So once I lift I will be needing new rubber. I'm thinking of 265/75/16, and using my stock alloy rims, but I'm curious, if I went with a 31" tire and a set of 15" rims, would that cost me much more? You would think a smaller tire would be cheaper....

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02 KJ "Frank The Turtle"
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3111598

you can use your stock alloy rims. but you might have rubbing issues due to the back spacing and possibly not enuff lift. I suggest you start scrolling down at similar threads. this question has been asked numerous times. Plus you will learn so much even if the topic inst exactly what you are asking. As far as the cost yes if you go to 15" wheels and tires im sure its gonna cost a tad bit more.

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2016 JKU RUBICON

other mods coming soon...

Most 15 inch wheels won't fit over your disk brakes. A few of the steel wheels will, but you'll not find any with a stock offset. Rockcrawler steel wheels and some of the others will just barely go over the disks, no alloys will fit. You'll have to find a good shop that will do test fits to get the right combo that fits inside the wheel well and doesn't smack something, even than you'll have to trim the plastic.
Lots of people that take the 265/75s off road have had problems keeping the fender flares from being knocked off while at full flex.

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No one knows as much as all of us.

most of the steel wheels will.

if I were buying all new wheels and tires at once Id go ahead and buy 15" wheels, since the tires are a little bit cheaper that way, but to me thats about the only benefit.

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1980 Jeep CJ7 Buggy
SOA, D44/ FF14B, SBC 350, SM465, NP205, 108" WB, 37" MTs

http://www.dpgoffroad.com/
http://www.ucora.org/
http://www.christianoffroad.com/
http://jeepinbyal.com/

15's offer a lot of tires in a LOAD C range, whereas 16's offer a lot of tires in a LOAD E range. The difference is weight, cost, and sidewall flex. 15's is the way to go in my opinion.

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2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.

at full droop on stock wheels, 265s WILL rub on the UCA

Any of the Cragar Steel 15" wheels will fit our KJs fine - Soft 8s, Black Ds, or V-5s. I went with 15's because I could find considerably less expensive tires in 15" rim size. Plus I like having more rubber and less wheel.

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2007 Light Khaki 4x2 Sport
- Debadged - LTT CAI with Amsoil Filter - JVC HD Radio - Infinity BassLink
- Iggee Seat Covers - Black Moabs - 265/75-16 Cooper Discoverer ATP - 4.10's
- DIY Franky sitting at 23.75" - Al's 4.5 UCAs - Trimmed F&R Bumpers
- Removed Rear Sway Bar - Removed Rear Vibration Damper
- 75k miles so far...

very true! my tires only come in load rating E, so the extra weight of the tires plus the extra weight of the wheels adds up quickly!

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1980 Jeep CJ7 Buggy
SOA, D44/ FF14B, SBC 350, SM465, NP205, 108" WB, 37" MTs

http://www.dpgoffroad.com/
http://www.ucora.org/
http://www.christianoffroad.com/
http://jeepinbyal.com/

I'm not to concerened with the fitting/rubbing of a 265/75/16... I've read enough about that to know what I want to do. I'm going to have to start getting some quotes on 15" rims and tires, see if it balances out or is a bit cheeper. The cost of the rims will deffinitly offset the cost of the cheaper tires. The overall benefit is a lighter tire, and a stronger rim... But its the cost that is the factor right now, cause I will wheel my alloys till they are trashed if I need to, and I will live with heavy tires if I have to...

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02 KJ "Frank The Turtle"
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3111598

A set of five 15x7 steel rims from Unique Steel(makers of the Crager steel rims) should only run $200.