15" vs 16" wheels

[TJim]

Hey guys!

I would like to ask you which wheels I should prefer.

I have both a set of 16" wheels, and a set of 15" wheels. which should I prefer and why?

I have a TJ 2004 2.4L. Ideally, I would like to run 31" tires.

 

[billiebob]

15s are almosr all LR C. 16s are almost all LR D&E.
On an SE, I'd be real conscious of unsprung weight and stick with 15s.

15s are likely less expensive too.

 

[CodaMan]

I have 16" wheels an they suck because the tire selection is terrible. When my tires need replacing I will also replace the wheels with either 15".

 

[Steel City 06]

245/75R16 are stock Rubicon tires and are just under 31", and can be found in reasonable load ranges. They were traditionally mounted on a 16x8 Moab wheel with 5" of backspacing.

Stick with 15" if you think you ever might want 33s or 35s. There are quite a few good tires in those sizes, more than 16".

Just as important as rim size is rim backspacing. For an 8" wide wheel, you will want 5.5" or less (ideally 5" or less) backspacing to prevent rubbing.

Since you already have both rims on hand, 245/75R16 or 31x10.5R15 are both good options. You could get a set of both so you have street and off-road/snow tires if you really wanted.

If you have to sell a set, sell the 16" unless you are attached to them for whatever reason.

 

[TJim]

15s are almosr all LR C. 16s are almost all LR D&E.
On an SE, I'd be real conscious of unsprung weight and stick with 15s.

15s are likely less expensive too.

Thanks I have both sets of wheels already, so it is no matter of cost.

I currently run the 16" ones, but when I upgrade the tires I want to know which set of wheels should I use and why!

 

[Chris]

Don't even consider 16" wheels. The tire selection is piss poor.

Also, good luck on finding C rated tires in 16" sizes

I repeat: DO NOT CONSIDER 16" WHEELS

 

[jjvw]

Mine is finally free of 16".

 

[TJim]

Don't even consider 16" wheels. The tire selection is piss poor.

Also, good luck on finding C rated tires in 16" sizes

I repeat: DO NOT CONSIDER 16" WHEELS

HAHA, so I should not consider 16" wheels?

Unfortunately, the Previous owner of my TJ ran 16" wheels (photo). Btw, does anyone know which wheels are they?

So, I should consider going back to the set of 15" wheels I have (stock ones that PO gave me) when I buy new tires?

 

[Chris]

HAHA, so I should not consider 16" wheels?

Unfortunately, the Previous owner of my TJ ran 16" wheels (photo). Btw, does anyone know which wheels are they?

So, I should consider going back to the set of 15" wheels I have (stock ones that PO gave me) when I buy new tires?


View attachment 157361

View attachment 157362

Those are Moab wheels which come on the 03-06 Rubicon models.

I would definitely switch to 15s when it's time for new tires, yes

 

[OHFIVETJ]

I really like my 16's / the looks / stance / width, ride and lack of road noise !

 

[TJim]

Those are Moab wheels which come on the 03-06 Rubicon models.

I would definitely switch to 15s when it's time for new tires, yes

So which is exactly the difference between a 31" tire with a 15" wheel vs a 31" tire with a 16" wheel?

 

[jjvw]

So which is exactly the difference between a 31" tire with a 15" wheel vs a 31" tire with a 16" wheel?

About 1/2" of sidewall.

 

[TJim]

About 1/2" of sidewall.

So, why I should prefer 15" vs 16"? less sidewall the better?

 

[jjvw]

So, why I should prefer 15" vs 16"? less sidewall the better?

Tire section, cost, and load range. If any of those things matter. 16s do allow for a slightly larger big brake kit than a 15. That is one advantage.

 

[Rick Flair]

So, why I should prefer 15" vs 16"? less sidewall the better?

Mostly tire selection. Tires are usually cheaper. Bigger size selection, and most importantly, proper load rating for our light Jeeps.

 

[PCO6]

I like Goodyear Duratracs and have been able to get them in 245 & 265/75/16's Load Range C. I have them on Moab wheels, which I also like, on 4 Jeeps. If I were to switch to 15's I'm not sure which wheels I would go with.

 

[Akitadog]

in my case the previous owner must have went to 16" wheels to clear the larger front discs & calipers.

 

[Hopper]

Is the only difference in C and E weight?

 

[jjvw]

Is the only difference in C and E weight?

In my experience, the difference is minor and possibly insignificant. It really depends on what specific tires we are comparing.

 

[AjoWay]

I enjoyed seeing this posted today, I like the look of the 15” wheels myself. I’ve been thinking about this same thing. I have 16x8 Moab wheels with curb rash and would like to get new tires & new wheels. My concern is if i do go with 15‘s, would I have enough clearance upfront with the brake calipers.