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16 17 or 18 inch wheels?

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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 07:15 PM
  #1  
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Default 16 17 or 18 inch wheels?

what are the considerations in choosing? Assume in all cases I will go with a 33" tire.

- smaller wheel => bigger tire sidewall => deforms better for rock crawling?

- smaller wheel => bigger tire => heavier wheel + tire?

- smaller wheel => smaller contact between wheel and tire at the bead => more likley to spin a wheel in the tire or break a bead on the trail?

??

thanks
Kurt
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 07:20 PM
  #2  
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I love the look of the 18's on the Sahara's already but have you priced a nice set of tires for them
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 02:02 AM
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If I ever change wheels I will likely go with a 16".
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 02:24 AM
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Cost was the main factor when I switched to 16's. I was able to get 16" tires and new wheels for less than it would have cost me to get 17" tires and spacers.
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 02:29 AM
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I have a 2008 Rubicon with the stock 17 inch wheels. Will 16 inch wheels with 4.5" BS work without issues. Yes I agree that tires are more for 17s, but don't want fit issues and need to decide which look is better for me.
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 04:12 AM
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Originally Posted by kflash
I have a 2008 Rubicon with the stock 17 inch wheels. Will 16 inch wheels with 4.5" BS work without issues. Yes I agree that tires are more for 17s, but don't want fit issues and need to decide which look is better for me.
The 16's with 4.5 BS will work without issues for tires up to 12.5" wide.
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 05:22 AM
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cost was also my factor for my 16's
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 05:25 AM
  #8  
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if you're gonna be running stock - 33's, 16's are probably the way to go. you will have plenty of tire choices and sizes to choose from and at a reasonable price. at 35-37's, i would recommend a 17's
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 06:23 AM
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I have a 4" lift and 35x12.50x17 and have plenty of room I might move up to 37"'s after these tire go.
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 07:47 AM
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I decided to stay with 17" rims but just went with aftermarket rims that could take more of a beating and not break like the rubicon stock rims. I have really good sidewayy with 17's and 35's.

Rims and 35's



Rims and 32's

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