07 Sahara 2.5" RC lift - 18's. Now the question is whether to go with 33" duratracs on stock rims or get 16 or 17" wheels (Eagle 197s or MB Gunners) with 33's - terra grapplers or bfg at's. Price is about the same between just tires or the tires and wheels - around $1700. Is there really any difference between the wheels besides aesthetics?

We get quite a lot of ice here in kc, so mt's really aren't in the picture. Occasional off road but mostly pavemement on our wonderful missouri highways, which is about a step above wagon trails.

Thanks!

 

If you are driving mainly on the road you should probably be worried more about the fact that most 18" wheel tires are E load range, and therefore will ride a bit rougher than the D load range tires for 16" and 17" wheels.

 

I used to have BFG AT's and I really liked them on pavement, sand, dirt, and gravel. They weren't great in the mud (lots of clay in my area) and I ran them for 2 winters. They were pretty good in slush and light snow. After I spun out on black ice going down the highway I switched to some full fledged winter tires. Not sure how mild or extreme your winters are where you are but average -30C with lots of snow, wind, and ice for a few months. That's what I get for moving to northern Canada, though!
No experience, but I've heard good things about the Duratracs.

 

duratracs have treated me well!
that's the only tire I plan on running till I go 37's.... than cooper stt's

 

I wanted those same Coopers. Because of price and availability I went with the Hamnkook Dynapro MT's. I think it was the right choice for me. They seem to be exactly what I need. But those STT's sure look sweet!