[Catfish_Milly]

Is there any advantage or disadvantages to keeping stock wheels when adding bigger tires? I want to add 31”-33” tires to my Unlimited Sport’s black 17” wheels. Curious if the wheel aspect is solely for appearance or if slapping new all terrains more equipped to offroad will be just fine.


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[Retired-Not-Dead]

First thing - on the stock 17" you can go up to 285s - but you will rub if you don't add wheel spacers... and, depending on your rig, you might have to beef up the spare tire carrier and rear door hinges if you plan to hang a 33" on the back...

 

[Old Dogger]

Welcome to the Forum, from Cave Creek AZ.

 

[GuzziMoto]

Is there any advantage or disadvantages to keeping stock wheels when adding bigger tires? I want to add 31”-33” tires to my Unlimited Sport’s black 17” wheels. Curious if the wheel aspect is solely for appearance or if slapping new all terrains more equipped to offroad will be just fine.


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The big advantage to keeping the stock wheels is cost, you already have them and don't have to buy new wheels.
The possible disadvantage of keeping the stock wheels is they have a fair amount of backspacing, which is basically how far in or out the wheels and tires sit when bolted up. More backspacing means the wheels and tires sit tighter in, while less backspacing means the wheels and tires sit further out with a wider stance. That wider stance can look better, but it also offers more clearance for wider tires. As a result, with the stock wheels you usually can't run a tire wider than a 275 without adding wheel spacers to space the wheels and tires out for clearance. One of the more common 33" sizes is a 285/70-17, and that size usually won't clear on stock wheels without wheel spacers.
Running an aftermarket wheel with 5.2" of backspacing or less should allow you to run that size 33" tire, or even wider, without clearance issues. Most aftermarket wheels offer between 5.2" of backspacing and 4.5" of backspacing. As mentioned, less backspacing means the wheel and tire will stick out further which can help add clearance between the tire and the Jeep. It also can look better to many.
Or you can run the stock wheels with wheel spacers to run that size tire.
Nothing wrong with running stock wheels and more aggressive tires.

 

[Deen]

Most tire stores will refuse to mount tires that require a wider wheel than stock. My OEM wheels are 7.5" wide, new 35x12.5R17's called for at least an 8" wide rim so I has to upgrade rims too.

 

[rgreen65]

Catfish_Millie - Mounting 285/70R17 tires on your factory wheels will require spacers to move the wheel out from the hub to avoid rubbing. I have 285/70R17 BFG KO2s mounted on Quadratec CJ Retro wheels which have 5.2" back spacing vs the factory wheels 6.0" back spacing. The Quadratec wheels are also 8.5" wide vs the factory 7.5" wide which does make for a better fit for tires that are 11.2" wide across the side walls. You will also need to reset the Jeeps computer system for the new tire size so the speedometer and odometer read correctly as will as the transmission shift points if an automatic tranny.

You did not state whether your Wrangler is a JK or JL. But the JK base sport had silver 16" steel wheels while the JL base Sport has 17" black steel wheels. From what I can find, they are 17"x7.5" with 44.45mm offset (same specs as the aluminum wheels). The 44.45mm offset for a 7.5" wheel is equivalent to 6" of back space. That guarantees that if you use those wheels with an 11" wide wheels without spacers that the tires will rub.

Here are two photos of my '17 Chief with 285/70R17s on the 17"x8.5" wheels with 5.2" of backspace. There is no lift on the Jeep and no spacers.

The last photo shows the tread right at the edge of the fenders.

 

[Catfish_Milly]

The big advantage to keeping the stock wheels is cost, you already have them and don't have to buy new wheels.
The possible disadvantage of keeping the stock wheels is they have a fair amount of backspacing, which is basically how far in or out the wheels and tires sit when bolted up. More backspacing means the wheels and tires sit tighter in, while less backspacing means the wheels and tires sit further out with a wider stance. That wider stance can look better, but it also offers more clearance for wider tires. As a result, with the stock wheels you usually can't run a tire wider than a 275 without adding wheel spacers to space the wheels and tires out for clearance. One of the more common 33" sizes is a 285/70-17, and that size usually won't clear on stock wheels without wheel spacers.
Running an aftermarket wheel with 5.2" of backspacing or less should allow you to run that size 33" tire, or even wider, without clearance issues. Most aftermarket wheels offer between 5.2" of backspacing and 4.5" of backspacing. As mentioned, less backspacing means the wheel and tire will stick out further which can help add clearance between the tire and the Jeep. It also can look better to many.
Or you can run the stock wheels with wheel spacers to run that size tire.
Nothing wrong with running stock wheels and more aggressive tires.

Thanks for the explanation. I’m very much new to off-roading of any kind… have always wanted a Wrangler but have been a speed guy most of my life. This all makes sense and is good to know before clicking a few buttons and ordering new tires lol.

Would you suggest heading to an off-road wheel shop and discussing in person with someone with the Jeep there? I guess my only concern is buying what I think is right then headed to a shop since I don’t have the tools to swap tires, then afterwards realize they’re rubbing and only at that point discover I need wheel spacers lol. Any merit in that idea before I jump into this?


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[Catfish_Milly]

Looks like the Nitto Ridge Grappler would work well for what I'm looking for - nothing crazy but fine to take off roading so long as I'm not climbing boulders lol. I think the 265 or 285/70/17 would fit my 7.5" stock wheels. Guess I need to find out if spacers are needed beyond that.

 

[GuzziMoto]

Looks like the Nitto Ridge Grappler would work well for what I'm looking for - nothing crazy but fine to take off roading so long as I'm not climbing boulders lol. I think the 265 or 285/70/17 would fit my 7.5" stock wheels. Guess I need to find out if spacers are needed beyond that.

The Nitto Ridge Grapplers are ok, we have a set. But we also have a set of KO2’s and they are noticeably better. The Nitto RG is a heavy tire that rides rough. And it is not as good in rain and snow as the KO2. Other excellent A/T options include the Falken AT3w, Toyo AT3, and now there is the Baja Boss AT from Mickey Thompson.
Going to a shop may be useful, if the shop is knowledgeable and honest. Or they could spin you in circles. I would suggest educating yourself as much as possible before you talk to anyone looking to make a buck off you. Buyer beware.

 

[Clyde45]

There are a lot of tires available at 255/75 r17, which would give you more height than 265/70 R17, and is a stock size.

 

[rgreen65]

Catfish_Millie it would really help if you would definitely confirm your current tire size. The JL base Sport with the black steel wheels comes with 245/75R17 tires. These tires are considered 32" tires even though their actual size is a bit smaller at 31.5" tall when mounted. They are a more narrow tire at 9.65" vs the 10.04 inches and 32.0" tall for the 255/75R17 tires.

So, in your initial post, you state that you want to go to 31" to 33", yet you are already taller than the 31" bottom of your range.

 

[GuzziMoto]

For 285/70-17 tires you will probably need wheel spacers, otherwise those tires will likely rub when you turn all the way left or right. That said, if they do rub when you turn all the way left or right it is not the end of the world. And if it is a problem it can be resolved by adding wheel spacers or wheels with less backspacing.
But if you don't want any rubbing you should stick with tires 275 or less. And 275 isn't a common size, so really that leaves 265 or 255 tires. 265/70-17 and 255/75-17 are both stock sizes on different versions of JK. The 255/75-17 is slightly taller than the 265/70-17, but also slightly narrower. Then there is 275/70-17 which is as tall as the 255/75-17 but wider. Any of those three sizes, 265/70-17, 255/75-17, and 275/70-17, should fit on stock 17" Wrangler JK wheels without spacers. If you have a JL any of those three will still fit, but a JL can fit larger tires. Establishing what Wrangler you have would be a good idea, as rgreen65 said.

 

[Catfish_Milly]

Catfish_Millie it would really help if you would definitely confirm your current tire size. The JL base Sport with the black steel wheels comes with 245/75R17 tires. These tires are considered 32" tires even though their actual size is a bit smaller at 31.5" tall when mounted. They are a more narrow tire at 9.65" vs the 10.04 inches and 32.0" tall for the 255/75R17 tires.

So, in your initial post, you state that you want to go to 31" to 33", yet you are already taller than the 31" bottom of your range.

This is true if I wanted to make the ride hight increase but truthfully I don’t, at least it’s not top of mind. The stock 245’s are so thin, even thinner than my wife’s grand Cherokee lol. If a new tire was significantly wider but same height, that would be fine with me. However you do make a good point about not decreasing height. Funny that the stock tires are fairly tall, but so skinny.


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[Catfish_Milly]

For 285/70-17 tires you will probably need wheel spacers, otherwise those tires will likely rub when you turn all the way left or right. That said, if they do rub when you turn all the way left or right it is not the end of the world. And if it is a problem it can be resolved by adding wheel spacers or wheels with less backspacing.
But if you don't want any rubbing you should stick with tires 275 or less. And 275 isn't a common size, so really that leaves 265 or 255 tires. 265/70-17 and 255/75-17 are both stock sizes on different versions of JK. The 255/75-17 is slightly taller than the 265/70-17, but also slightly narrower. Then there is 275/70-17 which is as tall as the 255/75-17 but wider. Any of those three sizes, 265/70-17, 255/75-17, and 275/70-17, should fit on stock 17" Wrangler JK wheels without spacers. If you have a JL any of those three will still fit, but a JL can fit larger tires. Establishing what Wrangler you have would be a good idea, as rgreen65 said.

Yea sorry - it’s a 2021 Sport Unlimited, so JL indeed.


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[GuzziMoto]

Yea sorry - it’s a 2021 Sport Unlimited, so JL indeed.


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So, with a JL Sport it comes with 245/75-17 tires stock. You should be able to run up to a 285/70-17 (that is actually a stock size tire on some JL's), or any of the other sizes we have discussed. The JL has wider axles and can run wider tires on the stock wheels compared to the JK.
Larger tires mean you will need to reprogram the computer for the larger tire size. Otherwise your speedometer, odometer, and automatic transmission shift points will be off. The tire size can be reprogrammed using a widget and / or app.

There are a number of threads already on here about how large a tire can you run.

Largest Tire Without Lift for JL

There was a similar thread for the JKs back in the day, and it was really helpful while I was researching tires and wheels before buying. For example - I ran Duratrac 285/70R17s on AEV Pintlers on my 2014 JKU Sahara with no lift. Minor trimming of the air dam was required. As I understand it...

www.wranglerforum.com

and

Tire Size

What size tire can I put on my 2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport JL with 17 inch rims. No lift kit. I do not want any rubbing etc. They are stock rims. Current tires are 245-75-17. Thank you very much.

www.wranglerforum.com

 

[Clyde45]

If wider is most important, the 265/70 is a good look, and has a lot of options at reasonable prices. I ran Continental TerrainContacts in that size for several years when my JKUR was a highway commuter.

 

[Clyde45]

And honestly, with that small of a change, I wouldn’t bother getting 5. Throw a cover on the spare and call it a day.

 

[Catfish_Milly]

And honestly, with that small of a change, I wouldn’t bother getting 5. Throw a cover on the spare and call it a day.

Actually, yea, another good point here. If anything happens I can just buy a 5th but if not, the same wheel is on just slap on the spare for a week tops until the replacement tire comes?

 

[Clyde45]

Actually, yea, another good point here. If anything happens I can just buy a 5th but if not, the same wheel is on just slap on the spare for a week tops until the replacement tire comes?

245/75 is 31.6”, and 265/70 is 31.7”. It is insignificant. I wouldn’t drive around forever on it, but it will get you home and around until you get a replacement.

 

[Catfish_Milly]

I ended up going to a shop and looked at what I thought I wanted, and it was near identical to stock. I was quoted for Falken Widepeak A/T3W's. And did notice that my trim has an 18" wheel, so we picked a 275/70 (stock 245/75.)

Slightly taller and wider, so the more aggressive look is there with some extra off-road capability. 2" spacers were recommended like many said.

I guess my last question here with that type of change is what level of noise increase and drivability can I expect? I didn't want to lift it with massively larger tires on because any Jeep I've driven with a similar setup sucks to drive. Mine is a daily with 10-12K miles/year expected. So 245/75 (stock) up to 275/70 all-terrains.. if I'm at let's say a 10/10 drivability and noise (higher rating = less noisy) where can I expect that scale to decrease to with this type of setup?