I've been pouring over threads and posts trying to find my answer but I see that most of the discussions seem to be about tire width, backspacing and rubbing/bumping of tires....
Here's what I think I've figured out so far:
I'll start off by saying that I have a 2014 JKURX that is bone stock right now other than I have a set of stock sized (255/75R17) Dura Tracs that I put on as winter tires two winters ago and have just left on as they are decent all around tires. I would like to go up to 33" tires with possibly a 2" or so lift and (of course) ditch the stock Rubi rims for something better.
My general understanding (and definitely correct me if I'm wrong!) is that for a Jeep that will actually see off-road use, the smaller the diameter of the rim the better. More sidewall means better performance when aired down, correct?
So if that is the case, then 15" rims would be optimal but 15's can cause problems with brake calipers fitting inside the wheel, etc.? right? So that leaves me thinking that 16" rims are probably the best compromise.
So then why the hell do so many wheel makers seem to only have the wheels I want in 17" and up?? As a reference point, I am partial to the Method NV style of rim; but those, the AEV JK Salta and the Fuel Vector are examples of wheels that are either not available in 16" with 5x5 bolt pattern or not available smaller than 17" at all.
Am I missing something here or is there a good reason why wheel manufacturers aren't interested in making 16" wheels to fit a Jeep? Or is it just a limited market because most Jeeps are being built for looks more than off-road function and therefore makers are producing what will sell best?
Any thoughts or insights will be much appreciated! I'd love to hear opinions on what everyone's preferred rim diameter is and why as well.
The main 2 reasons IMO.
17s allow brake upgrades, whether just the rotors or full BBK kits.
Some upgraded steering components, like tie rods, require a minimum 17" wheel.
To me the biggie is the brakes, if you're going bigger tires you need bigger brakes.
Aside from any potential off-road performance, I do like the more aggressive look of a big tire with a smaller rim for sure.
What size tires are you running there? I like your flat fenders too. I am considering those as an upgrade as well. Am I right in thinking that I may be able to get away with less of a lift if I go to flatties?
Running 35's with no lift.
The no lift part has more to do with "no money" right now than any sort of plan or goal or anything...
The plan would be about a 2.5" lift... Eventually, when the economy improves...
Economy worries? you must be a fellow Albertan! I hope this slump ends soon...
But anyway, that is great to hear that 35's will work with flat fenders and no lift. I was wondering about exactly that! Getting tires wheels and fenders this year and holding off on a lift until next year. I don't anticipate any hardcore off-roading this summer unfortunately.
Do you notice any rubbing or bumping from the 35's with no lift?
No rubbing, but I'm in Illinois, so for the most part, it is pretty flat/boring around here...
I bet it would rub on any good flex opportunity, at least without some bump stops...
I think a 2.5" lift and smallish bump stops would be perfect...
Build with the end in mind. If you're going larger (35 or +) tires then you'll be wearing out stock steering components. If you want to replace them with stock then you're OK. If you want to replace them with upgraded parts that won't wear as quickly, then you need to plan for that.
Research tie rod brands and you'll notice their disclaimer for minimum wheel size.
ROCK KRAWLER - * Requires 17" or Larger Diameter Wheels.
SYNERGY- Requires 16" or larger wheel diameter
YETI- Tie Rod Assembly fits all JK with factory production 16 inch wheels.
So plan with the end in mind. If you're staying close to stock you'll be fine. But if you're going bigger you're going to back yourself into a corner sooner or later.
Build with the end in mind. If you're going larger (35 or +) tires then you'll be wearing out stock steering components. If you want to replace them with stock then you're OK. If you want to replace them with upgraded parts that won't wear as quickly, then you need to plan for that.
Research tie rod brands and you'll notice their disclaimer for minimum wheel size.
Research After market knuckles, like Reid.
Research larger rotors or BBKs.
And list goes on and on.
So plan with the end in mind. If you're staying close to stock you'll be fine. But if you're going bigger you're going to back yourself into a corner sooner or later.
You know, you make a compelling argument. I do know that eventually I will be doing these upgrades and I tend to be of the "buy once - cry once" philosophy rather than go cheaper now and then try to sell my used stuff to buy what I should have bought in the first place.
It took me years of wasting money buying and selling guns/ scopes, etc. to finally realize that it is better to just suck it up and either do it right the first time or at least make sure you are leaving yourself an upgrade path without throwing away money.
the great thing about wheels/tires is that they are an easy replacement...
just cause you go with size "X" now does not mean you cant change later if something comes up...
and assuming they are in a good enough condition to resell, you wont even be out much...
and my plans involve YETI anyway, so I think I will be good...
Around here it seems like every third vehicle on the road is a modified/upgraded Jeep so used tires and wheels don't seem to hold much resale value unfortunately.
Plus, any used tires that I have would not likely ever be in great condition. My Jeep is not only my off-road toy, it is also my daily driver and I put around 22,000 miles on it each year.
the great thing about wheels/tires is that they are an easy replacement...
just cause you go with size "X" now does not mean you cant change later if something comes up...
and assuming they are in a good enough condition to resell, you wont even be out much...
and my plans involve YETI anyway, so I think I will be good...
I just got my new 16s shipped on 33" Duratracs, can't wait to get them on tomorrow! Price was the biggest factor for me, was able to get the full set of 5 for under $1700 after the rebates from Discount Tire.
So then why the hell do so many wheel makers seem to only have the wheels I want in 17" and up??... Am I missing something here or is there a good reason why wheel manufacturers aren't interested in making 16" wheels to fit a Jeep?
Long Answer: 16s on trucks are kind of like 19s on cars. 15 years ago they were both pretty hot stuff, but then the Size Cold War took over and before you knew it we had 36" wheels. Now the average midsize car or SUV has 20s, so 17 is the new 15, 20 is the new 17. 16 is the step daughter that no one likes but she is still useful around the farm.
That being said, I love my 16/33s. They are exactly what I need until I get into Moab level stuff. For fireroad, and modest trail use they do just fine, especially considering the cost aspect and ease of fitement. If I was DD-ing mine, I would probably go with 17s though, for just a little better road manners... plus the better selections, like you mentioned.
Long Answer: 16s on trucks are kind of like 19s on cars. 15 years ago they were both pretty hot stuff, but then the Size Cold War took over and before you knew it we had 36" wheels. Now the average midsize car or SUV has 20s, so 17 is the new 15, 20 is the new 17. 16 is the step daughter that no one likes but she is still useful around the farm.
That being said, I love my 16/33s. They are exactly what I need until I get into Moab level stuff. For fireroad, and modest trail use they do just fine, especially considering the cost aspect and ease of fitement. If I was DD-ing mine, I would probably go with 17s though, for just a little better road manners... plus the better selections, like you mentioned.
Thanks for the background! It makes sense. and good point about using the Jeep as a DD. As much as I'd like to think otherwise, the reality is that probably more than 90% of the miles that my keep sees in a year are on-road/highway miles and less than 10% are actually off-road miles. and pitifully few of those are on seriously rugged trails.
My 16" wheels and 285 tires work great. I doubt you could tell the difference between 16" or 17" wheels/tires driving down the road.
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