I notice that 15" wheels and tires are significantly cheaper than 17".

I'm planning on upgrading to 33" Goodyear tires since the vast majority of my driving is on pavement.

What is the down side to running 15" rims on a JK?

Do they negatively affect handling on the road?

Gas Mileage or excessive brake wear?

I'm knew here so please pardon if this has been discussed elsewhere on the board - I couldn't find it.

Thanks in advance,
Gary

 

Some 15s, like mine, require grinding the caliper housing to make them fit. I beleive discount tire has a list of 15s that fit.
The rubber is cheaper I think mine weigh 84 pounds each wheel and tire, so a minimal mpg loss. And there are some after market steering and suspension items that won't work with 15s.

 

Here are a couple of good threads on this subject...

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...wheels-120933/

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-s...s-thread-7758/

 

I was in the same boat as you, I just upgraded to 35s and thought the same thing. Mine is a daily driver and only go off road once and awhile, some people where telling me that with 15s mud and rocks wont clear out as well because of the close fit on the calipers. So I went with 17s and I went to Discout Tire and they gave me a deal on Kelly Safari TSRs at $ 250.00 each and they are made by Goodyear, just ask whats the best price they can do. I like them and they are quiter than my stock BFGs

 

Ive had no problems with my 15s and i go out quite a bit

 

Love my 15's. make the tires look beefier. Contact discount tire direct. They have a list of 15's that fit on jk.

 

To me the downside is with 15's you are really limited for choices on 37" and bigger rubber. I have 16's and 35's I love the way it looks. But if I upgrade I will go 17" and 37" so I can get the rubber I want.

 

I also have 16s and 35s but you should know there are some good 37inch choices out there for 16s like KM2

 

Hey Guys thanks for all your replies and advice - I've been looking at 15" wheel/33' tires as a relatively inexpensive way to add some "Hoss" to a Rubi that, for now at least, spends most of it's time on pavement - plus I can't see me rock crawling at the moment (until the warranty expires)

And it looks likr Discount Tire has a presence on theis site and I thik we even get a discount so that's cool

Thanks again guys

Gary