advantage, disadvantage between 16 and 17 inch wheels and tires???
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: richburg, south carolina
I dont think they are going to phase out 16" wheels. There are just too many Jeeps and Trucks out there that use them on a OEM platform. It might get harder to find tires like 315 75r16 but they will still be out there. I personally have had 18" wheels on my Colorado with a 5" suspension lift with nitto mud grapplers 35's and the ride was a little stiff off road. When I get a few monthly bonus checks saved I'm going to go with 16's and Kumho 315 75r16 ROAD VENTURE MT-KL71 they are almost 35's and I think my 3.73 rear end will handle it ok without having to re-gear. Some people have had 35's with a 3.21 rear end but I would not want to drive it even with a Pentastar I like knowing if I need to jump out into traffic and gun it I can.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 0
From: Quinlan, TX
When looking at a 1" difference in sizes, there's not much difference in anything except for price. I would suggest going for the 17"s if you can get them for a decent price you can afford. It's quite easy to find tires in 17" size in a pinch, either at random tire shops or on CL.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: MIAMI
I'm really happy with my 315.75r16. I do have to agree that you dont have much choices with the 16s. There are so many options for the 17, but to me was a price factor to go 16. I have also read around here about the 15s rubbing on the caliper and having to trim it. Good luck on your search
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: oxford, ms
I went with a 16in wheel and now I regret it. Now that I'm going from a 33 to a 37 I couldn't find the tires I wanted in a 16in. In fact I just ordered 17in wheels and will be selling my 16's soon. I'd go with a 17 bc it seems like there are more options in larger tires
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 4
From: Riverside, Ca
pretty much, no one runs a 16" aftermarket wheel.
You lose out on the extreme cost savings of a 15" wheel and below a 17" wheel your limited in your choose of large tires. Most tire manufacturers don't make tires larger than 37" in anything below a 17".
You lose out on the extreme cost savings of a 15" wheel and below a 17" wheel your limited in your choose of large tires. Most tire manufacturers don't make tires larger than 37" in anything below a 17".
Last edited by FlameRedJK; Dec 27, 2012 at 03:18 AM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 1
From: East Bridgewater, MA
Most of the people I wheel with run 16" or 17" wheels. People didn't want to take the chance of rubbing from the 15" wheel or deal with grinding anything down. My brother in law does run 15" wheels and we tried them on my Rubi but they would have required too much grinding from getting them from clearing the caliper.
Just about every single tire manufacturer out there makes 35" tires for a 16" wheel. Going with a 16" wheel also gets you a heavier/stronge tire in most cases over a 15" and maybe gives a better ride on road (maybe).
With all that said, I wish I had done 17" wheels so when I move to 37's, I have more options. 35's is pretty much it for tire manufacturers for offering all sizes. Once you go to 37's, it is much harder to find anyhting for a 16" wheel. And forget a 15" wheel!
I know people want to try and keep tire cost down but by going with too small of a wheel, you will end up spending the money you originally saved on new wheels once you move to bigger tires. And you know you will move to bigger tires. It's what we always do!
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
When I was looking I found that 16" wheel and 35" tire combo's were lighter than the 17" wheels and 35" tires. Tires were Duratrac's, wheels level 8 ZX. The price was also cheaper for the 16" wheel and tires as well. Given this it's a win/win with the 16's. As for off-road usage, I have no idea of any benifits or not.
