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Larger Diameter Wheels

Printed From: Rocket City Rock Crawlers
Category: General
Forum Name: General 4x4 Discussion
Forum Description: Tech Talk
URL: http://www.rocketcityrockcrawlers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12390
Printed Date: 28 March 2024 at 4:05pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Larger Diameter Wheels
Posted By: 50Willys
Subject: Larger Diameter Wheels
Date Posted: 03 May 2018 at 9:12pm
Is there any advantage to running 16", 17" or 18" diameter wheels?  For a long time 15" wheels were the standard and now all of the newer Jeeps have the larger diameter wheels.


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Bob S.

'96 Cherokee, 4.0L w/Auto Trans & locked D44s

'99 Dodge 2500 CTD Tow Rig



Replies:
Posted By: 98TJ
Date Posted: 03 May 2018 at 9:28pm
I like 15" wheels because you get more sidewall flex when you are down.  But you can also damage your sidewalls that way, especially with soft sidewalls like on BFG radials.
 
Bigger wheels allow you to run larger brakes. And also you can run wheels with more back spacing.


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1998 TJ 4.0 5spd Atlas 36" Swampers RE4.5 ARB's 44/44


Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 03 May 2018 at 9:49pm
Depends on the size tire...

For 35s and smaller 15” wheel is my preference. For 37 and up 17” wheels. The more sidewall you have the more the Jeep will lean and likely pop a bead or puncture a sidewall when really off camber.

Also, on road the sidewall roll is very significant with 15” wheels and large tires.


Posted By: alabamatoy
Date Posted: 04 May 2018 at 6:42am
Tire availability and price is also part of the mix.  15" tires are becoming less and less in demand.


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"If you didnt buy your 1st gen 4Runner new, then YOU are a newbie!!"

BRC Life Member


Posted By: CJ7OX
Date Posted: 23 July 2018 at 3:32pm
The big advantage is being able to increase brake rotor size.

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~Sean
Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the U.S. ARMED FORCES don't have that problem. -Reagan

MOLON LABE
85ish CJ-7/06 CTD



Posted By: BlackBird
Date Posted: 24 July 2018 at 3:13pm
yep, the newer ones went to 17" to clear brakes. There is a weight savings going larger, but a loss in sidewall flexability and less avoidance of rock rash on the wheels.

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Michael Crandall
Monrovia Volunteer FF/Driver
Mine - 2024 Ram 2500 Rebel
Hers - 2023 Jeep GC 4xE Trailhawk



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