Reducing unsprung weight with lighter wheels and tires

[Burtz]

Driving past a Mitsubishi dealer in the mid cities area of Dallas Fort Worth this afternoon and they had more "used" cars than Mitsubishis but they were all pretty exotic in the form of a Gwagon Mercedes, Corvettes and 5 Broncos. One of the 100k Broncos is a First Edition in cyber orange with 20" Fuel wheels and Toyo Open Country wheels. I was shocked to learn that those tires weigh 68 lbs a piece and the wheels can be 28-30lbs which makes the wheel/tire combo one hundred pounds of unsprung weight per corner! Has anyone found a lower weight alternative to a good looking wheel-tire combination that also provides great ride comfort and off-road capability?

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[RG7]

Innov8, Evo Corse, Method, HRE, Volk makes TE37’s in truck fitments now as well if you’re into the JDM look — really anything that is forged as opposed to cast or flow formed. Search “forged offroad wheels”, that will be what you’re looking for.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

The factory 17" beadlock capable wheels weigh in about 36lbs. I made a post on here with a list of wheels and their weights from the Raptor world. It should come up on a search. The best you will see are in the 22-25lb range. Tires, you can save weight by staying away from "E" rated tires. Off-road tires are just plain heavy.

 

[RoLyMa27]

The factory 17" beadlock capable wheels weigh in about 36lbs. I made a post on here with a list of wheels and their weights from the Raptor world. It should come up on a search. The best you will see are in the 22-25lb range. Tires, you can save weight by staying away from "E" rated tires. Off-road tires are just plain heavy.

I just tried to search for that post and couldn't find it. How much does the stock Badlands wheel weigh?

 

[goatman2]

Good question, but don't think you'll notice any difference. Contrasting issues here. A lighter weight wheel/tire package can give a performance boost, but if you're going to run it hard enough to matter then you need a strong wheel and a tough tire. Seriously doubt we could feel the difference.

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