I can’t run the MTR up here because they don’t perform well on the snow and ice
🤔 I can't say I've had issues between home and my cabin near the ski resorts, but I know snow and ice conditions can vary across locales. I usually take the passes. Other tires would be better (A/Ts), but until the tread is really low the MTRs aren't that bad.
 
I meant that the other way, that the writing on the wall is saying the 15" options are going away. Meaning for me the next wheel is 90% likely to be a 17" trail ready.
Then the writing is on the wall for both of us! Hope to see you on the trail sooner than later.
 
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As more mfg's are coming out with "off-road" packages like the sasquatch Bronco and whatever Jeep is calling their Rubicon package with 35's, I'm seeing the availability of load range C increase, if that is important to you. Personally, I think its overblown, but I've also only ran one LR C tire in all the different tires I've had. I don't notice a difference and in my mind the heavier tires will have a stronger sidewall to resist punctures? I'm making that up but sticking with it, LOL.


Its also MUCH easier to find take-offs and what-not with 17" wheels. For some reason, the backspacing options aren't great, but as our TJ's get older, we will have to be more comfortable making adjustments to our vehicles to keep up with more modern trends. I'm convinced that I'll be running spacers until I pony up for custom beadlocks, if I ever do.

Regarding brakes...for 35's the most brake you'll need would be the 15/16 kit. Just because you can fit the 17" kit doesn't mean you should run it. Its designed for guys running 40's and you'll have a hard time keeping the pads broken in (so says the wizard).
 
I noticed the interchangeability of the 15 and 16” BBK on the BM site. Thanks for the ideas. It’s kind of a hard decision for my situation, but I agree that the writing is on the wall to stay with 15’s for now. I’m not sure what I can’t do with them, so why not? I could add Coyotes, I can add a BBK, I can get a tire that works well up here.
If you are investing money and time into Coyotes, put that effort into a wheel size that you can buy tires for.
 
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As more mfg's are coming out with "off-road" packages like the sasquatch Bronco and whatever Jeep is calling their Rubicon package with 35's, I'm seeing the availability of load range C increase, if that is important to you. Personally, I think its overblown, but I've also only ran one LR C tire in all the different tires I've had. I don't notice a difference and in my mind the heavier tires will have a stronger sidewall to resist punctures? I'm making that up but sticking with it, LOL.


Its also MUCH easier to find take-offs and what-not with 17" wheels. For some reason, the backspacing options aren't great, but as our TJ's get older, we will have to be more comfortable making adjustments to our vehicles to keep up with more modern trends. I'm convinced that I'll be running spacers until I pony up for custom beadlocks, if I ever do.

Regarding brakes...for 35's the most brake you'll need would be the 15/16 kit. Just because you can fit the 17" kit doesn't mean you should run it. Its designed for guys running 40's and you'll have a hard time keeping the pads broken in (so says the wizard).
In my case, a JK/JL take off wheel works really well with a hub kit. If I had known I was doing this two years ago, I would have bought the Super 16" BBK.
 
🤔 I can't say I've had issues between home and my cabin near the ski resorts, but I know snow and ice conditions can vary across locales. I usually take the passes. Other tires would be better (A/Ts), but until the tread is really low the MTRs aren't that bad.

I feel like the MTR got better in the snow after they wore in a bit.
 
Is sneaking 16”BBK into 15’s worth the effort over going with a 15” BBK?
I was recommended the 16’s because LJ. Likely not needed for a lighter TJ build.

But 17” wheels are seemingly making sense due to tire availability.
 
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In my case, a JK/JL take off wheel works really well with a hub kit. If I had known I was doing this two years ago, I would have bought the Super 16" BBK.
Hub kit and adapter? From what I remember, the hub kits are available in 5 x 4.5 and 5 x 5.5. JK wheels are 5 x 5.

Curious about what makes you want the super 16 kit? I'm going to do a BBK sooner rather than later and I've been leaning toward the "regular" BBK. I have 17" wheels so I could run anything I'd like. Based on discussions with Blaine, but not specifically about my rig, I'm assuming that the 15" kit covers the needs of 95% of the jeeps out there, unless your towing or running a heavy rig. You do carry quite a bit of stuff, don't you?
 
Hub kit and adapter? From what I remember, the hub kits are available in 5 x 4.5 and 5 x 5.5. JK wheels are 5 x 5.

...
All of it together. 5x5.5 would be a whole additional layer to the can of worms I poured for myself.

...
Curious about what makes you want the super 16 kit? I'm going to do a BBK sooner rather than later and I've been leaning toward the "regular" BBK. I have 17" wheels so I could run anything I'd like. Based on discussions with Blaine, but not specifically about my rig, I'm assuming that the 15" kit covers the needs of 95% of the jeeps out there, unless your towing or running a heavy rig. You do carry quite a bit of stuff, don't you?

The 16" is very good and I have no complaints about it. And I strongly believe I would have no complaints with a little more braking from the Super 16" either. While the 17" could be too much to keep broken in. My feeling is that mine is on one side of the sweet spot.
 
More painting projects. I want to get the tailgate better than the Duplicolor PR4, and the Sunrise Red by Rustoleum is a very close answer. Poser pic for fun.

3BB90FFC-9A51-4422-A787-0C66D2BE7617.webp


465C1A7C-BB12-4D74-A585-070E6D5E2FF5.webp
 
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I’ve ordered touch up for our Yukon from them before. It’s brush on. I wish it was spray.

What I’m doing with the Red is all practice on my rig to get ready to paint some serious spots on the Patriot Blue Rubicon. I will be trying to blend and get it close to body match. The paint I have for that is from ERA in Oregon. @Alex01 recommended them. It comes with Primer, Base Coat, and 2K clear, so once it’s activated it only lasts 8 hours. We’ll do the prep one day and paint the next. Need a few warmer days for that paint day.
image.webp

Now that I’m getting good enough with aerosol’s I am also thinking about an HVLP gun.

Have you used the aerosol’s from Automotive TouchUp?
 
I’ve ordered touch up for our Yukon from them before. It’s brush on. I wish it was spray.

What I’m doing with the Red is all practice on my rig to get ready to paint some serious spots on the Patriot Blue Rubicon. I will be trying to blend and get it close to body match. The paint I have for that is from ERA in Oregon. @Alex01 recommended them. It comes with Primer, Base Coat, and 2K clear, so once it’s activated it only lasts 8 hours. We’ll do the prep one day and paint the next. Need a few warmer days for that paint day.
View attachment 322737
Now that I’m getting good enough with aerosol’s I am also thinking about an HVLP gun.

Have you used the aerosol’s from Automotive TouchUp?
I have used the aerosols from Automotive touchup, they spray well and match well.
 
I am eventually getting new wheels. I just can't decide whether to go to 17's or stay with 15's. Currently I think I could be happy with the tire offerings in both 17 and 15. What do you guys think?

My pros and cons here:

15's
More sidewall for traction airing down
Load C very common
Wheels plentiful in 15x8
Tires cheaper
BBK not an option (EDIT: the 15" or 16" BBK works with 15" wheels)

17's
BBK option
Tire market moving this direction
17" JK Moab takeoffs are cheap
May have trouble finding Load C tire I'm happy with

Things I don't know about:
Is there significant weight difference between a 15" vs 17" tire/wheel combo?
Is there any difference in hub kit install with 15" vs 17" wheels?
I'm recently put BMB 16" brakes on with 15" STEEL wheels. @mrblaine told me the 16" works with most steel 15" wheels but not necessarily aluminum because they thicker. Here's my clearance:
BMB 16 in a 15.webp
 
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