Just picked up my first Wrangler, 08 X. I've been researching since Saturday and I'm curious if you guys think I'm in the right direction. This is my DD and I don't plan on doing any serious trail riding, at least not in the immediate future. Just taking it on the beach and light trails. I don't want to alter the suspension and I'd like to stay within the law of New Jersey as much as possible.

I've had my eyes on the Rugged Ridge satin black wheels. I'm curious if anyone has had any negative experiences with them, especially with rusting. They're 17x9 and from what I've found the largest tire I can go with is 285 70r17 and for my usage the Goodyear DuraTrac.

The wheels I can find in the $175 range and tirerack has the GYs for $257.

From what I understand that will put me about an inch past the stock fenders. My research shows all the tread must be covered in Jersey, please correct me if I'm wrong. I think I can get away with it, plus I like that look.

I'm curious what needs to be done to this in order to effect the gas mileage. Will these wheels and tires show at the tank? Will a leveling kit effect it in any way?

Thanks for any help and nice to meet all of you.

 

Anyone have any feedback?

 

if the new wheel / tire combo is heavier than stock, then yes your fuel economy will take a hit. how bad? depends on how much heavier the the wheel / tire is. you can do some research and find out the tire weights on the manuf website, and maybe contact rugged ridge on the weight of the wheels. then go weigh one of your stockers and see how much diff. i would imagine, thought, it wouldnt be much of a difference.

the duratracs a great all-around tires. i have a set on mine and they do well on and off road. i think they would suit your needs well.

the only thing a leveling kit would do would possibly reduce your aerodynamics, which are crap to begin with. i cant imagine a leveling kit would effect your fuel economy at all.


regarding the legality, maybe post in the regional forum as those posting there would be a bit more apt to have the info than those of us in the general forum.

 

Thanks for your help

 

Well with those tires and a leveling kit, you will probably loose like1-2 mpg but then again it all depends on how you drive.

 

Yea, wheel needs to be covered in nj but its very rare to be cited for that. What size duratracs are you looking at? I also would recommend some bushwacker fender flares if your concerned about it. They look cool and make your jeep look taller.

 

About the fuel milage part, my stock 2010 sport with a 6 speed and 3.21 gears got around 500 km to a tank stock, I think the stock tires were 235/65r16, when I put bigger mud tires on it (265/75r16) it lost almost 100 km to a tank, now I'm lucky if I get 400 out of a tank of fuel, look into getting a superchips tuner and it will help give you better fuel milage and a little more power

 

Do you think I'll need the leveling kit?

Can't wait to get these on, been debating on bumpers, rails and fenders. Saw some pics of these wheels and tires on a stock set up and it looked nice. Normally I don't like the look of the stock fenders.

Until I find a bumper set up I think I'm going to get the caps and make a mid-width out of the stock front.

 

That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for, thanks.

 

285 70r17, was going to get the BWs, been going back and forth. Rugged Ridge makes a set that come with a modified inner fender which looks clean. Kind of like a couple painted aluminum fenders too. Anywhere here in NJ you would recommend to a starter in a starter?