V-Tec 326 Off-Road Wheels - 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500

From first glance, we really liked the look and finish on these wheels. The open design was still strong looking yet allows for easy cleaning and great cooling of the brakes. Besides, the bright chrome finish adds luster to an already great looking Imperial Blue Metallic Chevy. My vanity revealed.

The V-Tec 326 Off-Road Wheels are chrome plated aluminum making them both light and strong. We also stuck with the 17" to allow for a bit more sidewall from the tires to absorb impacts and protect the rims when were off-roading this beast. We didn't buy the Z-71 just for looks, we do plan to drive this thing up the Alaska Highway in a month or so and that is a test of any new truck as the road is in rather poor condition these days.

So the 17"x8.5" seemed the logical choice as we will be holding the tire size to a maximum of LT285/70/17 to keep the power acceptable with the stock 3.08 final drive ratio. Today, gas mileage is important and the 19+ we are hoping to keep is going to go a long way in protecting the green in our wallets. We are still debating a change in axle ratios to allow for better power and larger tires but this has not been totally decided as of today.

Currently we are running the Bridgestone Dueler A/T D693 II in 265/70/17 and we still have not totally decided on the exact tire we will settle on. All we know is we will be going with a on-off road tire like the Cooper Discoverer STT Tires or the Cooper Discoverer AT3 Tires in LT33X12.50R17D or LT285-70R17E depending upon availability.

Well the decision has been made and the Cooper Discoverer AT3 Tires in LT285-70R17E won out. As most of the driving will be on the highways between Cheney WA and Kenai Alaska, there just was no need for the massive traction of the SST even though the tire offers very quiet operation for a heavy lug design. The AT3, being a newer tire and one designed for just the type of driving we will be doing was just a sound choice and one we are very happy with so far in the testing. Mounted on the V-Tec 326 wheels, the combination sets this truck ablaze. Chrome wheels and the Imperial Blue Metallic paint on this 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 just looks sensational.