Hello,

Newbie here. Im looking to get goodyear duratracs soon for my 08 JK. I live in michigan and regularly travel to Upper MI snowmobiling. Im thinking about a bigger tire, not necessarily wider but taller. I have 245/75/16 now i was thinking about 265/70/16 cause i like the look but ive been told to go with narrower tire for better snow traction. Duratracs offer a 215/85/16 which is taller and skinner i beleive. How will this work and will it look ok or will it look stupid in the wheel well. Id like a nice looking practical tire. Thanks for your help.

 

265/75/R16 is almost the same size as the current "S" package tires so they will fit perfect. They aren't that wide, only about 10.5" wide in that size. Duratracs are an excellent snow tire, and they are studdable for more traction. The smaller size would look tiny, only 30" tall, like a donut on the Jeep.

 

Wow!! 215/85/16 is very skinny. In my opinion it would look odd on the jeep. You are talking about a tire that is only roughly 8.5 inches wide. Going to a 265/70/16 I believe it will put you up to about 11 inches on width. That should be fine in the snow. I would go with the wider choice on your ride. But then again I live in So Cal. No snow here so hopefully other people will respond to your thread with day to day driving experience in the white stuff.

 

I live a bit further north than you and I would say either 265/75/16 or 285/75/16. The little bit of extra width shouldn't make a noticeable difference. If you really have your heart set on skinny then get the 235/85/16. I ran them on my old chevy truck but the BFG AT.

Just searched for 20 mins, this is the only JK i could find with 235/85s...

Jeep 235/85r16

 

Wow, thats helpful. Thank you. It doesnt look to bad. Is the second number the height? and first number the width? Whats the largest tire I can go without a lift and steering interference. I thought it was 265/70/16.

 

285/75/17 with wheel spacers. Without wheel spacers 265/75 is the largest you'll really want without any lift or wheel spacers.

 

if you google tire calculator you can select one that converts it to hieght, width, and rim size. Like this calculator...
http://www.redrock4x4.com/tireconversioncalculator.html

 

I had my tires installed last week on a 2012 JKU and went with 285/75/16.

I love how it turned out!

 

Just went from stock to 16" Cragar black Soft 8's with 285/75R16 Falken Rocky Mountain ATS. I have a 2008 JK Wrangler X, 2 door soft top, no lift. I don't have any problems with rubbing!!

 

If you plan on going off roading, the 285/75R16 will rub the fenders. If you don't want to lift the Jeep or change out the fenders, the 265/75R16 will require no modifications. I had a set on my first JK in '07.