Must the surface of the back of the rim that will be sitting on the hub of the wheel be flat? What if there is a slight bevel? Will there be any problems?

Huh? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Bevel where? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Do you mean like it is dished? How would that even be possible on a wheel? really <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Im talking about the surface that will be connected to the actual 'wheel' of the truck. on the montero the surface of the wheel is completely flat. SO when you attach a rim to that flat surface, must the part of the rim that will be 'connected' to the wheel be flat as well. The surface around the lug openings on the back of the rim. I had a set of chevy rallys where the surface had a slight rim to it so it didnt sit flush on the actual wheel. My toy landcruiser rims i have now has a completeley flat surface as do the montero stockers.

Yes, the backside of the wheel mounting surface should be flat.

Frank

Ok i talked to a buddy of mine,and he said that solid cast aluminum will be flat, but steel wheels will felx slighty in and make flat contact on the hub.. The wheels im looking at are steel and the wheels i have now are aluminum, so it makes sense to me. Thanks for the help.

Matt, Matt, Matt...

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I know, I know. Just wanted to be sure. Don't roll your eyes at me!!

The properties of steel versus aluminum that your friend is commenting on revolves around the ductility and malleability of the two metals. Steel is more flexible than aluminum. Steel rims will bend upon hard impact with solid things (rocks, curbs) where the aluminum may fracture or split. Aluminum rims generally weigh less and are stronger per unit weight. Then there are differences in cast, forged, and billet aluminum wheels. There is a whole science to this...metallurgy.

I think the gist of your concern is: "Which is better?"

Each wheel type has pro/con like every other decision. The little Montero isn't going to flex out a steel wheel like a LeMans racer, semi-truck or heavy equipment.

Cheers,
Russell

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Perhaps the single most important advantage of aluminum wheels is to reduce unsprung weight. This is an advantage on and off road, as it increases the effectiveness of the shocks, maximizing tire-surface contact time. It also reduces the inertial mass of the unsprung weight increasing ride compfort in the bumpies...