Yetialan

I am sure this has been talked about prior but wanted to modify and ask

285/75/16 vs 285/70/17 16inch or 17inch wheels steel vs. alloy

I have a 2011 JK 2 door silver with stock 17 inch wheels. Looking to get 5 new wheels and tires and want forum recommendation. Also not looking to life jeep. Backspacing of 4.5 inches should prevent rubbing (I am told)

First Choice:
285/75/16 16inch tires on Cragar Steel Black D Window Wheels
VS
Second Choice:
285/70/17 17inch tires on Mickey Thomson Classic III wheel black (alloy)

Questions:
What is safer?
Which handles better on road and off?
How much a difference would extra weight of steel (aprox 8 pounds more per wheel) impact life of drive train etc?
Will Cragar 16inch rub brak caliber?
Why is it hard to find alloy wheels in size 16 (no MT, Black rock etc.)
Do you need to reinforce tailgate door when adding steel wheels with a 285 size tire vs stock?

Of course the typical issues:
-Downside: Steel heavier than alloy
-Upside: Like the look for smaller wheel larger sidewall, cheaper

THANK YOU ALL

MTMxRubi

I just ordered 16" pro comp alloy wheels with 285/75/16 tires last week. From what I have read the larger sidewall will result in a softer ride (assuming similar load rating). Also saved about $250 on the set of 5 over the same wheels and tires in 17. Pro comp seems to have a good selection of 16" alloys.

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2009jeepwranglerx

I run pro comp series 51 steelers and 285/70-17 fierce mt tires a load range d got all five wheels from quadratec for 495 and the tires at discount for 212 a tire doesn't ride to bad and looks great