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Smaller Wheels?

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Old 02-23-2012, 01:38 PM
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Default Smaller Wheels?

I have the factory 17's right now and am getting ready to replace wheels and tires. If I went down to 16's, would I really lose that much "stability" with 33's on the highway? I'm guessing not, but need some reassurance. Also, what about going with steel instead of aluminum?
Old 02-23-2012, 01:53 PM
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I don't think you will notice a difference.

I went from the stock 18's with 32's to 17's with 34's and it felt more secure due to the wider tires and less backspacing.
Old 02-23-2012, 03:06 PM
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Old 02-23-2012, 03:27 PM
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Been on 15" rims and 33's for 6 months and over 9500 miles. No problems on the highway or in town. Still drives better than stock.
Old 02-23-2012, 04:51 PM
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It has more to do with the service description of the tire than the wheel size. Something under 110 you might notice some sidewall sway, over 115 and you'll probably feel it tighten up a bit.
Old 02-23-2012, 04:58 PM
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Jpop, you've lost me there. Where can I find the service description of the tire?
Old 02-23-2012, 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Hotspur
Jpop, you've lost me there. Where can I find the service description of the tire?
It's the three digit number after the tire size and before the speed rating letter.

You can find Service Descriptions on nearly every manufacturers site and nearly all the tire retailers sites.
Old 02-23-2012, 07:31 PM
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I had 17" wheels on my sport jk. Just changed to 16" with no issues.
Old 02-27-2012, 01:30 PM
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I understand about the back spacing needing to be about 4.5 inches. However all the wheels I'm finding are offering readings such as +10, -12, or 0. How does this convert to get the correct back spacing for 33" tires. The ones I'm looking at are a +10.
Old 02-28-2012, 03:33 AM
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Anybody? Really need to get this figured out.


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