R16 vs R17 and Tires

Scorpiate · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:33 am

Ok so I've finaly decided to get tires.

I want to get the 245/75/R16 (orginally) ... but I am wondering would the R17 fit on my libby and use my original rims?

I got the 2.5" from the franky lift ... Running 235/60/R17 now ... Is it better for me to get the 245/75/R17 and use my existing rims rather than go buy 5 - R16 Rims?

Will there be any rubbing with R17 over R16?

And another question who wants to answer: How long to rims last?

tommudd · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:50 am

Rims last forever almost if you take care and don't bend or break them
Now as far as R16 and R 17 rims ????? not sure what you are meaning , is that a type of rim or are you just meaning a 16 or 17 inch rim?

RAYMAN975 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 12:53 pm

a tire made for a 17inch rim will not fit on it a 16inch rim and vice versa

tommudd · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:20 pm

I thought maybe an R16 / R17 was a new kind of wheel now that I am awake I know he means either a 16 or 17 inch wheel ?

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:29 pm

and whether you get 16's or 17's - rubbing will be a function of the tire size - not the wheel

you're currently 9.5" wide and 28.5" high
with a 2.5" lift ~10" wide and 31" high will clear fairly well
a 245/75/16 is a bit smaller than that
a 245/75/17 is the same 9.65" wide - but 31.7 tall
so you'll have a bit more rubbing - but it's do able -
it's smaller than the 265/75/16 that people are running - just expect trimming and extra bumpstops.

as to lifespan - steel rims are infinite unless you bend them.
Aluminum will theoretically fail - but I've seen some run 30+ years with no problem.
(the difference between the crystal structure)

Scorpiate · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:03 pm

RAYMAN975 wrote:

a tire made for a 17inch rim will not fit on it a 16inch rim and vice versa

I know that much ... and R17/R16 - yea I am refering to 17" and 16" rims

So I should be looking at getting a 265/65/17 if I choose to keep my original rims without excessive rubbing?
[Compared to getting 245/75/16 with little to no rubbing but having to buy new rims]

InCommando · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:22 pm

The R in the tire size refers to the radial construction of the tire, & doesn't apply to the rim. It doesn't care if you use a radial or bias tire on it. :wink:

daspes · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:30 pm

Depends on a lot of things which would be best for you.

17" tires are generally more expensive than 16" tires.

With a 17" you will have less sidewall to flex during offroad excursions. That means you have a higher chance of bending, or breaking a wheel, and less possible traction.

You can pick up a full set of 16" or even 15" steel rims for cheap, I would compare the costs of the whole package and how you plan on using your KJ to make your decision.

Scorpiate · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:06 pm

I would say 90% highway driving then something better to take on the trails then all seasons ...

I always air down (~15-20lbs) before I head into a trail anyway and take my time and not do stupid things with it.

Right now the 17" would be about $30 more a tire ... 16" would end up hurting me with rims and I would want something that looks decent as I use it on the roads most of the time... (new or used im looking at 3-500$ for 5)..

Now I have to see if my extended warrentee is going to be affected by changing the tire height (tip from another libby owner in my neck of the woods) ... if that affects it, then I gotta think if I want the warrentee or better tires.

Guest · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 11:42 pm

InCommando wrote:

The R in the tire size refers to the radial construction of the tire, & doesn't apply to the rim. It doesn't care if you use a radial or bias tire on it. :wink:

Is THAT why late model Ford truck wheels say "NO BIAS PLY" :lol:

Sorry, had to.

Actually, the bead angle on a BP tire and a radial tire are slightly different IIRC.

Don't ask me what the difference is, I'm too young to care about that bias ply archaeology:D

canjeep · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:37 pm

I have 17" rims and run 245/70 R17 bridgestone Revos and I have a OME lift (springs / shocks). I have a small amount of rubbing that was fixed by using a heat gun and a little bending of the black plastic liner. It only ever rubbed at full lock, and since the heat gun treatment now there is no rubbing. I had no issue with the pinch weld. I did not want to get 16" rims as I like the look of the 17" ones I have. There is less selection of tires in the 245/70 R17 size. If you want greater selection, 16" is definately better.
Hope this helps.

DryBones · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:13 pm

canjeep wrote:

I have 17" rims and run 245/70 R17 bridgestone Revos and I have a OME lift (springs / shocks). I have a small amount of rubbing that was fixed by using a heat gun and a little bending of the black plastic liner. It only ever rubbed at full lock, and since the heat gun treatment now there is no rubbing. I had no issue with the pinch weld. I did not want to get 16" rims as I like the look of the 17" ones I have. There is less selection of tires in the 245/70 R17 size. If you want greater selection, 16" is definately better.
Hope this helps.

got pics of that setup? I got an OME HD lift coming in the mail!

R16 vs R17 and Tires

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