Will sidewall affects performance?

[Mac-n-cheesy]

I was thinking about switching out my stock 17x7.5 inch wheels for 16x8. The sidewall will increase by an inch but there is no performance change? If so what would it be?

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[aldo98229]

I don’t know about Sport, but I’m pretty sure the big brakes on Willys/Sahara/Rubicon won’t clear 16-inch rims.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

17 is as small as you can go on the JL.

 

[limeade]

I was thinking about switching out my stock 17x7.5 inch wheels for 16x8. The sidewall will increase by an inch but there is no performance change? If so what would it be?

As stated, 16's won't clear the JL brake system.

But generally speaking, sidewall height does affect performance, handling, and ride. Tires affect suspension feel and steering. With tall sidewalls, tires will be more compliant to bumps and imperfections of the road, resulting in a more comfortable on and off road ride. However, tall sidewalls also contribute to a delayed response with quick or sharp steering inputs. Shorter sidewalls will have a harsher ride but react to quick/sharp steering inputs faster, resulting in better steering. During cornering, shorter sidewalls aid in better grip/traction as the short sidewalls resist deflecting while under heavy loads during cornering.

You see short sidewall tire/wheel combos on performance vehicles where handling and performance outweigh ride quality. Additionally, shorter sidewalls have their drawbacks when off-roading. Short sidewalls tend to not conform as well to off road obstacles as well as tall sidewalls.

Non-enthusiats pick tire/wheel combos based upon looks, whereas automotive enthusiasts base their decisions on form and function, with appearance being secondary.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

@aldo98229 @The Last Cowboy @limeade
fyi, these are 16" wheels on a JLUR. They clear the brakes as long as the wheel weights are on the side and not inside the wheel.

 

[aldo98229]

@aldo98229 @The Last Cowboy @limeade
fyi, these are 16" wheels on a JLUR. They clear the brakes as long as the wheel weights are on the side and not inside the wheel.

That’s asking for trouble IMO.

If you get a rock stuck in there, yer brakes are toast.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

That’s asking for trouble IMO.

If you get a rock stuck in there, yer brakes are toast.

Since I have run both, it's actually easier to get a rock stuck in 17s then 16s since a rock can get into a 1/2" gap easier than an 1/8" gap. That said, one thing the OP needs to consider is that there are a lot more tire options (and maybe better prices) for tires on 17s vs 16s.

 

[AnnDee4444]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...y-to-mount-16-5-wheels-yet.26116/#post-625316

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Do you have to pick the right wheel to clear the calipers in reference to the center drop or back space, or will any 16" wheel with a 5x5 bolt pattern fit?

 

[azwjowner]

Do you have to pick the right wheel to clear the calipers in reference to the center drop or back space, or will any 16" wheel with a 5x5 bolt pattern fit?

I researched this extensively and on a Rubicon, others reported that 4.5" or less backspacing is required to fit. I'm not sure if higher backspacing would fit a Sport with smaller brakes.

Never actually tried 16" wheels though. 16x8 with 4.5" backspacing would have the center of the wheel out 1.75" more than the factory 17" wheels, and I don't like moving wheels outboard, so it wasn't for me.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

So it’s fair to say that some 16” wheels fit and that those that do aren’t ideal as far as backspace. If you want 16s, take care with what you choose.

 

[AnnDee4444]

FWIW: steel wheels typically give more clearance and will fit in more scenarios.

 

[Zandcwhite]

You'd get more performance gain off road by going up an 1" in tire size than going down an 1" in wheel size. The old school rule of thumb is double the wheel size minimum for the tire in order to have enough sidewall flex when aired down. If you want to stick to a stock 32-33" tire for some reason, sure a 16" rim will be better. Personally I'd keep the 17" and go to a 34" tire minimum.

 

[Old Dogger]

Welcome to the Forum, from Cave Creek AZ.
I suggest that you stay with the 17’s…

 

[J0E]

You'd get more performance gain off road by going up an 1" in tire size than going down an 1" in wheel size. The old school rule of thumb is double the wheel size minimum for the tire in order to have enough sidewall flex when aired down. If you want to stick to a stock 32-33" tire for some reason, sure a 16" rim will be better. Personally I'd keep the 17" and go to a 34" tire minimum.

Exactly, 17" wheels 35" tires, close to double.
That's why I'm thinking of going with 20" wheels on tons with 42's. I'll see what Fusion or DSTRAC recommends.

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