I'm up for some new tires in not too long. I'm considering getting new rims as well. My question is what are the advantages and disadvantages of a larger or smaller rim/tire. I currently have 35s on 16 in stock rim with spacers. I'm going to get a wider rim maybe even 10". As far as rim diameter I know the larger the rim and less tire isn't the best for wheeling. But with less tire will the jeep handle better being my daily driver? So will 35s on 18 in handle better than 35s on 16 in? How much would that hurt me wheeling wise? I don't get out on the trails much although I'd like to more. I know tires go up in price significantly as rim size increases. Which makes no sense to me. I guess less is more, . As I rock my jeep I can see the sidewalls "squishing." I run my tire pressure pretty high. I'm sure that's not good for handling. Instead of worrying about sidewall compression would I be better off saving up for a long arm kit if I really want better handling on the road? Any input is appreciated.

 

Anybody out there?

 

You already know that I love long arm lifts for the ride and wheeling. There is a functional proportion of sidewall for wheeling and DD. If you have ridden in vehicle with very large rims and very short sidewalls you will know the ride is horribly rough. There is no sidewall to help smooth out the road by taking some of the small bumps by flexing the sidewalls. Short sidewalls help with cornering type performance and Jeeps are not that type of performance vehicles.

That said, as a rule of thumb. No larger then 35s on 15" rims, 37s on 16" and 39s on 17" rims for on and off road use. You want enough sidewall to be able to air down and not sit on your rims but not so much that you fill like you are diving on marshmallows. I like for duel purpose 33 on 15s, 35 on 16s and 37 on 17s. I wheel alot on the rocks like in Moab and also in sand so I do air down all the time to 15 psi and have gone down to 10psi but have decided the 15 is best for me.

If you have to much sidewall and are anything but going straight up then your tires can roll on you and dump you on your side or worse. Been there and done that. My wife was not happy hanging from her seatbelt when I laid my '05 LJ on it side while doing Hells Revenge because of sidewall roll. If you think you are ever going to go to 37 then go with 17" wheels. That is my $2 worth, 2 cents worth would have been just the last sentance.

 

Seems like you pretty much have it covered. 35's on 18" isn't bad, personally I would go for 16" if the Jeep will get wheeled, if not then 17" might be the best compromise.

 

id go 16" as well it just make there tires look more beefy

 

Personally I would stay away from 18's......the rims and tires are way to pricey

Stick with a 16 or 17 inch rim and tire combo...you will save money going this route than jumping to 18's. I was looking at 18" Tires for my Sahara...but I got a set of nice 17" rims and mud tires cheaper than buying just 5 - 18" mud tires for my stock sahara wheels.

 

QFT. I have 18s on my Jeep. If you go that route and like mud tires get ready to spend $250 a tire or more (depending on size). I could have bought tires and wheels both for the cost of just tires.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll just stick with the 16's when I get a new set. Much appreciated.