What was wrong with the 15" wheel?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 11,054
Likes: 85
From: Hendersonville, Tennessee
I think 17-18" looks the best on the jk. It is a form over function deal smaller wheels do allow more flex off road but yes they are flighty on road especially around corners
Sponsoring Manufacturer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 4
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Larger tires, heavier vehicles and low gearing have created the need for larger diameter wheels.
Better brakes. Larger tires are harder to stop and our rigs have been progressively larger and heavier. Deep t-case gearing has created an issue with rigs 'pushing through' their brakes. Our customers have pushed us into more and more brake options. Many big brake options don't fit with 15" wheels.
Falling off your tire. Larger tires have taller sidewalls. At low pressures on sidehills these taller sidewalls tend to fold over. I've seen rigs roll due to this. Yes, you can say they are running too little air but low air pressure can make the difference in making it over an obstacle. It's not hard to fold a big tire over at 6 PSI and that's pretty common air pressure for many users.
Better brakes. Larger tires are harder to stop and our rigs have been progressively larger and heavier. Deep t-case gearing has created an issue with rigs 'pushing through' their brakes. Our customers have pushed us into more and more brake options. Many big brake options don't fit with 15" wheels.
Falling off your tire. Larger tires have taller sidewalls. At low pressures on sidehills these taller sidewalls tend to fold over. I've seen rigs roll due to this. Yes, you can say they are running too little air but low air pressure can make the difference in making it over an obstacle. It's not hard to fold a big tire over at 6 PSI and that's pretty common air pressure for many users.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Larger tires, heavier vehicles and low gearing have created the need for larger diameter wheels.
Better brakes. Larger tires are harder to stop and our rigs have been progressively larger and heavier. Deep t-case gearing has created an issue with rigs 'pushing through' their brakes. Our customers have pushed us into more and more brake options. Many big brake options don't fit with 15" wheels.
Falling off your tire. Larger tires have taller sidewalls. At low pressures on sidehills these taller sidewalls tend to fold over. I've seen rigs roll due to this. Yes, you can say they are running too little air but low air pressure can make the difference in making it over an obstacle. It's not hard to fold a big tire over at 6 PSI and that's pretty common air pressure for many users.
Better brakes. Larger tires are harder to stop and our rigs have been progressively larger and heavier. Deep t-case gearing has created an issue with rigs 'pushing through' their brakes. Our customers have pushed us into more and more brake options. Many big brake options don't fit with 15" wheels.
Falling off your tire. Larger tires have taller sidewalls. At low pressures on sidehills these taller sidewalls tend to fold over. I've seen rigs roll due to this. Yes, you can say they are running too little air but low air pressure can make the difference in making it over an obstacle. It's not hard to fold a big tire over at 6 PSI and that's pretty common air pressure for many users.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Leland, NC
Problem with 15s?
It makes it more difficult to balance tires, especially a interco or bias ply tire. You are limited (in most cases) to beads or water/antifreeze to balance the tire. Stick on weights have no chance.
Also a problem is trying to run a bigger tie rod, like the Currie or Rock Krawler. Chances are the are not going to fit with the larger TRE
It makes it more difficult to balance tires, especially a interco or bias ply tire. You are limited (in most cases) to beads or water/antifreeze to balance the tire. Stick on weights have no chance.
Also a problem is trying to run a bigger tie rod, like the Currie or Rock Krawler. Chances are the are not going to fit with the larger TRE
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Thanks for all of the input, answered a lot of questions I didn't even think of. My next set of tires are only going to be 33s so I was heavily leaning towards some 15" wheels since those tires are cheaper.
But now I'm leaning towards 16" cause somewhere down the line I'm gonna move to 35s.
I originally started this thread because the OVERSIZED 20+ wheels on 4x4s (especially wranglers) just doesn't appeal to me, and I was wondering why some people were putting them on their rigs.
Thanks
But now I'm leaning towards 16" cause somewhere down the line I'm gonna move to 35s.
I originally started this thread because the OVERSIZED 20+ wheels on 4x4s (especially wranglers) just doesn't appeal to me, and I was wondering why some people were putting them on their rigs.
Thanks