cb4017

When I bought my 08 JKU is was a basic version with 16" rental car tires. Not long after purchase I put 265/75-16 tires on the stock steel wheels. A little while later I installed Rubicon wheels tires (255/75-17). I wore those out and installed 265/70-17 tires on the Rubicon wheels. All these tires were around 32" give or take and I'm satisfied with that size tire.

Now about due for tires again. My options are keeping the 17" Rubicon wheels. I'm also considering getting the original steel wheels powder coated and going back to a 16" tire.

I'm trying to figure out the pros & cons of 16" versus 17". Tire selection and diameter are about the same either way.

Input?

sa29560

I have 16" wheels now.

Will be going to 17" wheels for the larger availability in 35 and 37" tires. Can't freaking wait.

Cajun JK

I think a 16 or 17 inch steel wheel powder coated in body color looks so good.

resharp001

Outside of having clearance to do a big brake upgrade, not sure there would be a big benefit of a 17 vs a 16 for you considering the tire size you're ok sticking with. I'm guessing brake upgraded doesn't come in to play, and think it would just come down to personal preference in regards to looks. I'd vote for powder coated steelies just cuz I like the idea of being different, and there are tons of rubi wheels out there.

TheDirtman

Go 17"

Trail Jeeps

The option of brake upgrades aside, the real benefit of 17" wheels is the availability and choices of tires and sizes, and this will continue to be the trend. Unfortunately, 15" and 16" wheels are going the way of the dodo, and most manufacturers don't bother making new part numbers in these smaller rim sizes. There are a few that still have a decent selection in these sizes, BFG and Interco come to mind, but even then they are slowly phasing these sizes out, often keeping tires available until the backstock runs out then abruptly cancelling orders.

If someone has the tire size you want available for a 16" rim and you have the rims already, great! Run them! But I would keep those 17s in the garage for the next round, there is a good chance that whatever size tire you choose won't be available next time.

Mike H.

^^agree.
additionally, if you think you might ever swap to an aftermarket tie rod, many of those require a 17" wheel.