I'm looking to replace the stock rims and tires on my '12 sahara unlimited and found a set of rims and tires that I like and the price is right. However, the size is different than the stock and was curious about fitment and any possible rubbing that may occur.

The rims I was looking into are 18x9, -12mm offset, 5x5 bolt pattern w/ LT285/65R18 tires.

The seller advertised them for Jk Rubi's, but I wanted to try and get some input before I make the purchase.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Do you do any wheeling or is this for street only? If you plan to wheel it at all, you should not get 18" rims. If it's just a street Jeep and you have a reason you prefer the 18", totally up to you.

If wheeling, smaller rims and more sidewall are better + cost much less for tires.

 

Um really? I have 18" stock rims on mine and wheel mine. An 18" rim and large tires do fine off road, and not everyone likes the roller skate wheel look on jk's...

 

If someone is getting them mostly for looks, yeah why not get a larger rim. That's why I asked if he plans on mostly street driving.

For functionality, you want the smallest rims you can get. More sidewall is better off road. Cost is the same, smaller rims are less expensive and tires for smaller rims are also less expensive. Do you disagree?

If looks are the main priority, 18" look really nice. For me, all I cared about was what is the smallest rim I can get without having problems. So I went with 16's. I bought my tires before even beginning to shop for rims.

My guidelines are this:
Less than 35" tires = 16"
37" = maybe a 17"

I would never consider 18". I've only had my 16's for about 6 months and they are getting THRASHED. I'd hate to see what would happen to an 18" with heavy wheeling.

It just depends what the OP's priorities are.

 

I agree that more sidewall is better for wheeling, it is a math thing... You get a larger contact patch when aired down which eaqials more traction. You also get more absorbtion durting a hard impact in the rocks.

For street use the oposite would be true as less side wall gives better stability when cornering.

And, look at replacment tire cost to make sure that is in your range. 4 tires for an 18" rim can get expensive fast.

 

Yeah, that's why I asked the OP why he wants them.

Many people when getting wheels think they HAVE TO stick to the stock size rims. That's not the case. The Rubicon and upgraded Sport wheels are 17". The basic Sport wheels are 16".

 

Because maybe he likes the look of 18's. I personally don't like the look of 16's on a jk. It's just my opinion. Yes they are cheaper. I went with 18's because I wanted to use the stock wheels, and it does fine off road. I have wheeled every size of wheel off road over the years so I know the pros and cons of every size. If I was personally going to buy new wheels, I would go with 17's

 

I'm just saying that 18's are not a practical size unless you're going with tires larger than a 35". Looks like he's going with the 33/34" range. If looks are his priority and not wheeling, then yeah, 18's are fine. Also mentioned above, they may handle slightly better on the street.

I'm not saying you can't wheel with them. I no a guy that has 20's and 35's. Just saying if wheeling (or cost) is a priority, smaller is better hands down.

In your case, did you have to use spacers? Most would have to use spacers if they keep the stock 18's. If that is the case, then it would likely have been less expensive to buy 17" rims and tires vs. spacers and tires. Especially if your 18's were in good condition at the time. Then you could sell them.

 

Looks are only part of my decision. I want functionality as well. The only reason I was looking at these 18's was because the price was right. However, as I educated myself more on wheels & tires, I am leaning towards 16's. As far as looks go, there are just as many nice looking 16" wheels out there, and more available tire options compared to running on 18" wheels.
Thanks for the input.

 

I've been looking at 17s also. I really think I'm staying away from the 18" wheels only because I am having a difficult time finding any nice wheels to replace my current one's on my stock 18s. I'm not too happy with the stock BF Dueler's that came on my Jeep and have been looking for something better. However, everywhere I go, there are not many tires to choose from.