15 vs 17 wheels

[gsaxe]

are there any performance differences? I have stock 17 and want 285/70/17 or anywhere about 33s. seems 33/12.5/r15s are a LOT cheaper than 17s even though theres so much more rubber

[rustywrangler]

Not sure about performance but you may want to make sure your Brake rotor/caliper and brake drum can even clear a 15" rim. The inside edge that is.

[RogueSpear2023]

You have more area to absorb impact, and air down with a smaller wheel, so yes there is a performance decrease with a larger wheel, you don't see to many people on the trail with 24" wheels, also this will put the wheel closer to the trial and potential damage. But make sure your calipers will clear smaller wheels.

[saltine1130]

i have a friend with some crager 8 soft steelies... they are 15s on her 09 JK... from what she said the calipers rub JUST enough to take of the paint on the rim so she had to take off like 2mms of the calipers.. i will be doing that same thing... deffinitely saw the price difference as well haha

[winkosmosis]

Seems like 16" would be the way to go. And even then, they might have to be steelies (thinner metal than alloys)

[gsaxe]

(inside parent joke) well I bought 285/70/17s mtr kevlars this weekend mounted on stock rims....they rub on the trackbar at full turn.....I assume lift alone won't solve that so I guess I'm shopping for rims with less backspacing....dont really like the idea of spacers although some of you guys would definately say my wheeling is mild......nothing mild about az except the winter