Which one would you choose?
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Are either/both the stock rims? What is the backspace on both? Does the lift/component manufacturer specify a rim size?
My opinion based on the lack of information given:
A 16" tire/wheel combo will be less expensive than a 17", and will give a bit more sidewall for airing down.
My opinion based on the lack of information given:
A 16" tire/wheel combo will be less expensive than a 17", and will give a bit more sidewall for airing down.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 176
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From: Orange County, CA
Which one to choose
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, AZ
16 LOOKS bigger
Now days larger rims are more popular. But the smaller the RIM the larger the tire looks. So a 33" tire on a 16 inch rim looks bigger than a 33" tire on a 17" rim.
Based on that and 16" are usually cheaper, I would go with the 16 inchers.
Based on that and 16" are usually cheaper, I would go with the 16 inchers.
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 181
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From: Reno, NV
If you are planning to upgrade in the future and keep the same wheels then get the 17s. Otherwise, I'd say get the 16s. The reason why is that you want to have some tire on the ground when you air down. The smaller the wheel the more tire you have... It's not ALL about the looks you know 
. The wheel vs. tire size thing is a huge balance between contact patch and (lacking term for this) stability. When you are side hilling with "more tire" aired down you will not be sort of dragging it. Anyways even if you topped out at 35s if it were me I'd still go with the 16s.
~Casey
. The wheel vs. tire size thing is a huge balance between contact patch and (lacking term for this) stability. When you are side hilling with "more tire" aired down you will not be sort of dragging it. Anyways even if you topped out at 35s if it were me I'd still go with the 16s.~Casey
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 228
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From: Mesa, AZ
Got a couple questions about this too, sorry JK Freedom, don't mean to tag on to your question. I've got 16s, pull a pop up trailer and don't really do a whole lot of crazy off roading, just for camping and hunting. In fact, I've never really even aired the tires down. Would there be a noticeable difference in handling if I went to a 17? Havn't had anything but the 16s, so I have nothing to compare to. thanks
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,215
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From: Georgia