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Author Topic: Steel vs aluminum.  (Read 5449 times)

Offline Benjy_26

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Steel vs aluminum.
« 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?   

 
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2009, 04:33:09 am »
I think I hate bias ply tires.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Benjy_26

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #2 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.
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Offline malibu795

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2009, 05:25:14 pm »
steel... .. bent... can hamer it back..

allumimnum... once bent... basicly junk..
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adam wildman
75 K25 383/400
79 malibu 454/T56 305rwhp/432rwtq 15.6@92.8mph
02 2500HD D-max/allison best time 13.77 @ 99mph 463rwhp/930rwtq

Offline Engineer

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #4 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.
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2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline 79K20

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #5 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.
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Offline Engineer

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2009, 05:50:54 pm »
Oh, Snap.

Did I just get in trouble for not replying properly to a thread?
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2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #7 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 ;)

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,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline 79K20

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Re: Steel vs aluminum.
« Reply #8 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!).
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