8" rims - will they work?

FROM STOCK 15" STEELIES TO WILD 24" WHEELS, THEY GO HERE.
User avatar

Topic author
MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

8" rims - will they work?

Post by MountainManJoe »

I found a good deal on some polished aluminum wheels.
The specs are: 15x8" with 3+3/4" backspace.

I roll on 30's with an Overland 4" lift. What I want to know is, will the different offset cause any clearance issues? According to the sticky post in this category, my slider door should just clear. But what about up front? Will I be able turn the wheels lock to lock?
Last edited by MountainManJoe on Tue Oct 26, 2010 11:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar

Topic author
MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: 8" rims

Post by MountainManJoe »

I did a quick photochop. What is your honest opinion?

Image

Cobra
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1750
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:31 pm
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: 8" rims

Post by Cobra »

i've looked at rims like that before i like the way they look on your van since it's a light colour
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
Jet performance tuner 91 octane preset, Jet under-drive pulleys
Rancho 999000 series shock, on-board controller to be installed later
DHC rock rails and skid plate Add-A-Leaf
G3500 front calipers
Zexel Torsen Diff
11" drums
180 amp Alternator
Long tru-cool 4590 trans cooler

1997 gone

astroturf
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1658
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:25 pm

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by astroturf »

How much?
User avatar

Topic author
MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by MountainManJoe »

It's the price that caught my attention more than the look ($200). They seem like decent wheels, but I just don't want them to look too ridiculous. I don't have much experience with alloys. Are they weaker than steel? Are they still OK for offroading?

astroturf
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1658
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:25 pm

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by astroturf »

I would pass. Just because everybody else has close to the same rim.
As far as strength goes, they can be made just as strong. Out on the trail, you can beat a dent out of a steel rim. Not so with alloys.

Just my two cents, Jim

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

I agree with Jim. Pass on alloys since you do a fair amount of wheeling. You saw the damage done to your steel wheel from that rock. The alloy will break and not bend. You can always pound out a steel wheel.

Other than that I like the look. :D
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
User avatar

Topic author
MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by MountainManJoe »

All good points. Then there's the pros:

less unsprung weight = less vibration, more grip
less rotational inertia= more power
better braking etc...

Somehow I can't picture myself bending a rim back into place using just my girly 4lb hammer by the side of the road.

Another thing is I have one bent steely right now and the tire shop is not able to balance it but you wouldn't be able tell by looking because it looks fine.

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Good points. If you have the extra cash, like the looks and keep in mind the alloys will incur damage easier in the rocks, then by all means go for it! Post up pics when they are mounted. :D
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

kc5gxl
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 59
Joined: Mon May 21, 2007 6:40 pm
Location: Orange Texas

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by kc5gxl »

timelessbeing wrote:All good points. Then there's the pros:

less unsprung weight = less vibration, more grip
less rotational inertia= more power
better braking etc...

Somehow I can't picture myself bending a rim back into place using just my girly 4lb hammer by the side of the road.

Another thing is I have one bent steely right now and the tire shop is not able to balance it but you wouldn't be able tell by looking because it looks fine.
Yes. the points you make are good points, and the bottom line, as Lifted mantioned, is what do you like? It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. I like alloy wheels, always have, but if you get them, and one breaks, can you get another to match? :-k

As for less vibration because of less unsprung weight, I don't think you would ever notice it since the tires you would use will probably cause more vibration than a couple of less pounds of unsprung weight would remove. ](*,)

At any rate, go with what you feel like and have fun!

Drive safe,

Dan Harriman
Orange Texas
If at first you don't succeed, maybe you shouldn't try sky diving!
User avatar

Topic author
MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by MountainManJoe »

I was "on the fence", and wanted to hear some thoughts to help make my decision. The style isn't exactly what I want, but it works, and $200/set is pretty good. I would probably have a hard time find a replacement, but at least I wouldn't be out very much.
LiftedAWDAstro wrote:keep in mind the alloys will incur damage easier in the rocks
:-k Hmm... maybe I should keep my steelies just for 'wheelin.

dilly
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 55
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:13 pm
Location: b.c canada

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by dilly »

they're gonna stick out alot
95 safari awd-2" overland lift,29" ATs on 15x7 chrome truck rims
2000 astro 2wd g80-company truck/work van

lockdoc
I sleep in my van
Posts: 704
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:50 am
Location: Plymouth Township, PA

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by lockdoc »

I like 'em. The Pickle bus is running Hummer alloy wheels. The 8" width will really set off your tires as well. They are meant for wider rims. They may or may not rub the slider but the slider will open fully either way.
Current:
01 AWD - Stock
98 AWD - Stock
Past:
93 4WD - 305 V8 - 5" lift - 31" tires
98 4WD DHC - 10" lift - 33" tires - Onboard air and Hydraulics - Snowplow
92 RWD - 350 V8 - lowered - 97 front clip
92 RWD - 350 V8 - converted to AWD - V6
91 AWD - 350 V8 - conversion van
94 RWD - 350 V8 - sons van
92 RWD - stock - sons van
93 RWD Shorty - project
89 RWD Shorty - parts van
User avatar

Topic author
MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by MountainManJoe »

Here they are...

Image

Image

At $40 a piece, it was a deal I couldn't pass up. I was disappointed with the their strength. The max load stamped on them is 1580 lbs. That's 6000 total which doesn't give me a lot room.

I'll post photos of them mounted when my current tires wear out in a few months time.

Cobra
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1750
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:31 pm
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: 8" rims - will they work?

Post by Cobra »

i still like the look of those
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
Jet performance tuner 91 octane preset, Jet under-drive pulleys
Rancho 999000 series shock, on-board controller to be installed later
DHC rock rails and skid plate Add-A-Leaf
G3500 front calipers
Zexel Torsen Diff
11" drums
180 amp Alternator
Long tru-cool 4590 trans cooler

1997 gone
Post Reply