I have an opportunity to pick up some nice NEW wheels for my JK Unlimited. They are 16" wheels. I currently have stocker 18". Is there any advantage or disadvantage to 17's or 16's.

Backspacing is 4.5" which I understand is desirable for larger tires and they are a good quality unit and price, but since I am not in a hurry, I don't want to compromise if 17 or 18's are a better way to go.

 

I think the smaller size you go, the better for offroading (you get more sidewall) but the road manners slightly decease? I'm in the process of the same thing and I think i will be going from my stock 17's to 16s with my new wheels. O yea, tire prices get cheaper the smaller rim you run. So it depends more on what you are looking to do with your jeep.

 

If you're going smaller for tire cost savings, consider going with a 15" wheel (you'll just need to make sure that the 15" wheel will fit - I have spacers on and my wheels clear the calipers just fine)... tires are WAY cheaper for 15" wheels than for 16" or 17".

 

Doesn't make any sense that the tires that have more rubber are cheaper. Anyone know why that is??? It's like womens clothing, the less material there is, the more expensive it is. This has bothered me for quite some time.

 

The 15" tires have been out on the market for eons, so the price per tire is lower compared to a 20" tire (as an example). The tire manufacturers have recouped the costs of the equipment to produce the 15" tire versus the 20" tire. I hope that made sense.

To the OP question; I just went with 16" for a couple reasons (well 3, if you count that I found a set locally from another forum member that I could afford and they were 16" wheels). I like the cheaper cost of the 16" versus the 18" stockers I have, and I like the added sidewall for off road excursions (which I hope will start coming soon - stupid work! ).

 

I say go for it. As said here bigger wheels seem to be better on road and smaller wheels seem to be better off road. In my opinion 16" looks better than 17". I think 18" is getting too far out there for offroading. Just my opinion. If yours is a daily driver and you like the wheels , do it.

 

you have your new wheels and tires. Where are the pics?

 

16" would probably my choice as well, though the 17's aren't too bad.

 

It seems like there are more tire choices for 17's and the tire i really like isn't offered in a 16 so I personally went with 17's. I don't think i could ever go bigger than that on a 4x4.

If you can find some 16" wheels and tires you like for 16's go for it, you will definitely save a little cash on your wheels/tires for 16's over 17's.

 

As has been brought up before go with the wheel that matches the tires you want
16'' are usually less expensive with more choices.
17'' typically have better road manners.
I run 16'' myself saves me $300 per set for the tire i run. And my next set is not offerd in 17'' that tall (285/75/16 toyo m55s).