Ok I'm about to pull trigger on some nittos and I noticed the wheels I picked out also come in 16"s. I have 17"s now. The 16"s wheels are $30 cheaper and the tires are $30 cheaper! Any ill effects going to 16x8 with 4" backspacing, instead of 17x9 with 4.75 backspacing. I know my tire will stick out further but I wonder what it will look like!

 

Unless you have fender coverage laws to worry about, lower backspace gives you more options. (and the wider stance looks better, in my opinion.)

The possible downside might be future upgrades to components that require a 17+ inch rim to clear. Big brake kits, steering components with larger ends, stuff like that. I guess future tire production may eventually turn out to be an issue, also. Tires for 15" rims are getting harder and harder to find these days.

 

Based on advice I have seen from others here, you should also consider availability of tires in that rim size. If you are out in BFE somewhere and need a new tire is that something you would have to wait to be delivered or can you get something off the shelf?

I have no idea if R16 is usually stocked or not and you may not ever find yourself out in the middle of nowhere needing a tire; just something to consider.

 

I live in Texas and as of now we have no fender coverage requirements.

 

Where in The Lone Star State are you? Looking for some jeepers in my area. North DFW?

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Tyler area. My sister lives in Wiley though!

 

I would stick with 17's. They may cost a little more, but you will have way more tire choices, and to me they just look better on JK's.

 

35" tires are readily available in a 16" rim. It's definately a VERY limited selection for anything larger.

I do agree, if you want to go larger than 35s, stick with a 17" rim for sure.

Sent from some string and a few tin cans.

 

I went from the stock 18 to a 16 and have no regrets. I couldn't care less about tire choices because I'm on my second set of duratracs and I won't buy anything but those

 

I decided on what size (17) to run because the wheel is only available in one size That size wheel; and a few other items, determined what size tire, and then what tire company to go with. Price was a factor, but not the foremost.