Notices
JK Talk General discussion forum regarding thoughts, opinions and rumors about the Jeep JK Wrangler or related subjects that don't quite fit in the Modified, Stock or Electronics forums.

17" wheels and tires or 15" wheels and tires?

Thread Tools
 
Old 01-19-2014, 03:02 PM
  #1  
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Browndog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: las vegas
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 17" wheels and tires or 15" wheels and tires?

I am looking at putting an AEV 3.5" lift on my JKUR. Tires are crazy expensive for 17", like $350. 15" are $250. So my question is what is the benefit of running 17" wheels and tires. Looks? Function?

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated

Browndog
Old 01-19-2014, 03:16 PM
  #2  
JK Enthusiast
 
madmike232's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: dearborn MI
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Browndog
I am looking at putting an AEV 3.5" lift on my JKUR. Tires are crazy expensive for 17", like $350. 15" are $250. So my question is what is the benefit of running 17" wheels and tires. Looks? Function? Any suggestions or help would be appreciated Browndog
The search function is a great tool on this site. There is many threads asking about the same question. Not trying to sound like a d*** or anything just a tip.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...ls-mud-228642/

I personally love the look of 15inch wheels but it depends on where you off-road. I do a lot of gravel pits and would be worried that a stone would get caught in there and cause damage.

Also if your thinking of upgrading your breaks down the road ,you will need at least 17s .
Old 01-19-2014, 03:45 PM
  #3  
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Browndog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: las vegas
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yeah, I tried a search, maybe I gave up on it without trying hard enough. Sorry. If you want, delete this thread. Not a big deal.
Old 01-19-2014, 04:36 PM
  #4  
JK Junkie
 
stagedtrip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: idaho
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I have 15s love the look, love the price. You'll have to grind down the front calipers at least a little bit for some 15s. And yes you.can get stuff jammed in there, happened to me but I don't think its that common of an issue
Old 01-19-2014, 04:46 PM
  #5  
JK Freak
 
AlexjeepVb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I run 15's and love the so far. Look at some of discount tire direct posts. They review some wheels and test fit them and show write ups. I got my Lvl 8 Trackers from them and they fit great no grinding or anything required.
Old 01-19-2014, 06:28 PM
  #6  
JK Freak
 
JKphotoshoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Cedar city, Utah
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Besides brakes if you ever want to upgrade your tie rod you may run into clearance issues.
Old 01-20-2014, 05:52 AM
  #7  
JK Freak
 
hypeiv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 906
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I went 15s bc of the price... For the price of a 35/12.5/17 I got a 35/12.5/15 and the alloy wheel. I figure if I ever want bigger brakes or heavy duty tie rod I can sell my wheels to another jeep owner and then buy a set of 17s. I didn't see the value in spending an extra 500+ just in case I wanted to upgrade my brakes in the future.
Old 01-20-2014, 03:12 PM
  #8  
JK Newbie
 
dworthington's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 17" wheels and tires or 15" wheels and tires?

Been running (black) 17" Pro Comp wheels and 37" Nitto's on a 4.5" lift on mine since it was new. The setup has been great. My only issue (minor) is that black powder coating is the softest color, and I've had to touch up the wheels once or twice. I learned my lesson about 15" wheels a long time ago with waaaaaaay too many sidewall breaks. I like the idea of airing down, but if you're driving on road (even bad road, trail, bad weather conditions or some combination of these, which is what I do most of the time), that's been proven (to me) as too much risk from hazards.

BTW, my son has a 2008 unlimited that he's getting ready to sell. He put 20" wheels on it for the sale. I wouldn't want to take it off road necessarily, but it looks good.

Bottom line - choose your compromise, and then bite the bullet.
Old 01-20-2014, 05:59 PM
  #9  
JK Freak
 
Sahara Lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Lakeland, Florida
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Don't sell yourself short. Go straight to 32"!
:::Ace-1-- AceWhips.NET :::: Memphis 2012 Dodge Charger on 32" DUB HAM Floaters

Just kidding (maybe). I did a lot of research before going with 17x9 with 4.5BS. First was clearance for larger brakes (may want with larger tires). Second was tie-rod mod clearance (if I want later). Third was number of tire types and brands available for the size (more affected 16" versus 17" decision)
Old 01-21-2014, 12:46 PM
  #10  
JK Enthusiast
 
rvator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Wingina,Va
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I had aftermarket 16's on one JK and 15's on the current. I liked the ride of the C rated 15's better but it will limit me to 35's. Just saw a coworkers new 10a ruby with 20 inch 35 trail grapplers. Looks good on a lifted full size truck but not for me on a Jeep


Quick Reply: 17" wheels and tires or 15" wheels and tires?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:13 PM.