That's exactly it! I'm from outta town and when I do come to calgary I like to go into National 4WD. The last time I was in there I talked to a salesman that was new to me ( I only get in there every 6 months or so) and was looking for 31's in a 15" rim size.
He tells me they don't really have much of that anymore cause they're too small, and most of their customers are guys from the rigs, and are buyin tires for their diesel trucks. 20's and bigger! Then he starts talkin about 33's for a 17" rim.....I tell him I don't have or want 17" rims, and of course he says they have good deals on the rims as well. I don't give a flying f*&k about 17's, especially for my Jeep.
if you talk to some of these guys, most won't carry much in teh way of tires anymore anyways. the profit margins as they say are 'slim' and for a 31, you can get them off the shelf at any other tire shop, so no point in them carrying such a tire;
as far as the speedo gear goes, ya, should be 50$ ish.......
if ever buy new tires (eventually i'll HAVE TO) i'll probably go through dale (ESI) too. he's been patient with me pricing stuff and much less of a hassle.