It's that time of year when things get slippy. I've done my research on some studded snows and I am interested in purchasing a set of Gislaved Nord Frost 5 tires. These tires are superior in snow and ice, cheaper than BFG's and contain more studs. I live in Steamboat Springs, CO where we have snow and ice for half the year and I have many friends that run these tires on their Subarus and they rave about the traction. My ideal situation would be to mount the new tires on a set of cheaper black rims (my disco is green, this would look sweet) so that I could just swap the summer tires and rims when the spring comes. I'm starting to realize that I have a few roadblocks to cross. The tires I am running right now are 255/55R 18. My tire shop, who mounts these tires daily, tell me that I won't be able to find 18" rims anywhere but from Land Rover. I'm not interested in forking out the money for these, I'd rather just have tires mounted on my rims when the season changes.

Through my research, I am seeing that many people downsize to a 16" rim for snow tires. I'm guessing that the tires for these rims will be cheaper. But I am also having trouble finding 16" rims with the hub-centric style that only fit the D2. Does anyone know of rims out there (preferably black and under 150.00/rim) that will fit my truck?

Furthermore, the Gislaved Nord Frost tires are my studded snow tire of choice as they seem to outperform the Blizzaks and the X-Ice, but if I can't find the correct size to fit the rims I am running, I will have no choice but to go with another option. Is there a studded snow tire out there that anyone recommends above the ones I have mentioned? Thanks so much, this conundrum is making my head spin...
-Hunter-

 

There are many used D II rims in Colorado so find a set of 16's and powder coat them black probably your cheapest route. Look on Craigslist in Denver and go for a drive.

 

I've had those tires, they are amazing. I just picked up some super cheap 265/75 R16 Hanook iPike studded tires to put on my 16" wheels. Finding used wheels IS indeed the cheapest and best way to do it.

 

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

it looks like there is a set of 5 16" wheels at M & M Auto USA-CO(Steamboat-Springs) 877-527-2519 / 970-879-8178 for $55 each.