I'm new to jeeps and offroading. Just got my first jeep, 2012 JKU sport and I want to get some off road tires. I do have the 17 inch wheels so should be able to fit some stock Rubicon take off's right? I'm reading and learning about tire size, lifts and spacers and such, but for now, I think I'm just going to stay with the same size until I get the basics down and some experience, so my question is more "how to." I've never put a tire on a rim before. My other thought is to get some new wheels as well and keep the Off road tires on them, then change them out for wheeling trips, but I'm too new to know if that would work. What is involved in taking off and putting on a new wheel/tire combo if the sizes are the same. Is it just like changing a spare x 4, or do they need to be alligned and balanced every time you change them? What tools do I need to do this myself, or should I just plan to take it all to a tire shop?

Thanks,
John

 

You shouldn't have a problem with rubi tires (although, I'd prefer to upgrade to better meats, but it isn't my rig). However, I'd recommend taking them to a tire shop. It's a difficult thing to get right if you aren't experienced (ask me how I know) and its definitely worth getting it done right. Especially if you're good buddies with the owner of the shop

 

By the way the stock tires are ok, although they arent the best. Definitely try wheeling a time or two before you get new shoes to see the difference!