[Terminator2]

Originally Posted by getoutandplay

If you are a street only driver then you are correct but it is not personal opinion when you consider all options. It is a fact that ride comfort and performance is better (off road) with a smaller wheel considering we are limited to a 32" tire with this stock model Jeep. Actually, there are not many choices of tires for the 20" wheel. Well, for street tires there are but I have zero interest in street tires....it's a Jeep. I have only been able to find two different all terrain tires for the 20". My plan is to keep the 20" wheel with my current all terrains and then purchase some 17" wheels so I can have a better off road ride. I would just switch when the weekend calls for adventure.

Do 17s actually clear the calipers?

[wobblybowl]

Hi I am buying my first jeep and looking at a JGC limited. I Have the option of 18" or 20". Its a city car and wont offroad 4x2. My question is which tire/rim has the better ride the 18 or 20.

Dealers have told me conflicting info.

There is not real cost diff in the rims, they are about a wash in my jeep deals. So I can get either.

Mostly worried about road noise and hard handleing.

Thanks

Chalres

[ColdCase]

Road noise and handling may depend more on tire brand than wheel size. In general the 18s will ride a bit softer and be more resistant to road rash and debris. The 20s will handle better, more responsive, and perhaps look better.

IMHO, purchase the one you like the looks of. If your bottom line is about the same, you are probably getting a better deal on the 20s equipped Jeep as those wheels cost quite a bit more than the 18s.

[camaro307]

Cold Case- I agree with what you said. But wouldn't 20's cost a bit more than 18's when it came time for tire replacements?
Personally I would want a softer ride and better resistance to road rash with the 18's, than better responsiveness with 20's. You aren't going to be be winning any races or turning on a dime with this size vehicle anyways, although it does have a pretty good turn radius as is...

[ColdCase]

Currently you can get the OEM GoodYear 20s and BFG 20s for less than $115, both decent tires. You may have more selection in 18s, but that is dwindling also.

I think the functional difference is a subjective and personal judgement thing. Its nice to have some choices. Its not so much turning on a dime, but the satisfaction some of us that do a lot of highway cruising get with the quicker turn in and solid response of the 20s.

I do have winter tires on 18 inch wheels to beat up, however.

[wobblybowl]

Thanks for your help -- yes would get a better deal on the 20", but worried about noise and more roads telegraphing on bumps, maybe overthinking it, sounds like the 20” will have a similar ride in the city to th the 18".
Yes the tire choice is better on the 18” and the price is about the same between 20” and 18”. Although selection is important to me not price. The 18” have way more choices.
I don’t see anyone posting they hate the 20” or they changed them for 18” – unless it’s for off road.
Any idea if the truck is slightly lower with 20”, don’t think so b/c rim should be offsetting the rubber reduction.

[ColdCase]

OEM tires have the same diameter. I have read a few that wanted to get rid of their 20s, but they seemed to be using their Jeep on the back roads.