steel rims vs alloy (Tacoma)

[mjsca]

Was just wondering about these rims on the 05 taco's. Isn't steel preferable to alloy? I'm debating on getting sr5#3 or #5 package (one comes in steel, other allow) I'm thinking steel is more durable, but I guess alloy are more expensive because of styling? Thanks for any responses.

[overkill]

In a very small nutshell, steel is cheaper and if bent can be bent back into shape, which is a great benefit if you are out in the boonies. Downside is that the are quite heavy. Aluminum is much more expensive and if hit hard enough will crack instead of bend, which could leave you stranded. The advantage is that it is lighter.

I personally would take aluminum over steel. Aluminum rims are so much more attractive than plain stamped steel rims. Even though they will crack instead of deform, aluminum rims will take quite a bit of abuse before cracking, epsecially true if they are forged or hot-die forged.

[mjsca]

I think the steel rims on the 05 prerunner don't look too bad.

[H2O_MAN]

I switched to all steel on my Tundra and as soon as I can locate one more 15" steel T100 rim I will have all steel on my T100.

Alloy is pretty and lighter but as overkill said "steel can be bent back into shape".

I have a pristine set of 16" alloys for sale in the for sale section...

[Dude Boy]

I would vote steel for off road due to the reasons already listed. Alloy would get the nod for the most accuracy, when it comes to tracking down problems due to vibration and runout.

[nucleus]

Unless you are a rock crawler or desert racer, factory alloy wheels are just fine. The weight difference is negligible since the alloy wheels are so much thicker than the steels rims. Bending and breakage is also not a factor for normal use, and the idea that someone would straighten a $40 steel wheel rather than replace it is ludicrous.

The real difference, aside from looking nice, is that alloy wheels don't rust, and will improve the resale value of your truck many years from now.