Just found my way over here from XOC...

So, I'm thinking about getting some off road tires and a set of wheels to go with them. I think I am going to get 15" rims since it seems more tires are made for this size and they tend to be cheaper than that 16" ones.

This is basically a request for information on rims...types, sizes, manufacturers, prices, opinions, etc. If I were to order custom wheels, what are the numbers I need to know about? Basically, I am clueless on this subject of wheels, and I was hoping someone would write something similar to the thread about tires.

- Joe

I went with the steel 15" wheels from Nissan. I actually like the look, and I don't have to worry about proper offset, etc.

Also steel is better than alloy for offroading.

I'm sure someone will post the correct offset and backspacing soon.

Originally posted by Schludwiller
I went with the steel 15" wheels from Nissan. I actually like the look, and I don't have to worry about proper offset, etc.

Also steel is better than alloy for offroading.

I'm sure someone will post the correct offset and backspacing soon.


I think the alloy wheels are actually stronger than steel. The steel wheels will bend easier.

The back spacing is "+40 mm offset, 5.25" backside setting". I have had those numbers written on a note pad for a while and don't remember where I got them. I seem to remember that the information is in the owner's manual.

I read somewhere that alloy wheels are stronger, but when they fail, they basically snap, whereas steel wheels bend so you can just pound them back into shape.

This is the same reason I bought a steel frame mountain bike rather than an aluminum one. Good thing too...I already have several dents in my frame! :eek:

Originally posted by Schludwiller
I went with the steel 15" wheels from Nissan. I actually like the look, and I don't have to worry about proper offset, etc.

Also steel is better than alloy for offroading.



So did you buy someone else's stock wheels or buy new ones from somewhere (if so, where?)? About how much would these run?

Originally posted by mudphud


So did you buy someone else's stock wheels or buy new ones from somewhere (if so, where?)? About how much would these run?


I'll tell you where, but it's a secret. :D Drop me a Private Message.

Originally posted by mudphud
I read somewhere that alloy wheels are stronger, but when they fail, they basically snap, whereas steel wheels bend so you can just pound them back into shape.



Yup. You can fix a steel wheel on the trail. What are you going to do if you bend an alloy one?

I have seen several Xterra alloy wheels with cracks already.

I've been told the difference between steel and alloy is this--

Steel will bend.
Alloy will break.

Your decision.

As far as wheels, I'll repeat what I said on XOC (in case anyone else is wondering)...

Rockcrawler and US Wheel will both custom size the wheels.

Rockcrawler: 4 Wheels Parts (http://www.4wheelparts.com)
US Wheel: Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com) OR Rocky Road (http://www.rocky-road.com)

BTW...Summit does free ground shipping. So you *should* save on both sales tax AND shipping. I say "should" because I'm not sure if the shear size would make them charge - they do for tires, but not Optimas.

I'm planning on just going to a junk yard and getting some steel rims there. With the Frontier and Pathfinder rims also fitting the X, there shouldn't be a shortage of rims.....just need to make sure they are true.