Level 8 MK6

FatTiresRollin

FatTiresRollin

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I know there are a few on here that have some experience with the level 8 wheels. They just introduced a new wheel that I am interested in http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/wheels/level_8/product/byName.do?tmn=MK6&typ=Truck

Can someone weigh in on the quality of the product? Seems to be a discount tire exclusive brand. There are several widths, offsets and colors available. The center cap might have to grow on me, but the overall look reminds me of the Konig Six shooters (my first choice thanks to the enticing photo of audio3x's rig). They are a few pounds heavier per wheel, but also quite a bit cheaper. Less than $600 for 4 wheels is right in my budget wheelhouse.

My first thought is the matte black in 17x8, -10 offset. I would like to have the input of the peanut gallery...will be running the 285/70/17 Duratracs and stock UCAs with the 2.5" Bilstein budget lift. Already pulled the liners all the way forward, so body mount rub and UCA clearance are my main concerns.
 
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As many of you may already know, I do sell FN Wheels and Konig Wheels light-weight and strong wheels.

I'm definitely not here to bash anyone else's product, but I would like to note the following regarding wheel weights:

-The 17x8" Konig Six Shooter weighs approximately 20.5lbs per wheel. The 17x8" Level 8 MK6 weighs approximately 27.5lbs - 28.5lbs per wheel (depending on the offset). Official weight chart from Level 8:

Size_zpseea439b8.png~original


This is a 35% - 40% weight difference, and please remember that your wheels and tires are unsprung weight. This is a huge difference, and you will notice decreased acceleration, decreased fuel economy (worse gas mileage), bumpier suspension, and increased stopping distance (worse braking performance) with heavier wheels. A 10% - 15% difference in unsprung weight is usually noticeable, greater than 25% is significantly noticeable, and 35%+ difference is very, very noticeable.

I do realize that the Level 8 wheels are cheaper priced than the Konig wheels. I don't want to speculate about why they might be cheaper, but I will recommend that you consider the added costs of : more fuel (because of decreased fuel economy), more frequent brake pad and rotor service and replacement (because of the need to apply more pressure to stop in the same distance), more frequent need to service or replace your shocks and suspension bushings (even more frequent if you offroad), and a general all-around more sluggish and bumpy/bouncy feeling to your 4Runner from installing heavier wheels (hard to put a dollar figure on this, but in my opinion "fun factor" is most valuable).



References:

Unsprung mass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Market Trends in Tires and Wheels | Specialty Equipment Market Association

Wheel Tech, Part I: Wheel Weight Slows You Down | Tuner University

Wheel Tech - Road Wheel Weights Can Affect Your Vehicle's Show...and Go
 
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Stock SR5 wheel is supposedly about 29.6 lbs....so even the heavier level 8 mk6 will be lighter. Trust me, if cost wasn't a factor, I would be all over the Konigs. My budget calls for a set of wheels that I can have installed for round $700-$800 out the door. Unfortunately, that won't even get the Konigs to my doorstep.

I never thought choosing wheels would be so difficultly! Not sure if I can live with the giant 8 in the center cap. Come to think of it, I like another set or 2 of level 8s, but hate the center caps!
 
No problem, I completely understand. If your current wheels are 29.5lbs then you definitely won't be degrading the performance of your vehicle with a set of 28lbs wheels.

However, I just wanted to point out that you would be significantly improving your performance with a set of wheels that are 35% - 40% lighter, and it would save you money in the short term (gas mileage) and long term (vehicle wear and tear), to the tune of a dollar figure that is probably more than the price difference of the wheels. :)

Aluminum is a pretty inexpensive material, so most of what we pay for in a wheel is manufacturing costs with respect to how much was invested in the engineering of the wheel and how up-to-date and technologically advanced of a manufacturing process was used to create the wheels. Higher technology and a more refined engineering process creates wheels that are stronger and lighter, but usually at a slightly higher cost.

I don't want to come off as trying to talk you into a set of our wheels, but I just want to point these details out for anyone who might be comparing the two wheels.

I'm very proud of the wheels we offer, and I enjoy opportunities to tell fellow enthusiasts about our wheels.

:)
 
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17x8...0mm or -10mm offset

One of the Tacoma World guys posted up a pic of his truck running these wheels without the center caps. I like what I see! And discounttiredirect is offering multiple prepaid VISA offers that could lower the cost of these wheels to $500! My next dilemma is a 0mm or -10mm offset. Based on a wheel fitment calculator I have been utilizing....we are only talking about an additional 0.4" difference in how far the -10mm offset will stick out. I know that could potentially cause significant rubbing vs the 0mm, just not sure how significant the visual difference will be. I have found quite a few pics of the -10mm stance this fitment gives via the ever popular Countersteer X. Whoever is out there running a 17x8 with 0mm offset, would you mind posting a pic in this thread of your stance? I know the 0mm offset should be a better fit to avoid any additional rubbing, just not sure if I will be happy with the stance in the long run.
 
I'm looking at this rim too and my understanding is the 17x8 -10 with 265/70/17 tire won't rub. That's based on fitment data from the -10 Konigs. If you go with a wider tire you'll likely rub.
 
eddie333 said:
I'm looking at this rim too and my understanding is the 17x8 -10 with 265/70/17 tire won't rub. That's based on fitment data from the -10 Konigs. If you go with a wider tire you'll likely rub.
Click to expand...
I'm lookin' at these wheels also. Based on a 0 offset having 4.5" back spacing for an 8" rim and the stock 20's having about a 4.25 backspacing, I believe that 265/70's won't rub. Comments?
P.S. Spell check, KOOL
 
a47chuck said:
I'm lookin' at these wheels also. Based on a 0 offset having 4.5" back spacing for an 8" rim and the stock 20's having about a 4.25 backspacing, I believe that 265/70's won't rub. Comments?
P.S. Spell check, KOOL
Click to expand...

you shouldn't have any trouble with stock size tire....especially if you are staying away from the more aggressive tires such as Duratracs.
 
I will be the guinea pig....

Looks like I will be the guinea pig for these. Thanks to discount tire direct, the price couldn't be beat. As much as I really like some other MFGs wheels (especially Konig & Method), I simply decided to go the more economical route. Ordered 17x8, 0mm Offset in Matte Black this afternoon. Decided on the less aggressive offset for an easier fit. Certainly not as aggressive as the 17x9, -12 mm offset a lot of you guys are running, but should still be a nice stance with the 285 Duratracs. Worse case scenario, when I break down and buy UCAs, I can always throw some spidertrax on if I feel the need.

Already have the order confirmation and UPS tracking info. Could have them on as early as Friday...if not, I will have my truck at the shop the day of or day after these arrive. Pictures to follow shortly....
 
FatTiresRollin said:
Already have the order confirmation and UPS tracking info. Could have them on as early as Friday...if not, I will have my truck at the shop the day of or day after these arrive. Pictures to follow shortly....
Click to expand...

Thank you. I'll be checkin' your pic album. What are you doing for TPMS's?
 
a47chuck said:
I'm lookin' at these wheels also. Based on a 0 offset having 4.5" back spacing for an 8" rim and the stock 20's having about a 4.25 backspacing, I believe that 265/70's won't rub. Comments?
P.S. Spell check, KOOL
Click to expand...

I think I'm ready to go with this wheel too. 17x8 -10 with 265/70/17 duratracs. More aggressive offset, but my tire size is smaller than yours. Should help out the narrow stance I loathe on my limited.
 
Picking up my 4Runner @ 5pm with new MK6 installed...it is currently pouring down rain, so it will probably be later this weekend before I can get some pics...stay tuned!
 
Lookin' good! I've taken another fork in the road and ordered SCS Stealth 6's. The wife didn't like the grey and SCS had silver. As it turns out we ordered grey anyway. She liked the split spokes, too.
 
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