I just got a STOCK 1998 XJ. It's a winter commuter that will stay stock.
No lift, no massive tires, etc. No spacers, etc. I am keeping this simple!

Even though there's tread left, the tires are old an dry rotted. So, I am going to replace them.
They are 235/75/15, one step up from stock 225's. I like this size: beefier than stock, yet require no lift, etc. This is a good looking size for a non-off-roader winter commuter.

The rims are not the best, and they've been cheaply re-painted (to cover surface rust) I might shop around CL to find someone's stock rims for sale. They'll probably be better than what I've got. What's a fair price for stock Jeep rims? If they come with tires, it will be a step up form what's on the Jeep now. It sounds like tons of Jeeps have the 5x4.5 bolt pattern, so I should have some options. Based on other threads, it seems like stock Jeep wheels have little value. $50 a set, etc. If I can get a set with 50% tread tires on them, it might be a money saver compared to $500 worth of brand new tires mounted on my badly re-painted stock rims.

Do people Ebay a set of wheels, or is shipping just out of the question.
Also, 5x4.5 seems very popular, so I'll have many options on CL.
It's just a matter of taking a drive to pick them up.

Any general advice for my wheel and tire "upgrade" ?

Stick to 15's?
Stick with 235-75/15?
Avoid 16's? (A lot of used wheel/tires on CL are 16s)

Also, if I can't find a wheel/tires set, and I just buy 4 new tires...
How does one select new tires at the shop?
(I am not overzealous. Any decent tire will do. I do sort of like sidewall lettering...)

What would you pick in here?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...75&diameter=15


New question.
I saw a used set this week, and the rims has some sort of mold on them.
At first, it looks like scratches/curb rash, but it's not.
I saw the exact same mold on another Jeep on the steet, so I took a photo.
Does this stuff rub off, or is this the metal corroding? Avoid?

 

Don't go bigger than that because you'll get some rubbing. Definitely stick with stock rims because if you get rims with different backspacing, you might rub because of that, too, especially without a lift.

For tires, take a look at www.treadwright.com

 

77, those "retread" tires in your link are pretty affordable. https://www.treadwright.com/c-5-235-75r15.aspx
I assumed the tire warehouses were never beat (Mavis, TireRack, etc)
Can I get such chunky/rugged tires for basic road commuting?
Are retread tires basically as good as new tires?

 

You can use the 16 inch rim if you want.

I have a set of aluminum rims from my Jeep (stock) that I will be trying to sell pretty soon so if you're interested you can PM me about the details. I have a set of 5.

 

i would stick to 15s for cheaper tires.

since you said the XJ is for snow commuting, i would look into finding 235/75 duratracs for as cheap as you can find them.

 

All-Terrain T/A KO

 

235/ 15 Cooper discoverer St's Going into my fourth Wis. winter with these. no complaints.

 

New question.
I saw a used set this week, and the rims has some sort of mold on them.
At first, it looks like scratches/curb rash, but it's not.
I saw the exact same mold on another Jeep on the steet, so I took a photo.
Does this stuff rub off, or is this the metal corroding? Avoid?

 

New question.
It seems like larger tires are really only for the mud.
Otherwise, they give lower MPG and in the snow, you want THIN tires.
So, is there any reason besides off-roading that you'd want 235's instead of 225s?
Is the "beefier" look the only real "advantage"?

 

The "mold" is common - not something that is a death kiss for the wheel as far as I have seen. It just comes down to whether it cosmetically bothers you. With some elbow grease it can probably be reduced, but it is hard to say if it can be eliminated.

Larger tires are for many things, but in your case you are correct - there is no real reason to bother besides what you like the looks of. You said yourself you like the beefy look. It is true that thinner tires tend to do better in snow (in my experience). They can sometimes do better in mud, too, but that depends on many factors. The difference between 225 and 235 is so slight, you might as well go with what you like the looks of. The 225 will technically be better for MPG, feel of acceleration, and cutting through the snow, but it is hard to say whether it will be a noticeable difference. Someone with experience with both sizes may have some insight.

Retreads? If you find some you like, go for it. Many people do not consider them as good as a brand new tire, but there are few stories of failure going around.

Ebay? Yes, it can be done, but you correctly imply that shipping costs make it pretty impractical when looking to get tires on the cheap. Sometimes a person has a hook up, but many times it will be at least $100 to ship. It is much easier to shop locally.

Suggestions - I am in a pretty snowy area (Salt Lake City) and hear great things about the Duratracs.

My 50 cents - good luck!

 

If he wants retreads, which are the cheapest tire out there, he has to stay with 16s.

OP, if I was going to get a stock sized tire, or even a typical 33x12.5 or 35x12.5, I'd go with the treadwrights.

 

Is this black steelie OEM, or was it just painted?

 

It's painted but an oem wheel

 

I know 235/75/15 will fit a stock 98 XJ
But does 30x9.50R15 fit a stock 98 XJ?

 

30s may rub depending on the backspacing of the wheels. 235/75 are basically 29x9.3