I've been holding out to find a set of 17" wheels and 33x12.50 tires for some time now. Recently I came across a used set (5) of 305/60R18 Dick Cepek FC II tires, with TPMS, on Ultra wheels. I know the general rule about wheel size being half the diameter of the tire, and the cost difference of 18 inch tires over smaller wheel sizes. However, I can get all 5, complete, for way less than the cost of tires alone. With that said, I'm curious what others think about whether to hold out, or go for the purchase. The tires and wheels are both in great shape, with about 8 - 10k on them, and show no signs of plugging or uneven wear. Thoughts?

 

Are you wanting a 33" tire? If so, then go for It. Having a matching spare is always nice

 

I don't know your money situation BUT if you can afford it I'd go 17" or even 16" wheels and choose the tire you want.... if money is an issue... and you're buying used just make sure wheels aren't damaged and the tires are suited for your type of driving/wheel'n.... Good luck
Oh by the way it'll be only a matter of time you want 35's..... Alot of us started with 33's and realized 35's were the way to go.
Lucky for me I sold my 33's at a really good price for me and now I have 35" Mickey MTZ's for summer and 35" Duratracs for winter. Good luck.
Rob

 

Yes, I was originally planning to go 35", but that's really more of a want than need. I've wheeled fine on my stock 32" tires. I'm looking more for a wider footprint than taller.

 

The only issue I can see might be that when it comes time to purchase new tires, you may have a difficult time finding newer/bigger/different tires, 18" size choices are very limited. Personally, I tend to look for something newer/better if its out there when it comes time to buy tires. If you think you will continue to run the same size and make of tire indefinitely, go for it Hard to pass on good deals sometimes.

 

Believe me ..... You own a jeep your WANTS will soon take over your NEEDS way of thinking lol.
And really not too many 33" tires measure 33" just like not too many 35" measure a true 35" either.
Sounds like you can get a deal now with these tires and 18" wheels..... BUT it may cost you more in the end if you're not happy and end up going to a smaller wheel and different 35" tires anyways.
I'd say have fun researching tires and wheel combo's pick a wheel of your choice(17" or 16") and a 35" tire that suits your needs the best.

 

Definitely understand the "wants", but I also draw the line at gear swaps for now. Given that I have an automatic, 35 inch tires are out for me until the warranty expires. At that point it becomes a whole different game!

 

Agree, I'm in the same boat. Decided on 33s because I didn't want to regear and beef up the axle and told myself whats the extra inch worth. After about 18 months now I'm kicking myself for not going 35s but at the same time I now I want 37s, so I'm glad I didn't waste even more money on 35s. I'm sure once I get 37s they will last for a few months and I'll be saying dam it I want 40s.... Good thing I havn't seen one on 40s in person yet the wife would kill me.

 

I debated about this same thing for a while. I had the 18" Sahara wheels on my JK and seriously thought about just getting 1.5" spacers and running a bigger tire on the stock wheels. After several comments like the ones above on the price of tires for 18" rims I just went ahead and bought 17" wheels. The cost hurt me initially but a month later and I am very happy I did it. I know I will want to go bigger later on so all I have to do now is buy tires.

 

If you are even thinking about running 35" tires then I would wait. You will more than likely regret going smaller