Questions about wheel sizes

[ladyglock]

Newbie here...I recently purchased a stock 06 Rubicon, looking to eventually add a max of a 3” lift along with new wheels and tires. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the stock wheels are 16x8. When looking at 16” wheels the selection is slim. I know I can go up in size, but I like the look of the smaller wheel, can I go down to a 15”?? I’ve been told that I can, then told that I can not. So, which is it? I do know I need to consider the BS and Offset before buying, the lift I’m considering recommends BS 3.75 w/offset of -44. I actually did find a set of 16” rims that would work, but not really what I want.

 

[Chris]

Yes, the Rubicon models came with 16x8 wheels from the factory, which makes choosing tires much more difficult (and expensive). The wise thing to do is go down to a 15" wheel or up to a 17", where tire selection is much more abundant (and cheaper).

With new wheels, you'll want backspacing between 3.75" to 4" in order for them to fit properly and run the common tire sizes (i.e. 33, 35, etc.).

 

[Steel City 06]

There are a few good tires in the 16” size.
285/75R16 and 315/75R16 are both popular. The 315s are probably too large for your lift, and require spacers or less backspacing.
285/75R16 = 32.8X11.2R16
315/75R16 = 34.6X12.3R16
285s may require washers on the steering stops if used on the stock wheels (not a big deal).

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Yes the Rubicon came with 16x8 wheels but 15x8 wheels work just as well. I'm running 15x8 on my Rubicon. Forget you ever heard the term offset for Jeep wheels, backspacing is the only term to keep in mind. 4" of backspacing is ideal for most sizes of tires up to 35x12.50. For narrower tires you can increase the backspacing 1/2" for each inch less wide of a tire.

 

[MaloStapalo]

I have 15x8 wheels with 33x12.50 tires.

 

[TJ Hunnicutt]

I have 15x8 wheels with 33x12.50 tires.

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That looks perfect! Do you know what backspacing you have in your wheels?

 

[MaloStapalo]

That looks perfect! Do you know what backspacing you have in your wheels?

I don't since the PO purchased them, but based on them being a little past the OEM Rubicon flare, probably in the 3.75 to 4 range..

 

[rubigold]

This is good info to know. Currently shopping for new wheels. Previous owner put a 3-4in lift on it and kept stock wheels. Running 285/75 now and it has a really narrow stance. Kinda makes me nervous wheeling with it. I'll be looking to go down to 15s. Also I think I know what it feels like to have no steering stops as mentioned. Tires feel like they lock up when turned fully

 

[ladyglock]

I have 15x8 wheels with 33x12.50 tires.

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Looking at very similar wheels. —Looks good!! Thanks for posting pics, this helps a lot. I was wondering if and how far tires would extend pass flares.