16" or 15" wheels. Which is better and why?

Re: 16\" or 15\" wheels. Which is better and why?

/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif It's kind of a toss-up. The 15" will spin the rim a little easier, but there ARE more tires available. Too bad you aren't closer we could do a swap. I need some Jeep wheels and I have a set of 3/4 ton 8 barrel wheels with 12.5-16.5 LT mudders on them. The tires are junk, but the wheels are the white spokers and are not all beat up./wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif

CJDave
Quadra-Trac modified by the crack moonguy/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif transfer case team.

Re: 16\" or 15\" wheels. Which is better and why?

I'd stick with either the 15 or 16 inchers as you are talking about. 16.5's don't have the same safety bead on the inside, and are more prone to popping a bead off at low pressure. If caliper clearance isn't an issue, then look at the tire size you want. Some tires are only available in 15 or 16 in certain sizes...may be important. If that isn't an issue, look at weight ratings. I know, you're driving a YJ so you won't be hauling tons of payload...but 16's often have higher payload ratings, and come in D or E load ratings...heavier duty... Of course the sidewalls will be stiffer, but that could be a bonus depending on what you're doing. Another important question is the weight limit on the wheels themselves. Quite often, 16" wheels have higher load limits than 15"ers. Higher limit=stronger wheel. Of course, if you're looking at 8 lug 15" wheels, they're probably mighty strong.

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