Steel vs. Alloy rims ... mileage difference?

[Allthumbs]

Was at the store looking at some rims and the steel ones are ALOT heavier than the alloy rims. Does anyone know if the difference in rolling weight for all 4 rims have a significance impact on gas mileage for my SR5 V6?

Thanks again to ALL!! :bigok:

 

[Odd Eddie]

Was at the store looking at some rims and the steel ones are ALOT heavier than the alloy rims. Does anyone know if the difference in rolling weight for all 4 rims have a significance impact on gas mileage for my SR5 V6?

Thanks again to ALL!! :bigok:

Unsprung weight, such as wheels, tires, brake components, etc... always have a more negative effect on fuel economy (and performance, for that matter) than if you were to add the same amount of weight to the vehicle in the cargo area, for example.

If you have any concerns with your fuel economy, I would suggest that you choose lighter weight aluminum wheels over heavy steel wheels.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I would add that the ride quality will degrade somewhat... Again the key being unsprung weight vs sprung weight.

Now FJ's come with steelies and steelies plus 265/70's is probably lighter than some of the street guys do with 22/24's etc. There's a member here who put on steelies and didn't have huge complaints about ride or mpg thusfar but "Odd Steven" is right. To what degree? I don't know.
:cheers:

 

[Allthumbs]

Well ... if it saves on gas and ride quility is even marginally better ... I'll go with the alloys.

No 24" rims... LOL no tire mfg makes 24" studded tires. maybe they make them for winter tractors or backhoes of some kind.. or chevy caprices.

Anyone has any brand preferences for 17" Alloy rims? Looking for something that is similar to the original rims that Toyota has ... nothing too fancy freaky looking.

THANKS ALL:biggrin2:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Well ... if it saves on gas and ride quility is even marginally better ... I'll go with the alloys.

No 24" rims... LOL no tire mfg makes 24" studded tires. maybe they make them for winter tractors or backhoes of some kind.. or chevy caprices.

Anyone has any brand preferences for 17" Alloy rims? Looking for something that is similar to the original rims that Toyota has ... nothing too fancy freaky looking.

THANKS ALL:biggrin2:

I'd assume you're looking for snow tire rims rather than cool, upgrade rims? If so I'd get on Ebay and get some takeoff's. The FJ and Sequoia rims are cool 'cause they give the T4R a slightly wider stance.
:cheers:

 

[Ulfr]

If you are planing for snow trips or off road trips, I'd go for the steel rims.
On such a small tires the weight is no concern (each wheel on my truck is over 40lbs), and the strength of the steel is superior.
Also, if you are planin' to drive on low tires pressure I'd go for the steel. Aluminium is much much slipper.
But of course, it's not like it really matters as much on tires under 35"...