Recently I lifted my 2015 Wrangler Rubicon with a 3.5” lift and 35” tires. With those tires, I bought Steel Black Rock Wheels.
I believe when it comes to off-roading, especially on the rocks, the number one goal is strength and performance.
Pros & Cons: Steel Wheels vs Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum wheels are lighter than steel; crack easier; quicker acceleration and stopping; less strain on suspension components. However, in a Rubicon it doesn't really matter as the Wrangler Rubicon's are built tough.
Steel Wheels are less expensive and easier to repair if damaged. Out on the trails if you bend your wheel you can hammer it back, if you try that with an aluminum wheel it will crack. They do weigh more, but with my Rubicon it doesn’t matter as it can handle the extra weight. Steel wheels effectively lower your center of gravity.
FourWheeler.com says, "If you need an economical wheel that you can beat back into shape with a hammer, go with a steel wheel. If you’re a mud, sand, and snow guy, or are just looking for a new wheel for your daily driver, then a lightweight cast wheel is the one for you. If you need the strength of steel without the weight penalty, break out the credit card and finance a set of forged aluminum wheels."
Everyone has different needs for their Jeep, so when you do
your research first figure out what you are going to do with your Jeep -- are you a mud or sand gal or guy, rock crawler, desert racer, or mall crawler. Each one of those has different needs. A desert racer will probably want to go aluminum as for the weight issues. A mall crawler will probably want aluminum for the “prettieness” factor. So figure out how you want to use your Jeep Wrangler then go from there. I decided I wanted my Jeep tough and strong for rock crawling, plus I just bought a BFH.