1998 cherokee limited - correct tire size?!
Every website for tires, if I search 1998 Jeed Cherokee Limited (4dr, 4wd if given the option), they list 225/70r15 or 225/75r15 as options (sometimes only one of those options). The tires put there by a tire shop (many years ago) are are 225/70r15.
...BUT...
My tire placard reads 215/75r15 -- that's 215 not 225.
So apparently all or most of the spec databases out there used by tire sellers, etc., have the 225/ sizes listed.
Which should I trust more, the placard, or the specs used by tire sellers?
How much difference does it make, anyway?
...BUT...
My tire placard reads 215/75r15 -- that's 215 not 225.
So apparently all or most of the spec databases out there used by tire sellers, etc., have the 225/ sizes listed.
Which should I trust more, the placard, or the specs used by tire sellers?
How much difference does it make, anyway?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Bend, OR
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The only real difference is the 225s are a bit taller than 215s, as long as the aspect ratio is the same, 75 in your case, then they should both fit your wheels, and they aren't big enough to rub against anything. So really it doesn't make alot of difference which one you go for, it's just that 225s are a bit more expensive.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, WA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
As you can read pretty much anywhere on this forum, there is no real correct size. For some people it seems to be 37s.
If you obtain the build sheet from Chrysler, it will list the wheels and tires provided when the car was delivered to the dealer.
My 98 Limited actually had 235s because it had every single option possible and it was included in one of them. The difference with 225s is minimal.
As mentioned above, you can comfortably install 30s with no clearance problems. Same build sheet will also provide your gear ratio, which should be 3.55 for most 98 Limited XJs.
If you obtain the build sheet from Chrysler, it will list the wheels and tires provided when the car was delivered to the dealer.
My 98 Limited actually had 235s because it had every single option possible and it was included in one of them. The difference with 225s is minimal.
As mentioned above, you can comfortably install 30s with no clearance problems. Same build sheet will also provide your gear ratio, which should be 3.55 for most 98 Limited XJs.
Thanks for all the helpful responses. My placard is the same as the one above posted by djb383. Sounds like it makes little or no function difference between 225/70, 225/75 and 215/75... so I guess price will be the deciding factor.
The 215/75's are significantly less expensive than the other two, and it matches my placard. Doesn't sound like there is a good reason to go with either of the other sizes.
The 215/75's are significantly less expensive than the other two, and it matches my placard. Doesn't sound like there is a good reason to go with either of the other sizes.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The only real difference is the 225s are a bit taller than 215s, as long as the aspect ratio is the same, 75 in your case, then they should both fit your wheels, and they aren't big enough to rub against anything. So really it doesn't make alot of difference which one you go for, it's just that 225s are a bit more expensive.
Thanks for all the helpful responses. My placard is the same as the one above posted by djb383. Sounds like it makes little or no function difference between 225/70, 225/75 and 215/75... so I guess price will be the deciding factor.
The 215/75's are significantly less expensive than the other two, and it matches my placard. Doesn't sound like there is a good reason to go with either of the other sizes.
The 215/75's are significantly less expensive than the other two, and it matches my placard. Doesn't sound like there is a good reason to go with either of the other sizes.
You can compare the size difference between two tires visually here:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
I have 235's on mine and they fit fine. Probably the best selection of tires in that size too as it's so common.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,118
Likes: 6
From: Oshkosh, WI.
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Actually the heights are:
.75 * 225 mm = 168.75 mm
.70 * 225 mm = 157.5 mm
or, given the size on my placard:
.75 * 215 mm = 161.25 mm
when you add in the wheel radius, this gets you a variation of 2-3% in overall radius... so the odometer and speedometer can be off by as much as 2-3% as well, depending on tire size.
At any rate, it is good to know that any of these sizes should be "fine"... and I've discovered that at the same tire dealer, the same brand/model of tire can vary as much as 25% in price! The cheapest for me is the same as on my placard, so now it is a no-brainer.
.75 * 225 mm = 168.75 mm
.70 * 225 mm = 157.5 mm
or, given the size on my placard:
.75 * 215 mm = 161.25 mm
when you add in the wheel radius, this gets you a variation of 2-3% in overall radius... so the odometer and speedometer can be off by as much as 2-3% as well, depending on tire size.
At any rate, it is good to know that any of these sizes should be "fine"... and I've discovered that at the same tire dealer, the same brand/model of tire can vary as much as 25% in price! The cheapest for me is the same as on my placard, so now it is a no-brainer.
I just learned, although I should have figured it out, that for all time 4wd you MUST have all 4 tires the same size, or you will suffer my fate. blown Transfer case. So please make sure all are indeed the same size.. This snafu on my part will cost me over $1500 (quoted so far). I was trying to save $$, ended up NOT... Never again.
CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 26
From: North canaan Connecticut
Year: 01, 99, 98, 98,98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Seems to me that all the XJ's got the same size printed on the door sticker. I believe only the SE model had the 215's. Or maybe even the 2wd. Likely the larger tire size was an upgrade or went along with the aluminum wheel upgrade.
My 01's sticker says 215 also. It definitely came with 225's from the factory as stated on the build sheet which was still with the jeep when we bought it. If I'm not mistaken it lists 215 and then also 225 in a different section. I'm curious now and will have to look when I get home later.
My 01's sticker says 215 also. It definitely came with 225's from the factory as stated on the build sheet which was still with the jeep when we bought it. If I'm not mistaken it lists 215 and then also 225 in a different section. I'm curious now and will have to look when I get home later.
CF Veteran




Joined: May 2012
Posts: 7,965
Likes: 964
From: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I have 235/75/15 on mine, and my speedo is dead on at all speeds, as confirmed by GPS and by radar.


