Looking for a Second Opinion on Tires

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Stormshadow1371

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It's time to change the tires on my 2000 TJ Sahara. I'm using the stock wheels (Ecco, 16" I believe) and looking to replace the current tires (P225/70/R16 Michelin LTX M/S) with a set of 255/70/R16 Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. Using www.tiresize.com to compare the two, I should be able to fit the new tires comfortably. I'm also considering adding 1.5" wheel spacers to give it a better look. My primary use for the Jeep is a commuter with little off-roading planned outside of the unimproved roads I have to use at my job. I really don't like the tire setup as is (makes me think of a small child with a comically enlarged head), and I want to improve the look without breaking the bank. Eventually I intend on changing the wheels to something better, but for now the tires have to go. Any thoughts or suggestions?
IMG_3186.JPG
 
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I like 245's on a stock Jeep. I believe 245 was the tire size that the Rubicon TJ was equipped with.
245/75/16 were the stock rubicon tire size. They equate to a 31x9 tire size which I think look good. It's what I currently have on my jeep. If you went with the 255 they should fit as most 31x10.50 tires fit without issue. Occasionally One manufactures tire will rub at full Tire lock when turning but that can be fixed by placing a washer on the wheel stops.
 
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Wheel spacers aren't really necessary, in my opinion. Good quality ones are expensive. And they are really only needed if you are mounting 12.5"+ wide tires on stock rims, and unless you have those 12.5"+ wide tires, wheel spacers may look funny with a ~10" wide tire on stock rims.

31x10.5" tires are a good bet for you on your stock rims. They are still not very expensive but are a big upgrade over stock tires. I had 31x10.5" tires at one point and loved them. Moved up to 33x12.5" tires and eventually hated how obnoxious they were. Now I have stock size tires (225/75/15) but am giong to buy 30x9.5" tires soon because they are pretty cheap and are still relatively light, which for a stock gear ratio is ideal.

Michellin, as I understand, makes kick ass tires but they really don't have an all-terrain tire that suits us Jeepers' needs. BFG KO2's, Goodyear Trailrunners, Goodyear Duratracs, Yokohama road ventures, Nitto Terra grapplers, and Toyo open countrys all come to mind when someone wants well mannered road tires but with good AT capability.
 
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It's time to change the tires on my 2000 TJ Sahara. I'm using the stock wheels (Ecco, 16" I believe) and looking to replace the current tires (P225/70/R16 Michelin LTX M/S) with a set of 255/70/R16 Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. Using www.tiresize.com to compare the two, I should be able to fit the new tires comfortably. I'm also considering adding 1.5" wheel spacers to give it a better look. My primary use for the Jeep is a commuter with little off-roading planned outside of the unimproved roads I have to use at my job. I really don't like the tire setup as is (makes me think of a small child with a comically enlarged head), and I want to improve the look without breaking the bank. Eventually I intend on changing the wheels to something better, but for now the tires have to go. Any thoughts or suggestions?
View attachment 21891
FYI, for your tire search - pretty sure the stock Ecco wheels are 15", not 16. The only stock wheels that were on a TJ that were 16" were the Rubicon Moabs. If yours are 16", they wouldn't be oem Jeep wheels.
 
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FYI, for your tire search - pretty sure the Ecco wheels are 15", not 16. The only stock wheels that were on a TJ that were 16" were the Rubicon Moabs.

I believe those rims were a special wheel package that you could buy from the dealer which happen to be 16" rims. Because you are correct, Eccos are 15".


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Skip the spacers, find a 31x10.50 or metric equivalent, and rock on. Tires beyond the flare look cool, until they fling mud all over, fling rocks up to chip your paint and smack your elbows, and get you ticketed (if that law exists in your state).

That size tire will fit well, look good, and not kill your gearing. If anything gives your Jeep the impression it is lower than it is, is those silly looking flare extension/steps. Ditch those and install some decent slider style bars and you will "gain height" by raising that part of the Jeep.
 
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31x10.5 will be good for now. Save money for new wheels by not buying spacers. Are they really 16" rims? I hope they're 15's. Lots more tire choices. Here are my 31.5x10.5 on a 15" rim with 3 5/8 backspacing if it helps.
IMG_6504.JPG

Vs stock
IMG_6591.JPG

IMG_6686.JPG


I've never had a rock fly in my Jeep, maybe a few specks of mud from time to time. Not enough to even remember
 
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Skip the spacers, find a 31x10.50 or metric equivalent, and rock on. Tires beyond the flare look cool, until they fling mud all over, fling rocks up to chip your paint and smack your elbows, and get you ticketed (if that law exists in your state).

That size tire will fit well, look good, and not kill your gearing. If anything gives your Jeep the impression it is lower than it is, is those silly looking flare extension/steps. Ditch those and install some decent slider style bars and you will "gain height" by raising that part of the Jeep.
Left elbow scars are no fun. A 65MPH rock will make you bleed and leave a scar.

A good M&S or mild A/T tire works great on a mostly street driven TJ, and doesn't require much more than a washer or two on the steering stops to fit well. Depending on the wheel backspacing, you won't even need the washers. They'll also go quit a ways into the back woods by exercising proper judgement and displaying a little driver skill. Look for something in the 265/70R16 size range for metric tires.
 
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I believe those rims were a special wheel package that you could buy from the dealer which happen to be 16" rims. Because you are correct, Eccos are 15".


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Nice. Thanks for the info on the wheels. They look factory, I had just not seen those. Like you said, 265/70-16 or the OP's idea of 255/70-16 should work fine.
 
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31x10.5 will be good for now. Save money for new wheels by not buying spacers. Are they really 16" rims? I hope they're 15's. Lots more tire choices. Here are my 31.5x10.5 on a 15" rim with 3 5/8 backspacing if it helps.
View attachment 21906
Vs stock
View attachment 21907
View attachment 21908

I've never had a rock fly in my Jeep, maybe a few specks of mud from time to time. Not enough to even remember

I'd be wary about hanging your doors like that. Apparently, they crack and eventually break with all that weight hanging on those tiny welds.
 
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First off, really appreciate everyone's input. Never hurts to get a second look at a project, and you all definitely helped me pick out a great product. I decided to go with the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires, however I did go up in size to the 265/70/R16. They look awesome compared to the old tires and drive. Since the install, I have come across two minor issues: at full turn there is a bit of rubbing on the backside of the tire, and the stock spare tire holder can't hold the new tires. Neither issue is a deal breaker, and I'm already working on fixes for both. Here is an updated pic of what she looks like now:
IMG_3198.JPG
 
You can add a washer/s behind the steering stops to prevent the rubbing. For the spare I'd look at the Exogate tire holder. Mounts up like factory and can support the extra weight. If you want a separate type there are many available. The Dirtworx gets lots of praise and is relatively inexpensive.
 
Why don't you cut down your rubber snubbers some to make your tire fit on the carrier?

@Chris, how did the factory Rubicon spare fit on the tailgate (10.5" wide factory tire)? Compared to our factory set tailgates (with 9.5" factory tires)?


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Why don't you cut down your rubber snubbers some to make your tire fit on the carrier?

@Chris, how did the factory Rubicon spare fit on the tailgate (10.5" wide factory tire)? Compared to our factory set tailgates (with 9.5" factory tires)?


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Actually, I'm not entirely sure about that one!
 
Why don't you cut down your rubber snubbers some to make your tire fit on the carrier?

@Chris, how did the factory Rubicon spare fit on the tailgate (10.5" wide factory tire)? Compared to our factory set tailgates (with 9.5" factory tires)?


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The Rubicon spare tire holder has a spacer that raises the third brake light, so I will check the carrier to see if the actual wheel mounting surface is different also. They had to do something different to account for the wider tire. There is also the possibility that the backspacing of the Moab wheel is different enough to allow the wider tire to mount on the oem spare tire carrier.
 
My favorite tire size is only in a 16" wheel. :( Aside from one tire size, X3 or something that the 15 is much more plentiful.

And there's nothing wrong with spacers if you want them. Decent ones can be had for about $120 for 4 off Amazon with all good reviews. People wheel with spacers all the time. Good wheels with better backspacing is the superior way to go but if you check your spacers every time you change oil it's totally fine.

And I haven't had an issue with my wheels sticking out an inch and a half pastthe flare getting hit with crap. I totally agree it covers the jeep more with mud dirt etc. I already get hit in the arm with rocks and haven't noticed a change. But logic would support the idea that I'll get hit more.

Ive also heard most state law enforcement don't really care if tire sticks out an inch as it's not that noticable but it does look good. I don't want my tires more than an inch or so exposed anyway. I see JKs with tires extended at least 6 inches and i just sigh.
 
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Why don't you cut down your rubber snubbers some to make your tire fit on the carrier?

@Chris, how did the factory Rubicon spare fit on the tailgate (10.5" wide factory tire)? Compared to our factory set tailgates (with 9.5" factory tires)?


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I actually just checked this today, when I switched my spare out. The factory tire makes contact on the bottom snubber, but not the top two.