You'll save about 5lbs per wheel over stock wheel and usually around 10lbs over same aftermarket wheel in 17" size. Plus tires and wheels themselves cost less. Seems like a no brainer to go with 15's, unless you want the look of a bigger wheel.

 

They feel perfectly fine and look great. They give the Jeep a nice wide stance too. If you don't want to go down to a 15" wheel then consider a 16" with 305/70/16. Both are very good choices. Here's a pic of mine and my neighbors. The silver JK has 33x12.5R15 and the tan JKU has 305/70/16. Both have 33" Goodyear Duratracs and a 2.5 Teraflex coil lift.

 

Love my 15's! They look and perform great plus under $1300 for 5 wheels and tires...

 

If you are going to stay with 33's, then tire selection is better with 15's, however if you think you will ever go to 35's or taller, then you would be better off with 17" wheels.

 

I know tires are cheaper for 15's, but I stayed with 17's. Some aftermarket suspensions require 17's or larger to keep from hitting their components. In order to use Rock Krawler's HD Pro Tie Rod they have this statement: "Recommended wheel is a 17" diameter with a maximum back space of 4.5". You might also need the larger wheel if you go with aftermarket brakes/rotors to help stop your modified Jeep with those larger tires. The larger sidewall on the 15" will be better for offroad use, but I think the 17" narrower sidewall will be better for onroad use. Since I use my Jeep as a daily driver and I don't want to limit my suspension choices, I stayed with the 17" wheel when I changed from the stock 17" ones.

 

Very good advice.

 

I went with the 17" wheels and 33" Toyo MT's with 2" lift. This is my daily driver and I've had no problems with this set up. Im happy how the wheels and tires turned out.

 

I correlate the drifty feeling with the additional flex of the sidewall making the Jeep sway some while driving down the road. The shorter sidewall with a 17" wheel is not exactly the same, but similar to a sports car with a short sidewall. The sidewall flexes less and the drifty feeling isn't there. The sports car or Jeep in this case tends to drive straighter and corner flatter.

I haven't measured the sidewall differences, but does a 33" tire with a 15" wheel have about the same sidewall as a 35" tire with a 17" wheel? Just something to consider.

 

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm staying with the 17's to allow for brake upgrades and larger than 33" tires. I really appreciate all the posts.


Dude, this is EXACTLY what I had in mind for my rig...awesome.