Maybe this question has already been answered, if so can you point me in the right direction?

Question: Right now I'm running 35 / 12.5 / R18 load range E. These tires are very tough and expensive. With these tires I only run 25psi and I still bounce all over the place. When wheeling I run 12psi and it looks like they're aired up still.

I'm going to need to get new tires soon and am thinking of going to 16in rims. This will drop the cost per tire by $100. I won't see the savings at 1st because I will need new wheels, but new wheels with tires will cost the same as just tires on current wheels.

I've noticed the 35's for 16's are load range C, I know it will give it a better ride, but will this effect the durability?

Right know w/ my current backspacing I don't need wheel spacers, buy if I want to save even more money I can get stock 16's but spacers will be needed. Will spacers create too much stress on the axles.

Also I've noticed some 35's for 16's are actually 315/75/R16 does this really make a difference, besides the .4in difference.

Thanks for any info.

 

Not all 315/75R16 tire are load range C, my DuraTracs are Es.. so, if you are dead set against Es just be mindful, even on 16s.

That said, I love my DuraTracs (load range E and all), and the ride I experience is nothing like you described. I run at 30 psi on the road, and 12 on the trail.

For the cost of 16 inch steel rims, I'd just buy ones with proper backspacing as opposed to screwing with the stockers and running wheel spacers. Not to mention the stock 16 inch rims are 7 inches wide, I don't know too many tire shops that will mount a 12.5 inch wide tires on a 7 inch wide rim

I'm running the Pro-Comp series 97 steelies, they are 16x8 and have (I believe) 4.25 inches of backspacing. These are remarkably affordable, and IMHO look great.

For the additional side wall, cheaper tires, and cheaper wheels, I have zero regrets running with 16s.

 

I bought my 08 w/ a 3in lift and the 35's. So it wasn't my choice for the wheel size. But I believe that's the same backspacing on the wheels I have. They stick 1-2 inches out past the stock fenders.