Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Tire selection for a first-time off-roader and Jeep owner

TypicalJO

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Dec 24, 2025
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Orange County, CA
I just bought my first jeep, a 2003 Sahara in Sunfaded Rusty Pearl Green. The interior is OEM and in impeccable condition, and I plan on restoring the paint to its former glory. This thing only accumulated about 20,000 miles over the past 10 years, and is currently rolling on a set of LT265/75R16 KO2’s from 2015. They’re BRICKS!

I still have all 5 canyon wheels, but the PO installed four 16” wheels that poke a little tread out of the fender. I like the stance, even though the wheel isn’t an ideal size for tire buying, so I’m going to stick with them for now and consider a replacement later. I plan on replacing the original spare as well, as that tire wouldn’t even be suitable for a tire swing.

As for tires, I’ve narrowed it down to two options. I know the max tire size is 31x10.5, which isn’t an option for the wheel size, so I’m looking at metric sizes that are close. Also, looking at SL tires: there are no load range C tires in the sizes I’m looking at for a 16” wheel, only one D and the rest are E. My plan is to get my feet wet with some easier Big Bear trails on SL all-terrains, and once I’m ready to replace the wheels I’ll have a better idea of if I need to upgrade to a beefier sidewall. At a stock ride height, I think other things will limit my capability before the tires become an issue.

  • Falken Wildpeak A/T4W in 265/75R16. Pros: I run these on my Tacoma and I like them. 31.6” diameter, so they’re pushing the envelope on max tire size. Cons: No raised white letter option. $270ish per tire.
  • General Grabber A/TX in 265/70R16. Pros: Raised white letters, around $220 per tire. Cons: 30.6” diameter, so marginally less ground clearance, and probably cheaper for a reason, but not sure if that matters.
Will I regret going with the smaller tire just for white lettering? Are General Grabbers good tires? Just looking for reassurance before spending $1500 when it’s all said and done.
 
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/cooper-discoverer-stronghold-at

I am running the Cooper Stronghold AT in a 235/85r16 . It appears to be available in a 265/75r16. It is a little noisier than the Wildpeak at4w , but it's not too noisy . It has performed well both on and off road , wet or dry .

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I ran Grabber ATx in LT 31x10.5 r15 on my TJ for a while. Great tire. Smooth and quiet on road, plenty capable offroad. Wouldn't have thought twice about running them again except they don't make the 33x10.5 I now run on the TJ
 
If it was me, and it isn't; I'd dump the 16 inch wheels for the reasons you've already stated. Run the canyons and 31s.

I like the way the tread sticks out just slightly with the 1mm offset on the factory wheels. I could get close to the same stance with a 1.25” hub-centric spacer but I’m not sure how safe that is?

Edit: I just checked them out again and the Canyons are in pretty bad shape…I think this option is off the table.
 
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Americas Tire sells Wrangler Ultraterrain in 265/75/16. This is the exact tire I use on my hunting rig (Tacoma) and they perform well on and off-road. Have 40,000 miles on the set over two years and they have at least 50% tread remaining.

I've been on every Big Bear lake trail and am confident the Ultraterrain would do well on all the trails that can be traversed by a stock TJ.
 
I’m running BFG 265/75r16s on my 05 TJRU. 2.5” OME lift and 4:10 gears. I’ve had no issues running the local mountains, the Sierra or in the Mojave. The E load rating does not seem to affect my off road performance. I run them at 26psi on the street and 15psi on the trail. At 26psi they don’t build up excessive heat when running fully loaded on the interstate in the100+ desert heat. They also have white lettering if that’s the look you want.

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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts