LOST JEEPS :: View topic - Thinking of getting 19" wheels

No offense, but I don't know why anybody would want to do this.

Here's my opinion:

First, wheel and tire sizes are an integral part of the overall suspension design. Large wheel size is going to necessitate a smaller profile tire. Smaller wheels and larger profile tires - that come stock on your vehicle - add to the over damping that is provided for the suspension. What you're suggesting may end up beating the hell out of your suspension. Besides you're driving a 4x4 SUV, not a sports car - so sidewall flex shouldn't be that much of a concern. My advice - if you got 16" rims - save your money don't mess with the original "design". If you got to spend it then go get yourself some appropriately sized REVO's, or another comparable set of tires.

I see SUV's around town all the time with huge wheels and tiny profile tires. They often are very shinny and sometimes even come with cute spinners. Two thoughts always cross me mind when I see them. The first - Gee those are huge. They almost look like wagon wheels on that thing. I wonder if they saw any Indians today? The second - Why in the he!! would they want to do that to a 4x4?

I know you drive hard and fast over there for sustained amounts of time so I'd be concerned about the unsprung weight as well. I'm not sure how the road manners would be but I can say the 255 width has been great for me, but I'm running a 70 series sidewall height.

The 55 series sidewall height will be too thin for off road use, you won't be able to let air out to spread your footprint wide enough to make a difference. Even my 70 series sidewall leaves a lot to be desired for this purpose.

The good thing is that a CRD will have not trouble turning them, a gasser would bog down a noticeable amount.

I don't think you'll have any verticle rubbing. Your total diameter is only going from 29.3 to 30.0 inches - but the width, not sure. I run that width, but with a small lift, thus my CVs are more level leaving my tires a little bit farther from the inner wheel well. Don't know...

T^2 wrote:

I understand your questioning, also please see WHERE I LIVE. My normal commute to and from work is on German Autobahns and I regularly drive 100-119 mph in my Jeep. Most of my driving is on-road. At least 3 times a week I drive off road. Only one company makes H-speed rated tires in 225/75/16, Kumho 798, whichh I currently have on my Jeep. IF you look at the unsprung weight of the wheels and tires combined and are equal to or less than OEM 16" then the suspension will work the same if not less. I use the 4x4 on and off road. When I trailer my race car to and from the track and it is raining I use the 4x4 for extra assurance of traction as I drive some pretty narrow mountainous roads. My trailer speeds are limited by law to 62mph and is stricly enforced. The added contact patch will also provide a more stable platform while towing. When winter comes around I will use the 16" and will have to use 4x4 when it snows as I drive 8 miles to work uphill 81m to 246m.

I too am against "spinners" and glad to see that they are outlawed here. I see no need to add 40lb chrome wheels to a SUV without a proper brake upgrade. These wheels AND tires have to weight the saem or less than the OEM 16" for me to consider them at all.

I have looked at the 17" and nothing really strikes my fancy. Trying to find a plain jane 5 spoke rim that is easy to maintain, is difficult at the least. OEM KJ with 16" wheels have 235/70/16 H rated tires.

I have driven and I mean really driven several ML (270 and 400CDi) and one X5 (4.4) and I like the Libby better for handling, yes I said handling. The X5 is good for the Autobahn and thats it. Plus it is not avalible in the US with a 3.0D. The MK 270CDi is a pig and wouldn't pass itself in a tornado. The ML400CDi has great power and is a hoot to drive, no towing capacity, and it's fat @$#% will come around on it in a heartbeat when pushed. Thank goodness for ESC on both. I really like the solid rear in the Libby. Even with sidwallflex it still stays glued and trust me when I say I have pushed it to the max several times. Rainy days are my favorite, the ESC light comes on alot on those days. Do I rock crawl with the KJ, no. Do I need 4x4 yes. Do I get in the KJ with muddy stuff and the dog all wet and spill crap in it yes. Would I do the same with a $68,000 ML or X5 NO CHANCE! I live in a completely different enviroment and I see Libby's (Cherokee's here), GC, Commanders, YJ, CJ etc running 90-120 mph all the time. I know for the longest time the older CJ was having issues with the FT4x4 and front diff's blowing out.

I understand completely the utilitarian issue on the 19" wheels, but given the area where I live, it is a practicle issue not a material issue. If I move back tot he US I will proably sell the wheels and tires to someone looking for something like that and go back to the 16" full time. I still have not made up my mind, I am only looking into it. Right now with rims and tires I am looking at $2200, so I am still "researching" to see if I really want to commit to this upgrade.

On a side note anyone using the SPAX adjustable dampeners? I saw Tire Rack had them. I really like adjustable dampeners.

BTW when I really want to have fun on the Autobahn I just take the race car from the garage and go have a little fun with Porsche's and Fararri's in the curves, they can't hang. Maybe when it warms up a little more I will finally get the KJ out on the Nuerburgring for a lap and video it. I hope I can break 10 min with it, Sabine did it in a Ford delivery van in 10:02!!!!

Yes, ah so many facters to consider. I thought the race car was complicated. Maybe I should just switch to 245/70/16 and call it a day. I fought for months just to replace the radio with a aftermarket with RDS.

I am new to this forum. I hope I posted this picture correctly. I just got new MB Motoring Classic 18" wheels and General Grabber 255/55/18 tires. I absolutely love the new look!

Author:	jinstall [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 5:49 am ]
Post subject:	Thinking of getting 19" wheels
I have found a set of 19" wheesl that have caught my fancy. I have to do more research on them before I seriously consider them. The tire size would be 255/55/19. The rims are 19X8.5 and I forgot the offset. Now my question is, what type of issues would I have with rubbing. I do drive off-road but mostly course sand and clay/mud nothing too deep. I still have to reasch the tires to make sure they are renforced sidewalls as well. They are black 5 spoke wheesl and if they come in at a decent weight, I migh tconsider them for summer use. I still get way too much sidewall flex in the 225/75/16 than I like. Thewy arenot cheap either at $350 each but they have no "bling" factor either, thank god. So what they will get scratched up, it's a Jeep not a ML or X5. The main factor is unsprung weight. I wanted to put this in the CRD section as I tink I would not get as good of a reply in the tires section, only laughing.

Author:	T^2 [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:57 am ]
Post subject:
No offense, but I don't know why anybody would want to do this. Here's my opinion: First, wheel and tire sizes are an integral part of the overall suspension design. Large wheel size is going to necessitate a smaller profile tire. Smaller wheels and larger profile tires - that come stock on your vehicle - add to the over damping that is provided for the suspension. What you're suggesting may end up beating the hell out of your suspension. Besides you're driving a 4x4 SUV, not a sports car - so sidewall flex shouldn't be that much of a concern. My advice - if you got 16" rims - save your money don't mess with the original "design". If you got to spend it then go get yourself some appropriately sized REVO's, or another comparable set of tires. I see SUV's around town all the time with huge wheels and tiny profile tires. They often are very shinny and sometimes even come with cute spinners. Two thoughts always cross my mind when I see them. The first - Gee those are huge. They almost look like wagon wheels on that thing. I wonder if they saw any Indians today? The second - Why in the he!! would they want to do that to a 4x4?

Author:	alljeep [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:58 am ]
Post subject:
I know you drive hard and fast over there for sustained amounts of time so I'd be concerned about the unsprung weight as well. I'm not sure how the road manners would be but I can say the 255 width has been great for me, but I'm running a 70 series sidewall height. The 55 series sidewall height will be too thin for off road use, you won't be able to let air out to spread your footprint wide enough to make a difference. Even my 70 series sidewall leaves a lot to be desired for this purpose. The good thing is that a CRD will have not trouble turning them, a gasser would bog down a noticeable amount. I don't think you'll have any verticle rubbing. Your total diameter is only going from 29.3 to 30.0 inches - but the width, not sure. I run that width, but with a small lift, thus my CVs are more level leaving my tires a little bit farther from the inner wheel well. Don't know...

Author:	jinstall [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:31 am ]
Post subject:
T^2 wrote: No offense, but I don't know why anybody would want to do this. Here's my opinion: First, wheel and tire sizes are an integral part of the overall suspension design. Large wheel size is going to necessitate a smaller profile tire. Smaller wheels and larger profile tires - that come stock on your vehicle - add to the over damping that is provided for the suspension. What you're suggesting may end up beating the hell out of your suspension. Besides you're driving a 4x4 SUV, not a sports car - so sidewall flex shouldn't be that much of a concern. My advice - if you got 16" rims - save your money don't mess with the original "design". If you got to spend it then go get yourself some appropriately sized REVO's, or another comparable set of tires. I see SUV's around town all the time with huge wheels and tiny profile tires. They often are very shinny and sometimes even come with cute spinners. Two thoughts always cross me mind when I see them. The first - Gee those are huge. They almost look like wagon wheels on that thing. I wonder if they saw any Indians today? The second - Why in the he!! would they want to do that to a 4x4? I understand your questioning, also please see WHERE I LIVE. My normal commute to and from work is on German Autobahns and I regularly drive 100-119 mph in my Jeep. Most of my driving is on-road. At least 3 times a week I drive off road. Only one company makes H-speed rated tires in 225/75/16, Kumho 798, whichh I currently have on my Jeep. IF you look at the unsprung weight of the wheels and tires combined and are equal to or less than OEM 16" then the suspension will work the same if not less. I use the 4x4 on and off road. When I trailer my race car to and from the track and it is raining I use the 4x4 for extra assurance of traction as I drive some pretty narrow mountainous roads. My trailer speeds are limited by law to 62mph and is stricly enforced. The added contact patch will also provide a more stable platform while towing. When winter comes around I will use the 16" and will have to use 4x4 when it snows as I drive 8 miles to work uphill 81m to 246m. I too am against "spinners" and glad to see that they are outlawed here. I see no need to add 40lb chrome wheels to a SUV without a proper brake upgrade. These wheels AND tires have to weight the saem or less than the OEM 16" for me to consider them at all.

Author:	jinstall [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:38 am ]
Post subject:
alljeep wrote: I know you drive hard and fast over there for sustained amounts of time so I'd be concerned about the unsprung weight as well. I'm not sure how the road manners would be but I can say the 255 width has been great for me, but I'm running a 70 series sidewall height. The 55 series sidewall height will be too thin for off road use, you won't be able to let air out to spread your footprint wide enough to make a difference. Even my 70 series sidewall leaves a lot to be desired for this purpose. The good thing is that a CRD will have not trouble turning them, a gasser would bog down a noticeable amount. I don't think you'll have any verticle rubbing. Your total diameter is only going from 29.3 to 30.0 inches - but the width, not sure. I run that width, but with a small lift, thus my CVs are more level leaving my tires a little bit farther from the inner wheel well. Don't know... Good to know. Mine actually sits lower than horizontal on the CV shafts. I am looking at upgrading the brakes, slotted directional rotors but have not decided on which brake pad compound to use yet. I want to use a more agressive pad in the rear though. I think this will help in getting the rear to squat first before the front. I see Geo/Suzuki Tracker/Vitara running 255/60/15 all the time with OEM fender flares and are very good off road with street tires.

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Thinking of getting 19" wheels http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18752	Page 1 of 1

Author:	DarbyWalters [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:35 am ]
Post subject:
Seems like a good 17" wheel with a bit shorter and stiffer sidewall might be a better choice. You would need to keep overall diameter at 29-29.5" or you could go a bit shorter...but...you must look at the weight rating first and foremost. Find the tire and size that fits those criteria, then select some wheels. Go to the 2x4 Performance Section and you might get some good responses.

Author:	T^2 [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:51 am ]
Post subject:
jinstall wrote: T^2 wrote: No offense, but I don't know why anybody would want to do this. Here's my opinion: First, wheel and tire sizes are an integral part of the overall suspension design. Large wheel size is going to necessitate a smaller profile tire. Smaller wheels and larger profile tires - that come stock on your vehicle - add to the over damping that is provided for the suspension. What you're suggesting may end up beating the hell out of your suspension. Besides you're driving a 4x4 SUV, not a sports car - so sidewall flex shouldn't be that much of a concern. My advice - if you got 16" rims - save your money don't mess with the original "design". If you got to spend it then go get yourself some appropriately sized REVO's, or another comparable set of tires. I see SUV's around town all the time with huge wheels and tiny profile tires. They often are very shinny and sometimes even come with cute spinners. Two thoughts always cross me mind when I see them. The first - Gee those are huge. They almost look like wagon wheels on that thing. I wonder if they saw any Indians today? The second - Why in the he!! would they want to do that to a 4x4? I understand your questioning, also please see WHERE I LIVE. My normal commute to and from work is on German Autobahns and I regularly drive 100-119 mph in my Jeep. Most of my driving is on-road. At least 3 times a week I drive off road. Only one company makes H-speed rated tires in 225/75/16, Kumho 798, whichh I currently have on my Jeep. IF you look at the unsprung weight of the wheels and tires combined and are equal to or less than OEM 16" then the suspension will work the same if not less. I use the 4x4 on and off road. When I trailer my race car to and from the track and it is raining I use the 4x4 for extra assurance of traction as I drive some pretty narrow mountainous roads. My trailer speeds are limited by law to 62mph and is stricly enforced. The added contact patch will also provide a more stable platform while towing. When winter comes around I will use the 16" and will have to use 4x4 when it snows as I drive 8 miles to work uphill 81m to 246m. I too am against "spinners" and glad to see that they are outlawed here. I see no need to add 40lb chrome wheels to a SUV without a proper brake upgrade. These wheels AND tires have to weight the saem or less than the OEM 16" for me to consider them at all. Don't get me wrong... I'm not trying to get on your case... First thing I would note. Speeds of 100 to 120 mph are not really appropriate for this type of vehicle. If you must drive at such speeds, then you should consider purchasing something that has been designed to operate under such parameters. It's an SUV, not an Audi/BMW/Porsche sports car. It's like using a sledgehammer to drive a tack. Maybe those ML’s and X5’s would be more appropriate. Unlike the Liberty - there are at least based on a car platform. Perhaps you should have two vehicles - one for Autobahn duty - and one for towing and off road work. If you can't afford two vehicles then buy one vehicle that is most appropriate for your highest priority needs (which appears to be getting to and from work on the Autobahn). I understand that you are trying to maintain unsprung weight. That's good, but the concept of unsprung weight and damping and not necessarily the same thing. I could hang a solid piece of metal - with no rubber - out on the end of your axles and maintain the same unsprung weight. The type of tire and sidewall that you normally find on a truck or SUV application is able to absorb a lot more pounding than a low profile, high pressure, performance tire. That absorption ability is a good thing, especially for a suspension that is already likely to see tuff duty. Again, I’m not trying to get on your case… But I do believe in picking the right tool for the job… So to speak….

Author:	Jeger [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:09 am ]
Post subject:
If I was driving in the conditions that you drive I think I would want a little less sidewall as well. As it is with 16" rims and roughly 29.5" tires youve got about 6.75" of sidewall to flex. going to a 19" rim will get you down to about 5.25". Its not like you are skateboarding the thing with 3" sidewall height. I think it will give you the effect you are looking for which I believe is more stability correct? Sure the ride may suffer but thats better than rolling at 100MPH because you cant get a good high performance tire to fit your rim. I wouldnt throw out DarbyWalters idea though, maybe a 17-18" rim would work also.

Author:	jinstall [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:
I have looked at the 17" and nothing really strikes my fancy. Trying to find a plain jane 5 spoke rim that is easy to maintain, is difficult at the least. OEM KJ with 16" wheels have 235/70/16 H rated tires. I have driven and I mean really driven several ML (270 and 400CDi) and one X5 (4.4) and I like the Libby better for handling, yes I said handling. The X5 is good for the Autobahn and thats it. Plus it is not avalible in the US with a 3.0D. The MK 270CDi is a pig and wouldn't pass itself in a tornado. The ML400CDi has great power and is a hoot to drive, no towing capacity, and it's fat booty will come around on it in a heartbeat when pushed. Thank goodness for ESC on both. I really like the solid rear in the Libby. Even with sidwallflex it still stays glued and trust me when I say I have pushed it to the max several times. Rainy days are my favorite, the ESC light comes on alot on those days. Do I rock crawl with the KJ, no. Do I need 4x4 yes. Do I get in the KJ with muddy stuff and the dog all wet and spill crap in it yes. Would I do the same with a $68,000 ML or X5 NO CHANCE! I live in a completely different enviroment and I see Libby's (Cherokee's here), GC, Commanders, YJ, CJ etc running 90-120 mph all the time. I know for the longest time the older CJ was having issues with the FT4x4 and front diff's blowing out. I understand completely the utilitarian issue on the 19" wheels, but given the area where I live, it is a practicle issue not a material issue. If I move back tot he US I will proably sell the wheels and tires to someone looking for something like that and go back to the 16" full time. I still have not made up my mind, I am only looking into it. Right now with rims and tires I am looking at $2200, so I am still "researching" to see if I really want to commit to this upgrade. On a side note anyone using the SPAX adjustable dampeners? I saw Tire Rack had them. I really like adjustable dampeners. BTW when I really want to have fun on the Autobahn I just take the race car from the garage and go have a little fun with Porsche's and Fararri's in the curves, they can't hang. Maybe when it warms up a little more I will finally get the KJ out on the Nuerburgring for a lap and video it. I hope I can break 10 min with it, Sabine did it in a Ford delivery van in 10:02!!!!

Author:	impulse [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:	255/55/19 too big
Without lifts, the 255/55/19 may be too large 30.3 diameter. I'm running 255/55/18 29.4 diameter. (tires off my V8 Touareg) With 18 inch there are many styles and cheaper than 19's They rub (touch on tight turn and a reasonable bump ) The Touareg would run all day at 125 and was great. Revs were too high and fuel consumption was awful. Time in shop was ridiculous but ran and looked great. Speed rating of H or V will demand enough sidewall strength . Off road -- too high pressure (all are near 50 psi ) and no softness. Can't have both. Getting stuck - no problem - losing control at speed--- sucks!

Author:	T^2 [ Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:50 pm ]
Post subject:
jinstall wrote: I have looked at the 17" and nothing really strikes my fancy. Trying to find a plain jane 5 spoke rim that is easy to maintain, is difficult at the least. OEM KJ with 16" wheels have 235/70/16 H rated tires. I have driven and I mean really driven several ML (270 and 400CDi) and one X5 (4.4) and I like the Libby better for handling, yes I said handling. The X5 is good for the Autobahn and thats it. Plus it is not avalible in the US with a 3.0D. The MK 270CDi is a pig and wouldn't pass itself in a tornado. The ML400CDi has great power and is a hoot to drive, no towing capacity, and it's fat @$#% will come around on it in a heartbeat when pushed. Thank goodness for ESC on both. I really like the solid rear in the Libby. Even with sidwallflex it still stays glued and trust me when I say I have pushed it to the max several times. Rainy days are my favorite, the ESC light comes on alot on those days. Do I rock crawl with the KJ, no. Do I need 4x4 yes. Do I get in the KJ with muddy stuff and the dog all wet and spill crap in it yes. Would I do the same with a $68,000 ML or X5 NO CHANCE! I live in a completely different enviroment and I see Libby's (Cherokee's here), GC, Commanders, YJ, CJ etc running 90-120 mph all the time. I know for the longest time the older CJ was having issues with the FT4x4 and front diff's blowing out. I understand completely the utilitarian issue on the 19" wheels, but given the area where I live, it is a practicle issue not a material issue. If I move back tot he US I will proably sell the wheels and tires to someone looking for something like that and go back to the 16" full time. I still have not made up my mind, I am only looking into it. Right now with rims and tires I am looking at $2200, so I am still "researching" to see if I really want to commit to this upgrade. On a side note anyone using the SPAX adjustable dampeners? I saw Tire Rack had them. I really like adjustable dampeners. BTW when I really want to have fun on the Autobahn I just take the race car from the garage and go have a little fun with Porsche's and Fararri's in the curves, they can't hang. Maybe when it warms up a little more I will finally get the KJ out on the Nuerburgring for a lap and video it. I hope I can break 10 min with it, Sabine did it in a Ford delivery van in 10:02!!!! To me it still looks like you have two completely different uses you are trying to serve that would be best met with two different vehicles. Taking a step back - the idea of trying to turn a Liberty into an autobahn runner... well... I don't think that one would have ever crossed my mind. To me it just seems kind of whacky. I don't know anything about the Mercedes or BMW SUV's. I was just saying that some - at the very least - look like they are setup for highway driving and certainly look more appropriate for this use than a Liberty. I have to take your word for their shortcomings. However, I never thought the Liberty was particular adept at handling either. I've found that it wallows/leans too much in curves and also has a tendency to push. It’s definitely not the kind of precision instrument that I would want to be using to carve up some high speed roads. I'm sure various Jeeps are driven on the autobahn all the time... But that doesn't necessarily mean that they should be (especially at those speeds). Sure that new Grand Cherokee SRT8 look like it might do for this duty, but some of the other run of the mill Jeeps you listed wouldn't be anywhere near the top of my list for such a job. There comes a point when you can take that "do-it-all" idea for a vehicle too far. It's all about trade-offs and compromises. For what you gain in one department, you loose in another. The Liberty does great work at moderate off road work and routine commuting, but to do those things well you have to accept a compromise in handling. If it were me, I would just as soon save that Liberty for the utility work that it's needed for and get me a different ride that is more suited for the autobahn commute to work.

Author:	jinstall [ Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:20 am ]
Post subject:
I am not trying to turn the KJ into a Ferarri, it will NEVER be that nor will it be my race car either. I am perfectly fine with the setup it has now. It suits my purpose just fine on the autobahn and off. It has never gotten stuck. It handles very well for a brick. It handles remarkable for a solid rear axle. 90mph is normal cruising speed here, well ok 130kph on limited Autobahns. 160 to 180 kph is what most cars/SUV travel here. This is not like the US at all. I see more KJ here than I did in the US. There is a different way of thinking here in Europe on SUV's as in the US. 4x4 HAS to serve a dual purpose or it will not sell. Kind of like what brings us all to the forum, the TD engines. It is a different way of thinking here and a different way of life.

Author:	06altacrd [ Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:07 am ]
Post subject:
All I can say is, go ahead and get the rims/tires you want. If they fit and you like them, get them.

Author:	jinstall [ Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:52 am ]
Post subject:
Yes, ah so many facters to consider. I thought the race car was complicated. Maybe I should just switch to 245/70/16 and call it a day. I fought for months just to replace the radio with a aftermarket with RDS.

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Author:	T^2 [ Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:
jinstall wrote: Yes, ah so many facters to consider. I thought the race car was complicated. Maybe I should just switch to 245/70/16 and call it a day. I fought for months just to replace the radio with a aftermarket with RDS. That's the way I would go... Obviously... And that so happens to be what I have on mine... It will look better too...

Author:	jinstall [ Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:46 am ]
Post subject:
Looks it not a real big thing, hell I have not washed it in 3 months inside or out. There are so many scratches in the paint now from driving in the woods. I drive it like I would a M998 (H1).

Author:	Jeger [ Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:14 am ]
Post subject:
Heres a post I found over on jeepkj http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/showthread. ... post301785 renkiew2 wrote: I am new to this forum. I hope I posted this picture correctly. I just got new MB Motoring Classic 18" wheels and General Grabber 255/55/18 tires. I absolutely love the new look! I dont think it looks bad it all with that wheel tire combo.

Author:	jinstall [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 3:49 am ]
Post subject:
I just would lke to know what they weigh in at each. I would have to guess at 24lbs each.