Wheel replacements?

Not sure it matters, but aluminum wheels are lighter than steel, of course. Anything that is spinning matters, because it is unsprung weight.

I think over a few hundred thousand miles, lighter wheels will more than pay for themselves, just in fuel savings. Also, they are said not to bend as easy as steel wheels.

Aluminum dissipates heat much quicker that steel too. How many tire blowouts do they prevent....don’t know.

Probably some of the reasons many mega carriers spec lighter wheels.

 

I got nothing to add but that's a beast of a user name.

 

Now here is some real advice, just clean the rims, don't replace, the freight doesn't give a crap what the truck looks like.

What isn't mentioned is right now you should bank every penny you can because you will feel hard times in the near future, because of this virus mess.

 

Another option is to trade those wheels for refurbished or have the ones you already have powder coated. Some of the bigger tire service outlets like southern tire mart and tci offer this service. Some even offer different color options other than the original vendor white.
Just a matter of your customizing taste. Some love the steel wheel look color matched to the frame or the cab.

 

Ah yes, lord forbid someone actually has pride in what they drive down the road every day.

Polish the fronts, clean up the rear wheels and see what they actually look like under the muck. Since it has steel on it now I would say to only replace the outer wheels with aluminum if you replace any, your studs may not be long enough if you replace all the wheels with aluminum.

 

Stainless steel wheel simulators are also another option. They are basically wheel covers and you see them on tons of RV’s. The premium brands have all the stainless steel hubcaps and nut covers included in the kit and are held on with the wheel nuts so they cannot be thrown off and they run round and true. They are polished and shine forever. Pacific Dualies are the ones I bought.
I put a set on my ‘99 FL 60 straight truck when new and 21 years and million miles later they still shine with soap and water washings.

 

Good option; as the business runs on and grows 'old #1 is gonna look tired and the replacement truck(s) can be ordered with flash from the beginning.

You get a better image now for your potentially growing enterprise and, hopefully, you get to add some real bling later.

Showy trucks are nice [and expensive] but chrome don't get ya home...

 

Just cuz an aluminum looks ok, doesn’t mean it is. Check those aluminum wheels for cracks, and especially check where the tire bead mounts on the wheel. If it’s sharp at all, the wheel is done. Replace. Michelin steers, although they are the best riding steer you’ll find, are notoriously hard on wheels. Also check your front hubs piloting tabs. If they are corroded you’ll never center your wheels on the hub. If they need to be replaced, do the bearings and races at same time.