Changing JK Wheel size??
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JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: vacaville, calif
Changing JK Wheel size??
I have a 2011 JK but would prefer a smaller wheel with a bit larger tire. Does anyone know if it is possible to use a 16" wheel on a 2011 JK??
Thanks,
3 tons
Thanks,
3 tons
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 28
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From: vacaville, calif
Thanks, 3 tons
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Well I hope you're right because Im very close to pulling the trigger...Seems like I did see a set of 16's on a JK awhile back but not sure the year or whether the front caliper size was possibly different? Nor do I know if some kind of spacer is reqd...so Im needing an expert opinion - Im really looking forward to ditcking the OEM 17"!! Thanks, 3 tons
15's it comes down to back spacing and clearance for the brake calipers. Most steel 15's with 4.5" BS or less fit. Most but not all. Alloys can be very hit or miss it depends on the their individual construction, most will not clear the calipers.
My personal recommendation is, unless your Jeep is a trail only rig, keep wheel size about half of tire size.
Too much tire on a small wheel creates a lot of tire roll while cornering on the street which can be dangerous.
Another thing to keep in mind is tire availability and pricing. There isn't much choice in tires above a 33 for a 16" wheel. 15's have a lot of choices for a 33 a handful of 35's only and only a couple in sizes above that. Those slim pickings bring a heftier price tag usually too.
Michael @ Level 10
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Tallahassee, FL
Been running on 16s ever since mine was new :)
There are still decent choices for 16s. I know one member running 36s on 16s here. The only donwnside to me is that most tires are E load range.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 28
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From: vacaville, calif
The "standard" tire size for X & Sport models without the upgrade S package is 16". So yes 16's will fit.
15's it comes down to back spacing and clearance for the brake calipers. Most steel 15's with 4.5" BS or less fit. Most but not all. Alloys can be very hit or miss it depends on the their individual construction, most will not clear the calipers.
My personal recommendation is, unless your Jeep is a trail only rig, keep wheel size about half of tire size.
Too much tire on a small wheel creates a lot of tire roll while cornering on the street which can be dangerous.
Another thing to keep in mind is tire availability and pricing. There isn't much choice in tires above a 33 for a 16" wheel. 15's have a lot of choices for a 33 a handful of 35's only and only a couple in sizes above that. Those slim pickings bring a heftier price tag usually too.
Michael @ Level 10
15's it comes down to back spacing and clearance for the brake calipers. Most steel 15's with 4.5" BS or less fit. Most but not all. Alloys can be very hit or miss it depends on the their individual construction, most will not clear the calipers.
My personal recommendation is, unless your Jeep is a trail only rig, keep wheel size about half of tire size.
Too much tire on a small wheel creates a lot of tire roll while cornering on the street which can be dangerous.
Another thing to keep in mind is tire availability and pricing. There isn't much choice in tires above a 33 for a 16" wheel. 15's have a lot of choices for a 33 a handful of 35's only and only a couple in sizes above that. Those slim pickings bring a heftier price tag usually too.
Michael @ Level 10
Im looking at a 16" Black Rock Steel D ring style...Not too sure though about width vs Lift...
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
16's can also have clearance issues with some of the aftermarket steering components due to the larger ends, and with all of the 'big' brake kits that require 17" minimum.
And as noted, once you get past 35" tires, there isn't nearly as good of a selection. When I went to 37's, I found 5 tires for my 16" rims. This included directional, which was not an option for me. Bias, which again was not an option. $430+ each, not an option. So I was left with a choice of TWO tires. $260 for the falken wildpeak or $360 for the bfg km2. Flip a coin...
And as noted, once you get past 35" tires, there isn't nearly as good of a selection. When I went to 37's, I found 5 tires for my 16" rims. This included directional, which was not an option for me. Bias, which again was not an option. $430+ each, not an option. So I was left with a choice of TWO tires. $260 for the falken wildpeak or $360 for the bfg km2. Flip a coin...