Baystate Jeepers

Looking at putting 35's on Hammerhand this season, any big disadvantage to 15" wheels?

I know upgraded ball joints and tie rods probably wouldn't fit, but where I'm at right now, that's not a huge concern. The added sidewall seems like it could be a nice bonus, and the cheaper tire prices are really hard to argue. (breaking it down for a set of 15" wheels and tires, it's right around $1500, for 17s that jumps to a little over $2000.)

Anything I've missed? Any real detriment to smaller wheels and bigger sidewalls?

I put 15's on my JK because a friend offered me 35's at a can't beat price After much research, I found only one from Pro-Comp that fits around the break components. Tight fit but no rubbing issues at all. I can check my paperwork and give you a part number if you want.

The only concern is caliper clearance and as you already mentioned, aftermarket or modified steering components. Some wheels will clear and some Wheels won't as ImNotCassie stated.

If you are planning on doing a lot of modifications I would consider sticking with a 17-inch rim. In the long run you won't have as many fitment issues.

Well, in the interest of longevity of parts, I went with a set of 35's on 17" rims.
Should be here next week.

us older jeeps have 15"... I personally like them.

So... wow.

Discount Tire Direct for the win. I ordered the 35's on Thursday at around 6p, they were here when I got home from the meeting. That's a quick turnaround if ever there was one.

Nice wheels, is there a lift?

Going to be some rubbing going on!

MDSRACING398 wrote:Going to be some rubbing going on!

Probably some

But not on the stock rail. It came off right after this picture.

Going to 35s isnt the biggest deal , Its the lessened backspace from stock for the added diameter thats needed . "To Rub Or Not To Rub " FjR68

RandyCarol wrote:Nice wheels, is there a lift?

Not yet... It's on the list. We'll see if it happens this year, or next.

Frank wrote:Going to 35s isnt the biggest deal , Its the lessened backspace from stock for the added diameter thats needed . "To Rub Or Not To Rub " FjR68

The rims are 17x9 with a -12 backspace. There's no rub lock to lock on flat ground.
I've got a set of cut down stock fenders in the shed, I'll probably toss those on once the weather breaks a little, and I grab some clips. They also poke out a solid 2", so I'll need to keep my stock wheels for inspection tires (or use my snows).

Definitely keep them for the inspections.

I just saw a JKU with HUGE rims and about 2" of side wall. WTF!

ImNotCassie wrote:I just saw a JKU with HUGE rims and about 2" of side wall. WTF!

Don't need a lot of sidewall to crawl the mall.