18 Inch rim upgrade/Questions

[00BlazLT]

I am looking into buying some new rims for my 2000 Blazer LT 4 x 4. What am i to expect in ride quality, etc.? I have searched the forums and havent come across a specific answer to this question.

Here are links to both the tires and rims i have my sights set on.

Rims: 18 inch
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Displ...2FMachined+Lip

Tires: 255/55WR18 XL
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=6

I like the look and with my vehicles info they are a good fit. I do not have a boat load of cash to throw at this setup so i went with tires that both looked good and had positive feedback. This will be strictly a spring/summer/early fall setup needless to say.

Thank you.

[OverBoardProject]

What colour's the Blazer?
I'm just trying to imagine what it'd look like. (Yes I looked at tehir picture thing)
And would polished rims look better?
I'd just rather see you pay a little more now for polished wheels and be happy than pay a fair amount more later to get them polished.

About the only thing that you'll notice is a harder ride, and the handling will be a little harder.

Get keyed lock nuts, and I'd even recomend that you ask your insurance company if they're covered for theft

[00BlazLT]

My Blazer is Pewter. That site doesnt offer that color option, least not where i can find it. As far as polished goes i like the more brushed look. I like flash but i am not a real "bling bling" kinda guy.

A guy at work put a similar set of rims on a Pewter Bravada and i really like the look.

Lock logs will be purchased as well and i spoke with my insurance agent last week bout the addons. Thank you for the input.

[OverBoardProject]

Alloy coloured wheels looks good on my Pewter coloured Topaz.

It's a nice colour to start with

[dmbrisket 51]

why such a high pro tire?

[TheBrettster]

That topaz is gangster

[JimmyGold]

Hey 00BlazLT,

(Moderator, I hope this isn't against the rules).

I actually have those rims, I got the machined polised lip w/tires on ebay from a women who as 30 minutes from me for $400...a real steal last April. (See the photo under my user name)

At any rate, I had them for a few months and I decided to get the same rims in chrome...they look great. The point is, if you're willing to go used with a few scratches I'm willing to sell them to you...I hope you're close so we could avoid shipping costs...I'll let em go for $200 - 150$ if you really want them, they're just sitting in my room. I'm in New York City.


Personally, I wish these rims were a little wider, especially in the rear. Too bad they don't have staggered fitment. Just for clarity these rims have +42 offset, 18x7.5 silver painted with polished lip. Ride quality is as good as stock, just DO NOT by the Monomax shocks from Tirerack. I did and they destroyed my front end...way to stiff, although they handled great. The front end of our trucks are way to sensitive, so if you stick with stock shocks or the equivalent these wheels should be great...I wouldn't go for 20's. Thanx!

[00BlazLT]

I would be interested in the rims. I sent you a PM, respond whenever you have a chance.

That size tire was recommended by Tirerack.com so that is what i went with. Is that a bad idea? This is pretty much my first stab at aftermarket rims. Well at least 18's with low profile tires.

[BlazerLT]

those would look perfect.

I have the same combination but just a different brand wheel/rim.

You will like them, just keep your other wheels for the winter and swap them out before the snow flies.

[BlazerBoyLT98]

I agree with BlazerLT. Too many people forget they can't drive in the snow with their race slick tires, although they do handle great on the dry pavement. Also, I didn't punch in the numbers but you can at www.1010tires.com and figure out if your speedometer will be off with the new rim and tire change. Good luck and post some pics!

[JimmyGold]

Actually, you can get snow tires in 255/5518 or all seasons. I keep my 18s on all year, even better than the crappy uniroyals (235/70/15) that came stock on my Jimmy. 55 is enough of an aspect ratio to run all year. If you had a smaller aspect ratio on 18s or a larger rim like 20s which would require a 40 or 45 series you'd be in trouble.

The only thing I worry about is the salt and elements during the winter damaging the wheel's finish, but I always keep my baby clean. Later...

[BlazerBoyLT98]

If I had nice rims I would use the stocks as spares. Where I am you never know what the weaher may bring so instead of bouncing off a rock or sliding in the snow I think I will stick with what I got. But if I had a car, I would dress her up a little. I agree with you on the Uniroyals, but try the damn Mich XW4!!! Worst tire on earth!!!!!!! thought my number was up a few times!!! Scary stuff

Originally Posted by JimmyGold

Actually, you can get snow tires in 255/5518 or all seasons. I keep my 18s on all year, even better than the crappy uniroyals (235/70/15) that came stock on my Jimmy. 55 is enough of an aspect ratio to run all year. If you had a smaller aspect ratio on 18s or a larger rim like 20s which would require a 40 or 45 series you'd be in trouble.

The only thing I worry about is the salt and elements during the winter damaging the wheel's finish, but I always keep my baby clean. Later...

[BlazerLT]

You never put winter tires on nice looking wheels so they can be ruined by winter salt and slush and sand.

Quicker to swap the stockers on in 15 minutes and you are good to go.

[JimmyGold]

You can do whatever you want, the point is if you do decide to keep 18's on you can without it being a safety hazard.

[BlazerLT]

True, I am not arguing that, I am stating that summer wheels will soon turn to garbage in short order when exposed to winter elements.

Why spend big money to trash them.