Z71 Wheels - Repair or Replace?

[EddieC]

2008 Tahoe Z71 wheels are oxidizing along the edges at tire interface area (where weights were) but worst is one has a history of slow leaks. Now not so slow at 10 pounds in a week. It have been repaired once and the techie said he had to wire brush the corrosion out of the wheel's bead line. It lasted for a bit but based on the crud on the wheel edge it seems perhaps the is some seepage there again.

So is it a better route to get refinished, including the inside bead surface, or just go for a replica replacement?
Are replicas ok? Any particular brand or vendor?
Or perhaps look for take offs and pass these along to someone interested in cleaning them up themselves?

 

[Big Mama]

If you really like them refurbish them. That’s usually cheaper and you know their history. That said there are tons of these out there but hard to see in person.

 

[EddieC]

If you really like them refurbish them. That’s usually cheaper and you know their history. That said there are tons of these out there but hard to see in person.

Yes I like them but I can't imagine that the refurbishing costs less that the $150 replica.
But that is approaching the new take offs pricing if I were to do four.

 

[Big Mama]

Right. Have you done any looking in wrecking yards? I think refurbishing is less than $100 per wheel and they’re basically new

 

[swathdiver]

Restore them. Most large cities have at least one shop that specializes in wheel repair and restoration. I'm sure you could also find replacements for cheap on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

 

[EddieC]

Restore them. Most large cities have at least one shop that specializes in wheel repair and restoration. I'm sure you could also find replacements for cheap on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

I'll have to look into it but might need one replacement to get the logistics to work. Can't be without the vehicle. Facebook marketplace sellers think they have gold. Been watching for a while.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I'll have to look into it but might need one replacement to get the logistics to work. Can't be without the vehicle. Facebook marketplace sellers think they have gold. Been watching for a while.

When you're selling, it's gold, but when you're buying--it isn't lol.

 

[swathdiver]

When you're selling, it's gold, but when you're buying--it isn't lol.

Isn't that the truth! Conversely, in our case, if I want to buy X, it's always more expensive than if I were to sell X!

 

[EddieC]

Guess I'll have to do a little research. The Z71 wheels appeared to have changed in 2015 with the new generation. They are wider and less backset.

 

[swathdiver]

Guess I'll have to do a little research. The Z71 wheels appeared to have changed in 2015 with the new generation. They are wider and less backset.

I think they're called N87s and the part number is 9598055 for the GMT900s.

 

[EddieC]

I think they're called N87s and the part number is 9598055 for the GMT900s.

Thanks.
That seems to be the earlier version (8" w/ ET31) as I believe my 2008's are.

Interesting in knowing the effect, if any, of the later ones that are 8 1/2" (x18) with ET 24, just in case some came along.

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks.
That seems to be the earlier version (8" w/ ET31) as I believe my 2008's are.

Interesting in knowing the effect, if any, of the later ones that are 8 1/2" (x18) with ET 24, just in case some came along.

I looked for what was original. Not sure about the effects of the wider wheel. Someone somewhere ought to know.

 

[igell]

around where i live they sell brand new takeoffs w new tires for $700-900. best route by far as fixing those wheels will cost at least that much

 

[EddieC]

around where i live they sell brand new takeoffs w new tires for $700-900. best route by far as fixing those wheels will cost at least that much

Those would be the newer generation wheels, wider with less backset though. Not sure they would be a fit.

 

[igell]

i have them on my 01 denali.. they look great and change the stance/ look. only rub a bit on the inside when i go offroading

 

[EddieC]

around where i live they sell brand new takeoffs w new tires for $700-900. best route by far as fixing those wheels will cost at least that much

More like $1200-$1300 from what I found. A bit much.

 

[EddieC]

i have them on my 01 denali.. they look great and change the stance/ look. only rub a bit on the inside when i go offroading

Did you denali have z71 or similar option which I think might have an impact on suspension?

 

[EddieC]

Just refreshing the thread to see if anyone else might ring in on putting the current generation z71' wheels on the previous generation Tahoe?
As I understand it new are 8 1/2" wide with 24mm backset and the previous being 8" wide with 31 mm backset, atleast according to some internet information which has not been substantiated.

 

[igell]

Did you denali have z71 or similar option which I think might have an impact on suspension?

i don't believe there was a z71 package on 2001 Denalis. The stock wheels were 7.5x17. The ones I replaced them with are 8.5x18.. same diameter tire. looks much better as the truck was begging for wider wheels.. rides about the same... like i mentioned when it flexes there seems to be a bit of rubbing on the inside of one of the tires.. but i dont even hear it.