I'm interested in this answer too. I would think you would lose a lot of sidewall and tire prices would be higher too.

 

something about the side wall , weight, handling, even off road....(dirt country roads) not rocks....i read it on the forum , and found it on line.....something why pick ups and trucks have large rims on the upper models, how the side wall flexes......that 1" makes a different

 

Imagine a larger wheel with rubber aired down to say, 12 PSI... works wonders for crawling over rocks but the extra diameter of the wheel my not fair so well when it contacts said rocks. Now air down even more and you start to see the problem.
I'd make the argument for more rubber, less wheel. There is a practicle limit to this based on brake rotor size and max tire diameter.

 

I figure either way I am spending money. Larger tires for new 18 or for existing stock 18 , or buying new 17 inch rims and new tires. From the tire selection I have been looking at the difference in price from 17 versus 18 for 35 is only a few hundred dollars...not a big deal breaker for me. I had the same assumption that the 18 inch rims would see more damage as their isn't enough rubber around the rim. I can't do 16 or 15 that just is too small for the jk to me (my opinion).
What I wanted was a set of mamba rims or similar, but didn't want to scratch the heck out of them. Makes me think I want two sets of wheels now.

 

I regret going from my stock 18s to aftermarket 18s, and now I am going to pay it for it. Not enough selection and tires are way more $$, go with some 15-17s and dont spend a ton of wheels unless you dont do any wheeling because they will get messed up. I am gonna have some rockstars on 35 inch cooper STT's on sale soon if anyone is interested

 

How much? Im interested. If youre serious PM me

 

I run the stock 18" alloys with Duratracs and have one bent rim already from banging a rock. Cannot get it pounded back and consequently that tire is having problems sealing on the bead. Got my first flat on the Duratracs also this week but good thing I had the full size spare.

I would go with a 16" steel rim with proper backspacing if you are going to wheel at all. Right now I can't afford to make a tire switch after only 2 years with the Duratracs though!

 

For all the jker's that want more rubber less rim.....if your doing 18 x 9 , do not put a 265 tire, go wit 305's or bigger, that will make the rubber wider. Going 70's does nothing .....
Do not buy a product because its less expensive. Know what your getting...17's or 18's

The info is out there do your research.

 

here's what I would do if I were you..
Keep your OEM wheels, paint them translucent black, a bit like the Call Of Duty JK, and get spacers and 35"
That's it !!!
Good luck with your build. Post some pictures when you are done.

 

I have the spacers from the lift I put on last year. I Like the look of the black mamba rims or similar but didn't want to scratch them all up on first outing. So I am thinking I may buy some 17 inch black rims and get n on/off road tire (98 percent of my driving will be on road anyway) I would like to do more, but it's a two hour drive from where I live to anyplace fun. Im thinking i will use the stock crappy wheels and rims for off roading, until one day I make it out west. The blue green trails out here are small rocky stuff that you don't need a super rock tire.
In the meantime I will mull over what I have read, contemplate a little more and change my mind five more times. I have the smitybuilt xrc fenders, so I want a bad ass look to the jeep, so I need to plan carefully. . Thanks for the suggestions.