While researching wheels and tires for the new Jeep I came across this thread. The more I think about it, the more moving from the 17" stock wheels to something smaller and lighter makes sense. I've read every post in the mentioned thread and I haven't seen a single critical post. The wheels are cheaper. The tires are cheaper. You get to put more rubber between your wheel and the trail. So why doesn't everyone do this? Is it just an aesthetic thing or are there other drawbacks? Let's hear it. Any reason I shouldn't go this route?

 

I went this route, running mb72's 15x8 wrapped with mastercraft courser mt 35x12.5x15 and I have no regrets. I've yet to find a reason to why I wouldn't recommend this to other. Go for it, you won't regret it.

 

I think its mostly because people are unsure if they will be satisfied with a 35. If you end up going larger than 35 the choices of tires for 15 inch wheels become limited.

Rob

 

I run a 15" wheel with 35s and I love it. I think it looks good with more side wall. I also think its a bit more "old school", large wheels are the new more modern thing.
Going 15" doesn't really limit you that much...
You can find BFG KM2, Toyo MT. NItto Mud Grapplers...all in large sizes35"+ on a 15" wheel.

 

does rotor size affect whether you get 15's or 17's?

 

From what I've seen, stamped steel 15" wheels are hit and miss for the JK but most machined aluminum wheels are good to go.

 

I am running US Wheel 15x8 steel daytonas with 4 inch bs. They didn't rub the calipers. Cheap from Summit.

 

If you do a drag link flip,it may not clear the smaller wheel

 

Or larger tie rod ends. There isn't much room between my Moog's and my 16" wheels at 4" backspace.

 

If you go with a big brake kit upgrade 15in whls will not clear the calipar