DocLee

Looking to get rid of my factory steelies and get some aluminum wheels. Found these but not sure if I should just pass on them and keep saving to get some brand new ones. What do you think?
http://austin.craigslist.org/pts/2899299006.html

DocLee

This was the other option I was looking at. I was thinking these wheels from a 98 Tacoma would look pretty nice on my '95.
http://austin.craigslist.org/pts/2894741259.html

snobdds

I would go for the second one. Much better build quality, bring from Toyota and all...

DP4Runner

There will be more tire options for the 16'' wheel when they need replacing. I've got 15'' and i'm keeping an eye out for a good deal on 16'' just for that reason. If that's 180 bucks for four wheels i'd be buying those myself if they were in lincoln haha

Leviticus6432

I'm confused? there are far more tire options for a 15 inch rim imho... At least offroad tires anyway

snobdds

The tire community is offering way more selections in the 16 inch variety than the 15 inch.

Cheaper to produce is what I am hearing...

93Xtra-Cab

I like both, but I like the first ones better because you don't see many that have rims like that. I've never heard of Panther rims so I would do some research about them before you get them if you decide that those are the ones your going with.

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

way I see it...the first set will allow you to run a 33x12.5 or larger tire because of the width and backspacing - i'd also try to talk him down since 2 tires are bad, and what's "some tread" left? this set also looks very similar to fj80 wheels. the 2nd set is a 16" wheel and 16" tires tend to be slightly more expensive vs 15" tires. IIRC, a 285/16 aka 33" tire will fit fine on this stock wheel vs the 15" equivalent stocker (unless you go with a 33x10.5). dunno about paying 180 for those stock wheels w/o tires though - i always see them on CL for around $100-150. in the past, 15" wheels/tires were most popular, but now the trend is toward 16"+ because of modern brakes being larger. i never really understood why larger wheel tires are more expensive since they'd have less rubber used on them with the shorter sidewalls.

also, factor in that you may or may not need new lugnuts to pair up with your new wheels depending on what you have now/what you get. dunno about current wheel prices (since everything metal or petro based seems to have gone up in price the past year), but you used to be able to pick up new wheels for around $60/ea about a year ago (wheels like steelies and american racing, etc).

michael1963

Hey Doc; I'd go with these ones...much nicer looking IMHO.
I use to be a medic when I was in the Army Reserve's way back when. Thanks for doing what you do.

DocLee

Well I was able to talk the guy with the first set down to $150. He said that 2 of the tires were practically bald and would probably just make good spares....ugh. I recently painted my factory steelies black and really like the look of black wheels on my truck, so I may just cough up the dough and buy some brand new 15 x 8 black steel wheels for only about $230. We'll see. Gotta find the funds for tires then too. Thanks for everyone's insight, I may still end up buying one of these two sets.

93Xtra-Cab

Gotta remember, also, that aluminum is lighter than steel, so depending on the size rim and tire you have, you could have less rotating mass that will suck down power and fuel economy. They also won't rust, which might not even be a problem down in Texas. Just something to ponder over.

Binnt

"Pretty worn" and "Some tread left"...

That doesn't sound good. IMO you should go with the 16" ones. They seem to be the safer bet. Also they are good looking wheels.