The downside of 15" wheels?
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Poconos, PA
Offroad 15's are a plus, but if you're only doing highway driving the extra flex may be unsettling for evasive maneuvers. For some the 15's also make the tires look larger and they are typically $100/tire cheaper than 17's or 18's. Just have to be careful of which rims you pick or be prepared to grind a little on the calipers. My 15's fit fine.
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: Derby N.Y.
They cost less, have more sidewall, come in a load range C tire (not as stiff), are lighter than load range D and E tires. The wheels are also lighter and cost less.
It really depends on your use.
Having run tires for 15" wheels and 17" wheels, I prefer the softer ride of the tires for the 15" wheels by far--even though I give up some performance/cornering ability. I didn't buy the JK for street racing and driving twisty roads at high speeds.
It really depends on your use.
Having run tires for 15" wheels and 17" wheels, I prefer the softer ride of the tires for the 15" wheels by far--even though I give up some performance/cornering ability. I didn't buy the JK for street racing and driving twisty roads at high speeds.
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
I also considered 15" wheels when I bought mine however I do not believe the JK came with 15" wheels and since I am going to Colorado with my Jeep on vacation there are some large down hill grades. I was concerned about the brakes overheating with less free air around them. I thought that with the R and D Jeep did if 15" wheels were doable they would have put them on standard and offered the 16" and 17" as an option to save cost. As a result I stuck with the 17"
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 2
From: Gilbert, Arizona
You guys gotta give me some slack, I take a beating with comments on my 20's (installed on 40" tires mind you) so when I get a chance to reverse it on smaller wheels....
Last edited by JPTwinz; May 13, 2009 at 11:44 AM. Reason: fixed spelling error :)
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 494
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From: Palm Desert, Ca
I also considered 15" wheels when I bought mine however I do not believe the JK came with 15" wheels and since I am going to Colorado with my Jeep on vacation there are some large down hill grades. I was concerned about the brakes overheating with less free air around them. I thought that with the R and D Jeep did if 15" wheels were doable they would have put them on standard and offered the 16" and 17" as an option to save cost. As a result I stuck with the 17"
I dont think I would worry about that unless your pulling a 40ft trailer
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 494
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From: Palm Desert, Ca
Funny. Hey I like my old school 15s. 20s with 40s not to bad but I still like the smaller wheel look.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,308
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From: Jacksonvile
all personal
it's all a personal oppion on what they like. i love the look of 15's. i think it makes the overall look more agrressive. now if you have the money for the 20's with 40's. i would do it in a heart beat. the look is sick. but the average person can't. i would do what your wallet will let you do. it's a huge contraversy of the fitmit of 15's on the JK. some have problems so don't. it's a crap shoot. good luck with your choice.
JK Junkie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,164
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From: Catonsville, MD
I don't know how 15's fit....I know folks have them, but I don't know how. I have 16's and I have taped flat weights on the inside of the rim.....there is maybe 1/4 of clearance between the wheels and the weights. I can see how soft 8's and such that use clip on weights work but not one that uses taped weight.