on my TJ I have 15" wheels. If I were to move up to a 17" wheel it really opens up the posibilities for a lot more tire sizes. So what are the pros and cons to moving up to 17" wheels. ???
thanks
thanks
Changing from 15” wheels to 17” wheels
- Thread starter Eddie Greenlee
- Start date
More expensive tires and less sidewall. I bought a Jeep with 17" wheels and that was the first thing I changed.
Looks so much better! There are a lot more metric sizes available, but they do cost more and, as mentioned, you’re sacrificing sidewall. The only 17” wheels I would buy personally are some nice bead locks. Other than that, I’ll stick with my 15s. They just look right on our TJs.
I do agree but the nitto trail grappler mt only comes in a 33 not a 35" or larger. from what i can tell .
unless you're going crazy tire sizes, I would Stick with 15's. R15 has one of the most prevalent options for tires (almost every tire has a 31x10.5R15) the general rule for tire size is rim 1/2 or less of intended tire size so if your gonna run 40's or something then 17's would be fine (this is for looks and side-wall)
Nimbley
TJ Enthusiast
I think the biggest drawback to 17" tires is the unavailability of load range C tires. I have 17's and like the look but not the stiff ass sidewalls.
There are several things to address when changing from 15" to 17" rims. Tires and rims are the obvious...
You will also need to upgrade your gearing to match the tire size, calibrating the speedometer by changing the speedo gear and install wheel stud adapter spacers 5x4.5" to 5x5".
Here is my '01 Sport with 255x75x17 with JK 17" rims.
You will also need to upgrade your gearing to match the tire size, calibrating the speedometer by changing the speedo gear and install wheel stud adapter spacers 5x4.5" to 5x5".
Here is my '01 Sport with 255x75x17 with JK 17" rims.
Nimbley
TJ Enthusiast
Or buy the wheels with the correct bolt pattern. Adapters would only be needed for new factory Jeep wheels (JK/JL).
Nimbley
TJ Enthusiast
na, im just going with 35s or 36s . but kinda had my heart set on the nitto trail grappler mt.. but on the Nitto web site it only showes 33s with 15" wheels
Get some Dick Cepek Extreme country or Mickey Thompson MTZ tires. I loved the DC tires on my XJ.
p.s. I had the Nitto Mud Grappler tires on my old Jeep and they wore out quick and were really loud.
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If you want 33’s, and like the OEM options on JL Rubicons (BFG KO2s or Falken MTs), there are good deals to be had on 285/70R17s. I went with JK takeoff wheels with JL takeoff tires. And there’s the added benefit of room for bigger brakes.
Yes, I used 1.25” TJ to JK adapters. And yes, I need to regear. But my 2005 had the original GS-As and they had dry rot cracks so they needed to be replaced.
Yes, I used 1.25” TJ to JK adapters. And yes, I need to regear. But my 2005 had the original GS-As and they had dry rot cracks so they needed to be replaced.
The smaller sidewall due to the 17” tire should not even be anywhere on the list of concerns. A good amount of the serious off-roaders (myself included) run with 17” tires in the rocks.
Sidewall technology has improved tremendously over the years.
Sidewall technology has improved tremendously over the years.
Seriously, I agree that a TJ looks best with 15 to 16 inch wheels. JL/JT looks right with 17 to 18’s.
and for the most part, 15’s tend to be lower cost... I’m looking at 37’s on my JT with 4 in lift... tires are at or above $400 each.
and for the most part, 15’s tend to be lower cost... I’m looking at 37’s on my JT with 4 in lift... tires are at or above $400 each.
Chris, is there a lot of trouble changing wheel size? ya know i have 15" & 5 on 4.5 , so when i go to 16,17... are they still 5 on 4.5 and 8" wide? how do ya know what to get , oh and then there is the back set also
I know you directed at Chris, but a JK/JL/JT wheel is 5x5, so adapter/spacer is required.