My buddy has a 2000 XJ and mine is a 2001, He has 16" wheels on his and mine are 15". Why would that be? I wouldn't mind finding out the Physical/ mechanical differences between his and mine. Would there be any advantages of me changing to 16" and what would that involve?

 

Specific trim level had a 16"rim. No real advantage to doing this, nothing to making it happen either. Same bolt pattern - different rim diameter

 

15s are better, tires for them are cheaper and they have more sidewall than the same size tire for a 16" wheel.

 

But can you get a slightly bigger brake package on the 16"?

 

In theory, but since the caliper carrier is integrated into the knuckle, it's not worth it, IMO. Personally, I recommend going with aggressive pads.

 

It's odd that less tire material = higher price. Supply and demand I guess.