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Larger Diameter Wheels

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50Willys View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 50Willys Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Larger Diameter Wheels
    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.
Bob S.

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'99 Dodge 2500 CTD Tow Rig
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 98TJ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post 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.
1998 TJ 4.0 5spd Atlas 36" Swampers RE4.5 ARB's 44/44
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post 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.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote alabamatoy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post 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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CJ7OX Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 July 2018 at 3:32pm
The big advantage is being able to increase brake rotor size.
~Sean
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post 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.
Michael Crandall
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Mine - 2024 Ram 2500 Rebel
Hers - 2023 Jeep GC 4xE Trailhawk
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