I am currently running my factory 18" wheels. I will be putting in a 3.5 lift next month, and want to go to 35's. I looked at prices for an 18" wheels and its ridiculous. Its looking like its gonna be cheaper to by new wheels and tires , than it would be to buy just the tires for 18" wheels. I would like to go to a 15" wheel mainly because I like the look of a smaller wheel and a beefy tire, and for the cost. I do know ppl who are running 15" on JKs now but they are the MB72's, are there any other brand out there with 15" wheels for JK's or is the MB72's it?

Thanks,
SHAKE IT

 

Discount Tire has a 15" Alloy vs 15" Steel thread with a list of what fits. I had the 18" Gladiators and know exactly what you speak. When it was time for my third set of tires I made the switch. I looked at all the scratches on those stock wheels and even though I was careful, things happen. So 15" that are protected by large rubber, and when they do get scuffed a can of spray paint can fix: I went with MB72s. Nothing fancy, I don't want to worry too much about finish. Old school timeless function over fads that come and go.

 

I also have the same 18inch stock rims that I am running at the moment and yes tire prices are just stupid. I've been looking around to replace them too. From what I've found I am thinking about dropping down to a 16in or 17in. Even going from an 18 to 17 drops tire prices dramatically. Plus there seems to be more options in the 16 and 17 inch range. That's just what I am thinking about doing, personally I don't want to go down to a 15. Might look like doughnuts after running 18s for so long haha.

 

I dropped down to 17s from 18s once my stockers wore out. I wish I had gone with 15s. 35" KM2s for 15s are $50 cheaper than my Bighorn 34s. Also, my 17s weigh in at 34lbs where as the 15" alloy options come in at 20lbs.

 

Stupid question, but would the rim size affect the quality of the ride...with the larger tire and all. Im currently running the stock tires on the 18" factory rims and was also looking at down sizing the rims for a more budget friendly tire. Looking to go up to a 34...possibly the bighorns...any advice?

 

Typically, the higher sidewall height would make for a smoother ride. As is the case when people put 22's on a Cadillac with 1.5 inch sidewall and the ride is shot. But, when you are talking 35's... I doubt that you would notice much of a difference in ride between 15 in wheels and 17's. You have enough sidewall to not have to worry about it.

 

So im vary new to this I have had many 4x4s in the past but just recently got back into it, i have a 2012 sport 2 door, i have 33x12.50x17s on it now was thinking about going with a smaller wheel. did i just drop the ball on doing the footwork how small of a wheel can i fit on a 2012 because i would of rather gone with a 15 even a 16 but i got a atx 17" dont get me wrong they look great but tires for 15s are the way to go

 

15's are very common for folks to put on the JK. I know that my 07 came stock with 16's. I don't know if you could go smaller than 15 tho, never seen it done.

 

I'm running 15s with 35s and love it. The only problem I'm running into is being able to fit an aftermarket toe rod that will clear.

 

Im running 15s because i do like the old school look of smaller wheel and big tires mine are procomp soft 8's 15x10 with 35x12.5 hankook dynapro mts