alloy wheels for ifs 100 series & strength V steel

There are significant weight differences between alloy and steel. I know, I have a set of mud tyres on steel rims and road on alloy. With independent suspension, wheel weight is very important, as this type of suspension relies on the least amount of unsprung weight. I don't know if the 100 series has ever come with steel wheels, but I would be surprised if it did. Alloy wheels are also very strong and can take a fair pounding before breaking. I've never had it happen yet and I've done some pretty awful stuff over the years.

Hi Fozzy , a mate has a 100 series with toyota alloys and out of the blue one developed a crack . Was strange at the time as it is not used for what you would call extreme off road work. That is the only incident that I have heard of , I agree with the weight saving philosophy , the more weight one carries the more things break.

Cheers Dave L.

Weight is always a factor but surely wheel weight is different to extra weight elsewhere as extra wheel weight doesn't load the suspension. I didn't think the weight difference would be that significant. How many Kgs are we talking?

Gaz

Wheel weight contributes to unsprung weight (ie weight not supported by the springs) which can make a significant difference to vehicle handling (that is suspension movement, reaction time, spring response etc). The reason for IFS is to reduce unsprung weight and provide for generally better handling and ride.

I have driven the VX Cruiser (standard suspension) and only noticed, what to me was a marginal difference in overall handling (compared to my Patrol with OME). Roll tended to be slightly greater, not as if the vehicle was under lesser control, but ride was slightly softer. The difference was surpisingly minor.

I could go and weigh my steel and alloy wheels, but don't really feel like it. Suffice to say that the difference is significant; a steel rim weighs a heap more than an alloy.

I have a set of 5 alloys for my 04 100 TD cruiser with road tyres and a set of 6 standard steel wheels with 285 AT's for off road use. When I wear the road tyres out I think i'll put the 285's on the alloys for off road use. Have you ever lifted a 285 75 16" on a steel wheel onto a wheel carrier or worse, a roof rack, they are bloody heavy. The alloy is much lighter. I think the original reason most people use steel for off road is 1/ they can be straightened with a hammer if dented, 2/ they are not easily damaged by tyrepliers etc. Nowdays though, most people carry 2 complete spares so if a wheel is damaged or punctured they replace it and get it fixed at the next opportunity.
Having 2 alloys on a rear wheel carrier would be a significant weight saving.
Stu

I have two sets of wheels. 16x6 standard 97 Rodeo steel with 225/75 16 and 15x7 ROH steel with 31x10.5. Both have all terrains and I can tell you that the standard Rodeo steel wheels with smaller tyres are much heavier than the ROH steel wheels with the bigger tyres. Never weighed them but when you lift the two it is quite obvious.
The wheels may cancel out size wise as one is inch more diameter and the other inch wider but the Rodeo rims are still heavier.

So not all steel wheels are created equal.