I currently have 16" wheels with 32" tires. I like the look but sometimes I think I might even like a 15" wheel even more (particularly the Ravine wheels).

Is there any clear advantage of a 16" wheel over a 15"?

If not, I was looking at buying the Ravine wheels brand new here...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-15x8-RAVINE-WHEELS-Jeep-Wrangler-TJ-1997-2006-Cherokee-XJ-SET-OF-4-9050-/191102922997?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item2c7e9f30f5&vxp=mtr
Not sure if those are OEM or replicas though, anyone have any idea?

Anyways, it's a toss up between 15" Ravine wheels and 16" Moab wheels.

 

Taller wheels allow more brake clearance but r also heavier. The shorter the tire sidewall (taller wheel), the better the corning performance due to less sidewall flex.

 

Yeah, I knew that with a shorter sidewall there would be better cornering performance. However, I think the last thing I need to be worried about is cornering in my XJ with a 4.5" lift, LOL!

 

....then rephrase your question.

 

Do some tire shopping for each size wheel with the tire size you want for your lift. I think you'll find that the selection for 16 inch is far greater than 15 inch. Tire rack is a great resource for comparison and size shopping, although I find better deals elsewhere. That might make the decision easier for you. Ignore the fella that's ragging on your post.

 

Keep an eye on craiglist, also the local jeep dealer and tire shops. I found a set of five ravine wheels in great condition on craiglist for $200. From a tire shop. Came with the 'jeep' center caps. The e-bay site wants another $19 each for them.
I prefer 15"s for beach driving, they air down better than a same size 16".

 

These days 16's seem to be getting more popular than 15's. Not sure if it has to do with JK's entering the scene and people liking the look of bigger wheels or it could just be a Jeep fad. Frankly I think you'll have more luck finding tires with a 16 inch rim, but 15's are also readily available as well. It comes down to an aesthetic preference. Although the 16 may have better cornering it's unlikely you're going to notice with a lifted xj...haha

 

Gotcha! I think what I meant to ask (and should have asked originally) was whether or not there is any clear advantage to a 16" wheel over a 15" wheel in regards to off roading. I know the advantage for a performance street car but I don't think any of us are trying to win any points in the how well we can take corners department.

That being said, it seems it's just preference. Some guys I see these days are running 17" rims and bigger. Now I understand often times that is necessary in order to clear a bigger brake. Me personally though, for some reason I like the look of a small wheel like a 15" with a big tire, it just looks cool.

I'll probably just go with 15" Ravine wheels and some 32" tires. That's a decent compromise for me.

 

16's are more expensive unless you buy recaps but they are still more than 15's, 15's will clear rear disc's but don't think they will on the front if you upgrade the brakes.


I wouldn't buy the TJ Moab's, they are heavier than steel wheels. Seriously.


I would run JK Moab's because they are literally 1/2 the weight but the down side is you would need adaptors.

 

^ Unsprung weight concerned me too. The Ravine wheels weighed half of what American Racing alloy wheels did. Just be sure and get five of them..
And the ravines are hub-centric to the XJ. The downside is the backspacing. 5.25" or 5.5". I forget exactly.