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Old Aug 4, 2020 | 07:46 PM
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17" vs 18" pro's/cons?

Anyone have thoughts regarding 17" steel vs 18" alum. when ordering a new F350 DRW. Other than 18" alum being more $.
After reading through an old thread regarding all the issues guys had with the Ford aluminum rims corroding around the valve stem, I kinda wrote off the Alum.'s But never say never, if they've sorted their supply out since.
Thanks.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2020 | 06:41 AM
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Bert,

I don't believe 18” wheels are a factory option for the F350 DRW pickup.

I seem to vaguely recall seeing them as part of a factory GVWR downgrade option for the F450 chassis cab, but I can't point to it at the moment.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer
 
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Old Aug 6, 2020 | 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by SDcrewzer
Bert,

I don't believe 18” wheels are a factory option for the F350 DRW pickup.

I seem to vaguely recall seeing them as part of a factory GVWR downgrade option for the F450 chassis cab, but I can't point to it at the moment.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer
You're correct Jim. Looks like just 17" polished machined aluminum is standard on the Lariat and opt. on XLT. 17" "Argent" painted steel is standard for the XLT.
So I guess that changes the question to: Is it worth up grading to the 17" aluminum on the XLT (more load cap.?) or just stick with the steel, if I go with the XLT instead of the Lariat?
I'm not partial to one "look" over another. But I'll never go PC'd aluminum again. The ones on my old truck looked great at first (I bought them to up capacity and got them with black PC) but look like s*** now as the PC started peeling off.
Thank you Jim.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2020 | 06:29 AM
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I have a 2017 XL with the 17" Aluminum rims (stock) I purchased off the lot in 2017, have had many Valve stem leaks brought it in about 8 times due to it. fronts are leaking again, I just top them off, I gave up on them, just will deal with it until I get new tires It's the only problem I've ever had with the truck (knocking on wood)
 
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Old Aug 7, 2020 | 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Wing Nut Bert
Your correct Jim. Looks like just 17" polished machined aluminum is standard on the Lariat and opt. on XLT. 17" "Argent" painted steel is standard for the XLT.
So I guess that changes the question to: Is it worth up grading to the 17" aluminum on the XLT (more load cap.?) or just stick with the steel, if I go with the XLT instead of the Lariat?...
Bert,

My understanding is both 17” wheels types have the same load rating: 3195 lbs. per wheel.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer
 
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Old Aug 7, 2020 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by eryoung
I have a 2017 XL with the 17" Aluminum rims (stock) I purchased off the lot in 2017, have had many Valve stem leaks brought it in about 8 times due to it. fronts are leaking again, I just top them off, I gave up on them, just will deal with it until I get new tires It's the only problem I've ever had with the truck (knocking on wood)
Thanks ER.
That really stinks! There was a whole thread on their AL wheels years ago, before '17. Was thinking Ford would have corrected the problem after all the uproar so that gives me pause if they hadn't. Seemed like it was due to dissimilar metal corrosion between the valve stem and the AL rim. Bit of bone-headedness on the part of the the manufacturer. And various dealers seem to have dealt with it in various ways. From can't help to full replacements all the way around.
Not something I'd want to deal with.
Thanks.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2020 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by SDcrewzer
Bert,

My understanding is both 17” wheels types have the same load rating: 3195 lbs. per wheel.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer
Thank you Jim. My currents rims are 3450/ea., but with a DRW, 3195 should be plenty pucker factor. But if they are still having problems with corrosion, steel it will be.
Pretty incredible if they are given the simplicity of the fix. Mind you, the AL on the 2020 may be different then the '17. Ugh nothing worse then a mystery variable....
 
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