Seems the most popular wheel option is 17”

[Coolhandluke]

So I guess my question is what is the main reason people go 17” rather than say a 20” wheel with 37 inch tires? I think the above 20” wheels don’t look right with the tires being so thin. I have a stock suspension Rubicon for now. Looking ahead I want to make sure I have a set up that both rides well and performs as a Jeep should. What are the pros and cons versus the size of the wheel and how well the 37 inch tires perform vs the 35?

Sponsored

 

[DocMike]

Depends. Are you doing this for looks or are you wheeling?
Personally I stick with a 17 because I can air down to 15 PSI. Increased traction and softer ride.
I would not want to air a 20in rim down to 17 PSI. I am sure it can be done, but I would not be a fan.


I'm running a 33in Falken MT on 17s. I have whacked rocks and trees and watched my tires roll over and around them. Great thick sidewall allows for that.

I know on my cars a lower profile tire performs better on the highway. I would imagine 20s on a 37 may offer some edge with handling. But it's a Jeep. You aren't Fast and Facetious in it.

So here we are back to...do you like the look or do you want function? Your Jeep. Build it how you like it.

 

[yoda13]

I do it because I also am uncomfortable airing down 20s on the trail...

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

I hate the looks of 20s on trucks. EVERY TIME I see a truck with 20” wheels and those skinny sidewalls I cringe in disgust. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Aonarch]

20s or larger scream Mall Crawler. To me there are three major reason why 17s:

1. Tire Size Options
2. Airing down and going offroad
3. 17s are as small as you can go with our brakes.

 

[Coolhandluke]

This is my previous ride and I felt the 20” wheel fit the size of the truck better. The stock wheel and tire set up looked like a weight lifter who skipped legs.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I agree with 2 and 3, but for 1 - I had zero issues finding tires, not a bit. I could get anything I wanted in 18".
Would I go 20" ? Nope - fine for my wife's WK2, but not for my truck. It's still a truck and I do haul with it and drive through yards and rough patches.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

This is my previous ride and I felt the 20” wheel fit the size of the truck better. The stock wheel and tire set up looked like a weight lifter who skipped legs.

But you are comparing to a totally different more bulky truck body. It's all about proportions. Even the Greeks knew this. ;-)

 

[Beewdawg]

So I guess my question is what is the main reason people go 17” rather than say a 20” wheel with 37 inch tires? I think the above 20” wheels don’t look right with the tires being so thin. I have a stock suspension Rubicon for now. Looking ahead I want to make sure I have a set up that both rides well and performs as a Jeep should. What are the pros and cons versus the size of the wheel and how well the 37 inch tires perform vs the 35?

17" wheels with taller tires gives you more sidewall compliance and a smoother ride.

 

[Coolhandluke]

Those method wheels are sexy.

 

[Aonarch]

 

[colindo]

I think it depends on size of tire. If you’re running 37s or higher I think you will be fine. There’s a supplier that does what looks to be a fair amount of wheeling and they prefer 38s on 20s and even commented they wouldn’t go back to 17s unless it was for 35s or below. To each his own and what makes you comfortable

 

[Ted Striker]

This is why I like my 18's. Not so small that it looks like all tire, but not so big that it doesn't look like not enough tire.

 

[Coolhandluke]

That looks great as well. What’s your suspension set up?

 

[Ted Striker]

That looks great as well. What’s your suspension set up?

2” Mopar with .75’ Daystar spacer on front.

Sponsored