Lighter weight wheels than stock 17" wheels?

I have the oem 17" alluminum wheels:


Having gone done several rabbit holes of constantly adding accessories (hint, weight) to this truck, I thought I'd look into a no compromise weight shedding where possible.

I was wondering if there are any options for lighter weight wheels. I do plenty of mild off-roading and don't mind the aluminum wheels, but if there is an option out there that maintains the existing strength while reducing weight, I would be very interested and willing to pay more than I should for such an option.

Might be a pipe dream, but I figured I'd ask in case anyone's come across something before.

 

You're way overthinking this.

 

Not a pipe dream at all and don't let anyone make you think you're overthinking anything. There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to cut down on weight. In fact, it's smart if you can do it without losing functionality. In general, you're always going to be better off with less weight. You may actually get some MPG back depending on the situation. But remember, tires are also a very big factor here. Oh, remember that unsprung weight (like wheels) have more of an effect than spring weight.

Many, aftermarket wheels are going to be lighter than your factory ones. I was originally a little worried that strength could be an issue but from what I've seen so far people are not breaking and bending the lightweight wheels from offroad use. It happens, sure, but it's not widespread or something that should make you change your plans.

If you've got the big bucks, you can look into a forged wheel like the Volk TE-37. These are very light. But there are cheaper options too. Just start looking at all of the aftermarket wheel brands, go to their websites and you should be able to find weights listed and if not then just give them a call/email.

 

https://www.oakos.com/ENK-520-680-8400GM.htm

Good option and not that crazy expensive

17.8lbs each.

 

Fn wheels are pretty lightweight, varying by model/size but easy to find wheels in the sub-20 lbs range. 16" wheels can get you 17#/wheel.

SCS F5 are pretty light too, but good luck buying any. They take their marketing/availability strategy from Tickle Me Elmo.

 

To save 5-7 lbs per corner it would cost $1500-$3000 for a new set of wheels. That tiny bit of weight will make no difference on a Tacoma. The weight of the tires I've had on my truck over the last 15 years has varied between 38 lbs to as much as 55 lbs. Fuel mileage has never changed.

Additional unsprung weight might matter if you make your living drag racing. I've seen some tests showing that cutting 50 lbs of unsprung weight meant about 1/3 car length faster in a 1/4 mile drag race. That could mean the difference between winning or losing. But that tiny performance edge just won't matter in this case. It's more theoretical than real.

If you want something that LOOKS better, and if it is worth the money to you, then go for it. Just don't expect any measurable gains in performance or fuel mileage.

 

Are you on E-rated tires? There could be some gains in handling and performance IF you pair the lighter wheels with some lighter tires

 

Already on C load rated tires, KO2s. Fairly light off road tire at 45 lbs. Don't really want to go down a tire size either

 

For wheels specifically, I'd be getting some better looking rims regardless. If I can shed 5lbs per corner, why not chose the lighter wheel when comparing two aftermarket options? It may not provide measureable gains, but its still weight, at that point its more of a personal "feel good" goal.

 

I noticed a difference after installing the F5s on my truck and I didn't spend $1,500 on them.

 

This was one of my concerns and the only two wheels I considered were the te37x and enkei rpt1.

The 16x8 rpt1 I have weighs 18lbs. The bigger is the weight is the 35" e rated Toyo AT3 I'm running @ 65-68lbs

 

you've probably seen this already but just incase you haven't...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...eel-tire-combo-trd-rock-warriors-ko2s.381030/

 

Isn’t Enkei rpf01 light
Or whatever their truck version is

I have method 701 which I think is heavier than 17x8.5 TRD Sport unfortunately

 

Btw, heres a thread I started a long time ago on the oem wheel weight from my 2nd gen and then aftermarket
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/stock-off-road-wheel-weight.172097/

 

I noticed the 17x7.5" trd sport weight is empty on that thread, did you ever find out the oem weight of that wheel?

It looks like there are not a lot of narrower 17" rims available (narrower for keeping the bead on at lower psi), and it looks like I might have to swap to 16" rims (and new tires).

I don't think there should be any meaningful difference between 16 and 17.

 

Jenny Craig

 

I have the same OEM wheel currently paired with a 265/65r17 Michelin Defender ltx m/s. Approx weight of this setup is 64.5lbs.

Will soon be replaced by FSW Pro Style 2020 measuring 16"x8" and weighing in at 17.4lbs.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/finally-bought-some-wheelz.758415/#post-27032502

Not sure which tire it'll be paired with in the end... I got my eyes on a couple different 265/75r16 A/T's. The new tire could weigh in at 47lbs and it would still match the current OEM setup.

 

Wheels are in... Just waiting to get the tires.

 

Nice looking wheel....when are you getting them mounted up?

 

I would guess in a few weeks. The Toyo's were backordered but I wasn't too upset about it since I got them for a decent price.

4WP is running a 10% off sale when you have your items shipped to their store. Got the 265/75r16 for about $210/ea after tax.