wider tires for 17" wheels

03kjltd · **Joined:** Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:55 pm **Posts:** 5

I read all of the previous posts, and did not see a clear answer for this question. Apologies if I missed it.

I have a 2003 Limited with stock 17" wheels and the original 235/65r17 tires, which definitely suck and finally need to be replaced. I would like to get wider tires that fit on these wheels. To get the same overall tire height, I would need 255/60r17 tires, but I am not sure if the extra width will cause rubbing. They woudn't be any taller, so I don't think the height will be a problem.

(Some folks with 16" wheels have asked this question about 255/65r16 tires, which are probably about the same in overall size).

Anyone have success running either of these setups? I don't want to spend $$ on a lift at the moment, so would like something that will work unlifted.

Thanks.

nolakj · **Posted:** Fri Aug 18, 2006 12:54 pm

Your 235/65r/17s have the following dimensions
Tire width = 9.25"
Diameter = 29.03

245/70/17s would have a width of 9.65" and a diameter of 30.5. I have heard that 245/70/16s work well unlifted but the 17s come out to be an inch taller according to the calculator I am using. Do some checking here....http://www.csgnetwork.com/tireinfo4calc.html

03kjltd · **Joined:** Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:55 pm **Posts:** 5

Ok, thanks, that calculator is helpful. I had heard that the 245/70r16 size would work, which is both slightly wider and slightly larger in diameter than stock. But, I am trying to avoid buying new wheels and I already own the 17s.

So, is there any way to tell (short of trying it) whether, if I stick with the stock height by reducing to a 255/60/17, the extra width would work? The 255s measure at 10.04 inches wide on the calculator. Anyone with 245 width tires think there is probably an additional .4 inches to play with, especially if I drop back to stock diameter?

Otherwise, maybe I will try 245/65/17 size, which would appear to be the same as the 245/70/16 size others are using.

Northbee · **Posted:** Sun Aug 20, 2006 12:15 am

I am exactly in the same situation. I want to replace the Wrangler HP with some AT tires but - except for the Pirelli Scorpion - there are no AT's available in 235/65/17.

I will try the 245/65/17 ones - does anyone have made experience with these?

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

If you know of a good tire shop near you, get them to suggest a size and have them fit up a single tire on the front. Some shops won't do this, but others will, especially if they can sell you 5 tires now, future business later...

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

I'm running 245/65R17 Destination AT's on 2005 17X7.5" rims. I really like the combo. Much better traction and handling than stock. The ride is very good for AT's. I have an early KJ, and I don't offroad, so I don't have any rubbing issues. You might have to do a 1/2 strut spacer in the front and an extra spring isolator in the rear to keep them from rubbing if yours is one of the lower KJs.

03kjltd · **Joined:** Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:55 pm **Posts:** 5

Thanks -- good to know. Mine is the lowered kind, so I may have a problem as you say. There really does not look like there is much if any room to play with in the wheel well of mine right now, even with the 235/65/17 size, so I will look into making these changes.

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

Northbee wrote:

I am exactly in the same situation. I want to replace the Wrangler HP with some AT tires but - except for the Pirelli Scorpion - there are no AT's available in 235/65/17.

Count me in on this too. I don't plan to replace them now, but I eventually want to get something better, and since most of the KJ owners off-road, they get 16 or even 15inch rims, which has zillion great tires to choose from. With 17"s we don't have too many choices, unless we go strictly "street" or summer tires.

I was planning to get something that will handle very good on the road, and also have limited capability for very light off-roading, which many tires can still do. I would say Wrangler HP does very well on the road, taking fast turns OK & sharp corners still screech a little, still good. Once you hit off the concrete, or get to a slightly wet pavement you feel the difference, they slip and slide all over the place, especially if your are in 2x4.

I need something that will work on my 17" rims, I have these rims (LINK). KY Liberty, do you think I can use the ones you have?

Thank You

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

I think those are 17X7" rims. The 245/65R17's will fit those rims. You're going to have to do some measuring on your Libby to see if they are going to rub. There's a huge range of heights. As you can see, mine was one of the really tall ones. Those pictures are with about 5 years of time to sag.

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

Yes, you are right, since it is pre-lowered you were lucky. I guess we are stuck with stock size tires 235/65s, which is a tight fit as it is.. Do you have any reccomendation?

Northbee · **Posted:** Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:17 pm

Finally I changed my 235/65/17 serial Goodyear Wrangler HP to 245/65/17 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor AT Tires and....

.... no rubbing!

The Handling is great - no comparison to the HP. Traction on wet surface roads is unbelieveable - I am looking forward to the winter. And most important - the Silent Armor technology works - the tires are extreme silent, even more silent than the HP tires - and the new ones are AT!

MPG didn't change - of course you have to multiply your driven miles by 1.017 to get an exact MPG result. (the new tire circumference is 1.7% higher than the old one)

Negative: the price - paid $152 @ tirerack plus $15 S&H per tire plus $12 for installation --> $179 per tire!

Here are some pics - the spare tire is still a 235/65/17 HP one

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

Wow, exact same rims and those tires are looking great, I must say. However, you also have pre-lowered. So regardless of the rims, mine might rub, especially inwards as there is already not too much room.

And, don't you hate these:

I got one in the back fender from somone passing too close when I was parked.

Northbee · **Posted:** Thu Sep 28, 2006 10:23 pm

ufkydpnr wrote:

Wow, exact same rims and those tires are looking great, I must say. However, you also have pre-lowered. So regardless of the rims, mine might rub, especially inwards as there is already not too much room.

And, don't you hate these: I got one in the back fender from somone passing too close when I was parked.

I don't think that mine is a pre-lowered - it's a 2003 and the pre-lowered are all 2002 but I am not sure.

The "scratches" on the fender are from the pre-owner in ....... NEW YORK CITY

I bought the Jeep 5 months ago - no new scratches since I am the owner - but Boston is crowded with cars too so it will happen.

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

well, NYC is like that! it's a jungle out here..
got it, I wonder what's the return policy on tires like. I wouldn't mind getting these mounted on mine, they look really sharp.
Thanks for your input.

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

So far from then till now, did anyone get 17"new tires and what's their opinion?

Although I know the 245s will fit, I am just trying to get all my options in front of me, then get new tires. I might get them at local tire shop OR at COSCO (if they have it in stock).

My concern with 245s if they rub at full turn and overtime scrape and finally blow on me... :oops:

hyedipin · **Joined:** Thu May 11, 2006 10:20 am **Posts:** 1667

I just got Nokian Vatiiva tires, and they seem to be slightly wider than stock tires, although they are the same size. They just have thicker tread pattern and boxier look.

fast1 · **Posted:** Sat Sep 29, 2007 5:40 pm

hey guys its still the 17" debate my 2cents , im going to try the yokahama at+2 same tread as the at only deeper in a 245/65/17 the bill will come to just under $2000 can dollars.

denzilorton22 · **Joined:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 5:26 am **Posts:** 4

I have preferred lot of tires such as Nokian Vatiiva , yokahama. I have seen that There is little different between that tire. I have tried yokahama couple of months ago. It was still worked on my FFR11. It was being easily passed over the stones and also over the rush area. So It was so wonder for me.

DirtyKK · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 1:03 pm

threads almost a few years old buddy :lol:

wider tires for 17" wheels

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