15s on a JK?

[Ormrod]

Hey there,

Just wondering if anyone is running 15" wheels on a JK...  I have a 2007 Sahara two door and I'm lookin to run 15" wheels, probably Procomp Rock Crawler 98 series 15x8 3.75 backspacing 19mm offset (http://www.procomptires.com/truck-jeep-wheels/rock-crawler-series-98-wheels.aspx) on Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs (33x12.5x15).

I've read on some other forums that some have had luck with this setup and some had to grind their front calipers so the wheels don't scrape... Does anyone have these wheels on their rig?  Would anywhere let me throw one on mine to see if it fits before I buy a set?

Would there be anything else wrong with running these wheels on my Jeep?  It's stock for now, I'm looking at buying those wheels/tires and then getting a 2.5" or so lift shortly afterwards.

Thanks!

[w squared]

You will probably be able to fit those 33's with stock suspension as long as you're not off-roading it before you put that lift on.

You may be able to fit those 15's on just fine...or you may not. There doesn't seem to be any 100% answer to that.

If you try it and they don't fit, I'd be pretty hesitant to grind calipers to make things fit.

Is there a reason that you don't want 16's?

[Ormrod]

I'm not totally against 16s, but I'd rather 15s for a couple reasons...

-Cheaper wheels/tires
-Wider selection of tires
-I like the look of the smaller wheels/wider sidewalls

I think I will be looking into 16s as well, but I was looking forward to buying 15s 

[esi]

15s are getting rarer. Tire Distributors are bringing in smaller numbers or just special ordering them. Just something to think about in a year or two when they would need to be replaced again.

[OffRoadNewbie]

i work for a tire distributor and i ordered some BFG-KM2s  for my 15" rims a month ago  and I'm still waiting for them on special order because of the 15" rims .............17 is the new 15     i would stay 16 or bigger if i were you   

just my 02 cents 

[JK2008blckblck]

i run those rims on my jk, 15" with no issues, same reason, cheap rims, cheaper tires. i run a 10" wide rim with a 4.5" back spacing because im running 37x13.50 tires, combination works good.

[w squared]

i run those rims on my jk, 15" with no issues, same reason, cheap rims, cheaper tires. i run a 10" wide rim with a 4.5" back spacing because im running 37x13.50 tires, combination works good.

37's on a Dana 30 = new axle shafts in 3...2...1...

Just kidding. 

Obviously you display some restraint with the skinny pedal.

[sn4cktime]

I've read on some other forums that some have had luck with this setup and some had to grind their front calipers so the wheels don't scrape

Pretty much bang on, some fit, some don't.  Some that won't fit directly will clear with spacers.

Don't chince out with 33's.  Throw 35's on it and a small budget lift or do a fender chop (can find instructions on JK specific forums).  You'll put 33's on there and still wish you went bigger.  I went from 30's to 35's and still wish I went 37's.  SO FAR my D30 hasn't blown up, *knock on wood*.

[Ormrod]

Pretty much bang on, some fit, some don't.  Some that won't fit directly will clear with spacers.

Don't chince out with 33's.  Throw 35's on it and a small budget lift or do a fender chop (can find instructions on JK specific forums).  You'll put 33's on there and still wish you went bigger.  I went from 30's to 35's and still wish I went 37's.  SO FAR my D30 hasn't blown up, *knock on wood*.

I was really gung-ho about throwing 35s on mine since I first got my rig 5 months ago, but after tons of reading and research of what else I would want to do beforehand, I think I'll stick with 33s for now. 

My plan, and I think it's logical, is to get new wheels and 33s for now (my tires are getting worn so this is pretty much required).  Next steps (and all of this wouldn't be immediate) would be to throw a lift on it (2.5" - 3" fairly soon so the 33s won't rub offroad - I'm leaning toward the OME lift from northridge4x4.ca), then get some new fender flares, do a front/rear bumper set with tire carrier (in preparation for the big 35 spare), then 35" tires, and re-gear afterward if I feel it is needed.  Of course along the way I will be doing other mods too!  This Jeep is going to leave me broke, lol.

[bushman67]

and if you want to sell the Moab rims to offset some cost, give me a buzz..... I'm looking for a set of 5.

[Ormrod]

and if you want to sell the Moab rims to offset some cost, give me a buzz..... I'm looking for a set of 5.

I would be looking to unload my stock wheels after I buy some new wheels/tires.  They are the optional 18" Sahara rims if that is what you are looking for... Not really sure what these things normally sell for though, I'd have to compare with others selling them I guess...

[Evil-Jeep]

I thought the Saharas came stock with a 32" tire....... If thats the case you could actually end up loosing ride height after you wear down some tread and air down for the trail. I do however agree going up to 35's seems like it is opening a whole new can of worms.... gearing, axles, lift, power, joints. Letting my wifes jeep have 35's before I do  

[Ormrod]

I thought the Saharas came stock with a 32" tire....... If thats the case you could actually end up loosing ride height after you wear down some tread and air down for the trail. I do however agree going up to 35's seems like it is opening a whole new can of worms.... gearing, axles, lift, power, joints. Letting my wifes jeep have 35's before I do  

You are right, my Sahara came with 32s...  I'm pretty much looking for a better/more aggressive tire and new, smaller wheel size for now, I'm not looking to gain a whole lot of tire size (because of all the things you mentioned).

[bushman67]

sorry Ormrod.... not actually interested in the 18" ones... only the 16" Moabs. Bummer.

[sn4cktime]

... 35's seems like it is opening a whole new can of worms.... gearing, axles, lift, power, joints.

Example: I have a '07 JK, X package.  2:1 transfer case with a Dana 30 front, 44 rear.

- 2.5" Rough Country lift = $139.00 new, selling mine soon when I put on newer set of shocks.  Won't need new driveshafts at that height.
- 3.whatever gears with a manual = fine
- axles = haven't broken mine yet and I'm NOT gentle on the gas pedal, the V6 does awesome near redline.
- power = that's what 4LO is for
- speed = Nathan just called me Mario Andretti the other day, it still GOES
- joints/unit bearings = ball-joints and unit bearings i THINK might need looking at now after 2 years.

The real issue is brakelines and ABS lines.  They'll be a little short stock version.

just sayin'....