I don't care for lateral squirm much either, but only in autocross or some such. Why is it playing such a big factor here?

I did a lot of debate myself. Went with 17" for weight concerns.

I love my Duratracs, but the 35's measure about 33.5" under load. Of course, my Dick Cepek FCII 33x12.5 measured 31.5" under load.

 

Just a note, the tires mentioned here carry a service description of 121 which in my opinion would be just about perfect as well.

 

17s for weight concerns? I'm confused because I am yet to see a 17 inch wheel and tire combo that weighs less than 16s or 15s. Wings Fan on here runs 15" Soft 8s and 35" KM2s and it weigh a little less than 80 lbs.

 

Just got back from being out of town. Thanks for keeping all the great comments coming.

I don't autocross but I do road race (my race car, not my Jeep) and I'm hypersensitive to vehicle motions. I do tend to drive my JK more aggressively in corners than most people. I've been quite happy with the stock tires with regard to lateral squirm (they move a bit in transitions and then take a constant set) and want to keep as much of that trait as possible when I get new tires and wheels.

I think the suggestion of working back from the tire is a good idea. I hit on the DuraTracs based on comments here about how much people like them. However, I think sticking with a load range C (or D at the most) tire makes the most sense on a JK.

My Jeep is mostly driven on surface streets or towed behind my motorhome. I take it off-road about once a month. However, when I go off-road I don't want to be held back by the tires. I'm willing to tolerate some noise on the pavement for good traction off-road. Being in Southern California I don't see snow (or even rain) that often but in the past three yeas I've been off-road in deep snow at least once each year so it is a concern.

So, any suggestions on tires then? To go back a bit, I'm okay with either 16" or 17" wheels. I like that the 16" wheels and tires cost less and also the 4" backspacing on the 16" wheel would seem to be more optimal than the 4.75" backspacing on the 17" wheel (or my factory wheels with spacers).

Thanks (again)!

 

I never claimed it was a valid or even a logical concern.

 

just to help me figure this out... the less the backspacing the further away the rim will be from the suspension?

 

I commented on the backspace earlier, but then I got t' thinkin'. You're going to use a 12.50 inch wide tire, regardless. The 17-inch wheels are an inch wider, so the .75" difference in backspacing only amounts to a quarter inch difference in where the tire rides in the fender. Know what I mean? The offset is only 5mm different. Five leetle millimeters more inboard. I wouldn't be surprised if there was more variation tire-to-tire or even 5 PSI of inflation pressure.

My point is that if you're leaning toward 17", the backspace may not be a determining factor. I'd decided on 16's until I thought of this, but my priorities are different than yours. I'm still 51% leaning in that direction.

 

Yes. The sticky at the top of this forum might help you understand:

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...274#post211274

 

Thanks. I didn't realize that was up there.

 

Now that is a very good point that I hadn't thought of before. I'm watching this thread with interest since I'm in the process of deciding between the exact combo, right down to the 7069's. I had thought I didn't want 4" back spacing as it would make my Jeep 3/4" more attractive to the authorities to pull over...you've made me understand that I need to think about backspace AND rim width at the same time and not separate. Really simple, but for someone new to aftermarket wheels, important. Thanks for that.
I think JPop made a very good argument that the 16" Duratracs have to high a load rating for our Jeeps, stock springs or not. I need a good winter tire so that is what is putting the Duratracs in the front for me.
BTW, either combo (with 7069's) weigh in at 86lbs.