a slightly different wheel question thread

[Jarsiff]

I was talking to a dude at schwabs after my alignment about getting my winter wheels on steely rims and that I wanted 3.75 backspacing and what not, but we got into what I was going to have for summer wheels and he got into the benefits of smaller rim for more side wall flex and also more rim would hold ground better instead of torquing the tire. all that was new to me so I wanted to get some of your opinions, as it seems most of you opt for less rim and more tire. also the toyo open country m/t doesnt come in a 31x10.5 15 so I would have to use a 16" rim or pick a different tire.

 

Also he was asking what kind of wheeler I am, or where do I go? Its not ever going to be a rock crawling beast or seriously lifted. I like snow driving, mud and trail running so would a little less side wall benefit me at all?

[88pathoffroad]

I wouldn't worry about it that much. Unless you're going from 31's to 35's, that is. It doesn't sound like you're going to need that much "extra just in case" just running on sand, mud or normal trails.

[Jarsiff]

so the difference between 15 16 or even 17 really isnt going to mean that much for someone in my position?

[Jarsiff]

well today was fun, I spent 6 hours at the tire store:

 

first attempt 15x8 rims with 3.75 backspace 31x10.50 15 mountaincat NO, rubbed like a madman.

 

second attempt 15x8 rims same as above with 30x9.5 mountaincats too short!

 

third attempt 15x8 chrome rims with 5" backspace wont clear the caliper

 

so we finally ditched the 15" rim and put 245 75 16 mountaincat on my stock wheels the 16x7.5 with 4.5 back space, fits like a dream and thses tires were more expensive.

 

just thought i'd share, perhaps someone else with an 02 would have better luck but I didnt. so i'm sticking with the 16" rim and getting some black rims for my ATs for the summer.