways, Malibu is on the right track, especially if you are going to run in the rocks. Al wheels are no good if you impact them with anything harder than asphalt. Also, keep in mind that there is a weight savings of Al vs Steel, but not really worth it unless the truck spends a lot of time on the road. Not to mention the fact that Al wheels are more expensive.

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: Engineer on October 23, 2009, 05:50:54 pm

Oh, Snap.

Did I just get in trouble for not replying properly to a thread?

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: VileZambonie on October 23, 2009, 06:23:37 pm

Quote

What do you all think?

Was the question he asked so I'm assuming he's looking for input on everything he posted about... So no you're not in trouble ;)

Title: Re: Steel vs aluminum.
Post by: 79K20 on October 26, 2009, 10:22:42 am

Take it easy, gents, I was just giving you guys a hard time.

I, too, am not fond of Bias Plies (unless they're on Rock Crawlers or Ag Equipment!).