The use of a 4WD (four-wheel drive) system is nothing new. In fact, it's been used during both World Wars, therefore it wasn't made available for civilian vehicles for a long time. A 4WD has its advantages and one big advantage you get with such a vehicle is traction. Since all 4 wheels are moving there is better grip even in muddy areas.
A 4WD vehicle is also a lot heavier as it houses a bigger driveshaft underneath which adds lots of weight. This weight makes it more stable and even aids with traction. 4WD cars are also more powerful which is why having higher quality parts on them is crucial. The same goes for their wheels, which are commonly made of steel.
Benefits of Steel 4WD Wheels
Strength
While you often hear that you should have alloy wheels on your car, that just isn't the case with heavy-duty 4x4 vehicles. They are rugged and the wheels should be too. This is why you should go with steel 4WD wheels, as they are strong enough to sustain heavy impacts. While scratches can occur on both steel and alloy wheels that isn't a big deal for the former.
Repair
Repairing anything on steel 4x4 wheels is a walk in the park. From scratches to more serious damage, you can even do the repair yourself. Of course, that is if you know what you're doing and have the necessary tools and equipment. But then again you can always bring them to a professional.
Flexible
When it comes to climbing up hills loaded up at the back or pulling a trailer, it's best that you have steel wheels. Why? Because steel 4WD wheels are more flexible than aluminium ones when put under lots of stress. While this doesn't go for heat, it sure does go for pressure.
Affordable
The most convenient factor of steel 4x4 rims is that they are more affordable than alloy ones. While you won't get the same finish, you will get a set of steel 4x4 wheels that will survive through any adverse situation with ease.
What to Look for in Steel 4WD Wheels
Diameter
The diameter or size of the wheels can greatly affect a lot of factors. For example, if you decide to go with bigger wheels than what your vehicle already has it can be a good thing. That is if you want to have an even more stable ride. But if you go with smaller diameter wheels you will have a better driving experience on a beaten path.
Weight Rating
If you plan on hauling heavy loads with your 4x4, then you must get steel 4x4 wheels that will be able to bear the same amount of weight. For this, you need to look for the correct weight rating. This rating is listed by the manufacturer either online or inside of the wheels. A forged set of steel wheels will have the highest weight ratings.
Hub vs Lug-Centric
There are two types of 4 wheel drive wheels and those are hub-centric and lug-centric. The more common ones are lug-centric and they have their lug holes at the centre of the wheel. Hub-centric wheels have lug holes placed at the hub bore. Hub-centric wheels can have a larger centre bore which makes them more versatile as they can be used for different applications.
Bolt Pattern
When it comes to bolt patterns things can get pretty complicated as different makes of the same model vehicle can have different bolt patterns. The most common ones are 5, 6, and 8-lug bolt patterns. For example, the same vehicle can have a 5 on 5 lug bolt pattern with the next year's model of that exact same vehicle having a 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern.
Beadlocks
For a safe drive through the woods, you should lower tire pressure a bit. But if you want to ensure both comfort and safety you should go with wheels that have bead retention. Traditional 4 wheel drive wheels don't have that which is why you should go with wheels that have load ratings of either D, E, or F. These have tougher sidewalls and will keep the tires in place. The only condition here is that you let out a lot more air when you need to go on a beaten path.
Offset
The offset of your rims is what will affect stability quite a lot. There are three options here zero, positive, and negative offset rims. With zero offset rims you will have the hubs sitting exactly where the centre line of the rim is.
A positive offset means the hub is outside the centre line of the rim. This pulls the tyres towards your vehicle. This essentially makes for a less stable ride as your vehicle has a narrower stance.
With wheels that have a negative offset, you will have the hub sitting inside the centre line of the rim. This means the hub is closer to your vehicle and the tyres are pushed outwards. This wider stance makes for a more stable ride and it makes for a bucket-like look.
