Okay tire comparisson shows this:

Current setup: 32x11.5x15 = Dia: 32", W: 11.5", Sidewall: 8.5", Circum: 100.5

Wrangler Setup: 255x75x17 = Dia: 32.1", W: 10", Sidewall: 7.5", cicum: 100.7

So is that bad? That being said though I know they will fit the way my jeep sits now compared to that but is decreasing my sidewall to that bad?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc

It will show you the differences.

32x11.5x15 = 292/74/15

 

I could always increase the tire size like go 265x75x17 or little larger though right and that will even it out to what I have now?

 

Yes but also factor in weight and the difference that will change.

 

OK here is a chart that lists everything by overall diameter.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...jsp?techid=53&

What I was pointing out is that when you stay with the same overall diameter but increase the rim size two things happen. First, you get a shorter sidewall which makes it easier to bend a rim bead or pinch a sidewall. Second, the larger the rim diameter the more leverage force is applied to where the rim bolts to the axle in hard hits. This makes it easier to bend the wheel or even an axle at that location. For off roading you want more tire sidewall and less wheel if you are going to still stay with the same overall height. You want the tire to give not the wheel.

 

Flotation is another factor in this... The taller the sidewall is the more flotation you will get. The shorter the sidewall the less you will get.

 

So basically you want more tire because its more flexible, giving, and it floats. More rim takes away flex, limits grab when aired down, doesn't float well, and will increase wear and the chances of breakage to front/rear end. Am I right?

 

If you plan on using it off road... Absolutely. And you don't want to pinch and ruin a shorter sidewall against the rim bead as easy, and you don't want a higher risk of bending the whole wheel at the bolt circle because of the added diameter leverage. You want the tire to do all the bending and flex not the wheel.

It's hard to conceive, but wheels flex much more than most would think.

 

Okay I will take all that you guys said into consideration. Perhaps I will put that idea off and unless it was going to be a DD then I see it not advisable.

Firebane: As for weight is concerned I don't think that is going to be an issue. More weight down below is good to keep those wheels planted. Unless it is a concern with the gearing in my D30 or soon to be 8.25 to run 17" wheel on them then maybe. Look at the guys who run 1 tons on their rigs. You defiantly have way more weight with those then you would just by adding 17" wheels.

I can see all other points and defiantly noted in my brain. I may just hold off, even though the deal was a good one. I needed new tires and the thought of getting these for practically the same as new tires and then get nicer wheels seemed ideal but when you put all that into the equation I will agree.

 

The weight part plays into things such as acceleration and braking. Axle weight is different as its attached to the vehicle but means the drivetrain has to do more work to get the vehicle moving. Also don't forget about wheel hubs and how all that extra weight will be on those.

 

Back to what I originally shared If you are also going to increase the overall tire diameter along with the taller rim size it's not so bad. As long as you are trying to maintain a similar sidewall to rim "ratio". But then you would be looking at possible re-gearing to accommodate this change in overall diameter. It's just that when off roading you don't want to give up any of that "cushion" the tire is going to give you by shortening the sidewall if you can help it.

 

Oh I see, you have a current opportunity I didn't realize in this question. It wouldn't hurt to buy these and use them up then sell the wheels later if you need the newer rubber right now and it is practical at this point for you man. They are not going to hurt anything, and you can always regroup for a better end product for your set up later down the road.

 

It was a good deal and I like those style wheels but at the same time after all being said I think I would wait it out for a pair of rubber that suits my off road needs vice just to get by for a few months. I have no desire to be hard on the trails with this rig but we all know sometimes things are not avoidable and hit happens.

 

Tell you what... Just the average road is becoming a challenge in keeping your wheels straight! lol

I think you are using good judgement here. Use that money towards a better final set up.

 

On a fun note I took the Jeep out for some flex and brush off the dust lol