Wheel Size?
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 221
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Wheel Size?
I currently have 16X8's and I'm going to upgrade to 35's in the next month or so. There is a remote chance of going up to 37's some day. So I'm wondering if I should go ahead and move up to 17 inch wheels now, knowing that I wouldn't have to get new wheels in a few years if I went to 37's.
So should I stick with 16's or get 17's? If 17's, what width is best? 8 or 9 inch? Are there any advantages to 16's over 17's?
So should I stick with 16's or get 17's? If 17's, what width is best? 8 or 9 inch? Are there any advantages to 16's over 17's?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 221
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
I guess I forgot that WayOfLife already posted some info about this in the Newbie FAQ. Here's what it says in case anybody else stumbles upon it:
Looks like I should probably go with 17x8's.....
Q: Is there any advantages to running a larger rim size vs. a smaller size?
A: Yes, a larger rim size will reduce tire sidewall flexing and this will provide better handling on pavement. On the trail, less sidewall flex can also help to make your Jeep feel more stable on off camber situations.
Q: Are all rims the same or is there a certain type of rim for offroading?
A: So long as you can mount your tire on it, a rim is pretty much a rim. Some Jeepers prefer to run steel wheels as they are typically much more affordable, are easy to touch up and will bend as oppsed to breaking but, they also tend to be heavier than aluminum. The one thing I would recommend is that you try and get a rim that is about 8" in width. The narrower width will help keep your tires from loosing a bead when aired down for the trail.
Q: How do you determine what size tire will fit what size rim correctly?
A: Typically, most off road tires come in a 12.50" width and for the most part, a 10" wide rim is what you would want. However, unless you are running beadlocks, I would recommend that you select a wheel that is 8" in width or there abouts. When aired down for the trail, the narrower width will help prevent your tires from loosing a bead.
A: Yes, a larger rim size will reduce tire sidewall flexing and this will provide better handling on pavement. On the trail, less sidewall flex can also help to make your Jeep feel more stable on off camber situations.
Q: Are all rims the same or is there a certain type of rim for offroading?
A: So long as you can mount your tire on it, a rim is pretty much a rim. Some Jeepers prefer to run steel wheels as they are typically much more affordable, are easy to touch up and will bend as oppsed to breaking but, they also tend to be heavier than aluminum. The one thing I would recommend is that you try and get a rim that is about 8" in width. The narrower width will help keep your tires from loosing a bead when aired down for the trail.
Q: How do you determine what size tire will fit what size rim correctly?
A: Typically, most off road tires come in a 12.50" width and for the most part, a 10" wide rim is what you would want. However, unless you are running beadlocks, I would recommend that you select a wheel that is 8" in width or there abouts. When aired down for the trail, the narrower width will help prevent your tires from loosing a bead.
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Just make sure you find a place that will mount the wider tire on an 8" wide wheel. Not all places will do it if the tire recommendations from the manufacturer recommend a wider wheel. Just something to be aware of as I ran into this problem when I was doing tire shopping.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1
From: The San Andreas Fault
Make sure the tire model(s) you like are available in the rim size you want. Then pick the minimum common rim width between the two tire sizes.
Although you can't count it, tire manufacturers are always adding new tire sizes for each given model.
As JKDawg said some tire shops will not mount anything outside the recommended range. This is typical or large national chains. Some small shops will mount anything that will no endanger the employees or is an obvious error in judgement by the owner. In my experience they will ago about 1" below and above the recommended range.
Although you can't count it, tire manufacturers are always adding new tire sizes for each given model.
As JKDawg said some tire shops will not mount anything outside the recommended range. This is typical or large national chains. Some small shops will mount anything that will no endanger the employees or is an obvious error in judgement by the owner. In my experience they will ago about 1" below and above the recommended range.