So for x-mas I am getting new tires I know what tires I want but still deciding on the wheels. I am thinking at going with the 16", one because of price and two because of more side wall. Are there any advantages with going with 17" wheels?

BTW plan on rolling 35X12.5X16 KM2's

Thanks for the input

 

I've been wrestling with this same question. I did a pretty expansive cost search across a number of different tires...MT/R kevlars, KM2's, A/T KO's, MickeyThompson MTZ's, and I found the tire prices to be $8-$37 (average was $20) cheaper for 16's. That doesn't seem like it is much of a difference.

I was leaning toward 16's because of additional sidewall, but now I'm confused because as I look at wheels there are so many more 17" wheels available for JK's. Does that mean that the price of 17" tires will continue to drop with increased volume sales and the price of 16" tires will go up?

An additional concern with 16's is that it seems like most 16" wheels are 8" wide. Is that wide enough for the 12.5" tires? It seems like many of the 16" wheels that are wider have a backspacing that is 5" which is outside of WOL's recommendations in the wheel FAQ.

So many questions...so many ways to spend money.

 

Make sure you compare prices and weights of EVERYTHING before you make a decision. I was dead set on 16" wheels until I ran the numbers.

For the tires and wheels I wanted, I found out that is was actually cheaper to go with a 17" setup than the 16". The wheels were slightly more expensive, but the tires were cheaper AND lighter. After running the numbers I found out the 17" wheels will end up saving me $50 and 43lbs of total weight.

Here is a link to the thread if you wanted to see the numbers

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/most-cost-effective-rim-size-107694/

 

If you want price difference, 15s.

I went to 35x12.50R15 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlars. Price difference from the 15" to the 16" was approx. $325. I bought 5 new Cragars for $200 and was still ahead of the game. Price difference between rim sizes are SUBSTANTIAL. I could only imagine 37s+.

 

I went with 16's over 17's for more side wall but it limited my tire selection luckily the tire I wanted came in the size I wanted (37x13.50) if you stick with 35" tires you shouldn't have a problem find the ones you want for a 16" wheel but you should consider 17's if you plan on going with a bigger tire in the future so that you will have more choices in tires.

 

You also have to take tire roll in consideration. With a larger rim like a 17 or 18 you will get less tire roll and it will handle better while driving on the road.

 

if you can't decide between 16's and 17's, just do what I did and get some 16.5" wheels.

 

I have spent countless hours on this, I have decided to go with 17 x 9 wheels and and 35 12.50 tires with 2 1/2" lift... I get pro and cons from everyone on this set-up. I hoping I don't regret my choice. My only downfall is my automatic transmission I think!

 

I'm gonna run 17's or 15's when i finally get a lift. More option in 17 and 15 than 16".