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17s or upgrade to 18s. 99% street driven

Reconatrek

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This is not true on a jeep wrangler.
Stop wasting time with pointless remarks. A true Jeep Wrangler is whatever the hell someone wants it to be. That’s the beauty of the Jeep Wrangler. If someone prefers the look of 18”s, why knock it? Preference is preference. Not everyone is trying to complete Moab.
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blnewt

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With the bigger rotors/calipers a 17" is about the smallest you can run. Loved the old days where a 35/14.5/15 was king, like my CJ rocked :)

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Vinny1

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Those are big tars
 

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Ok. I just saw that Saharas come with 18's. Sorry I asked.
I've always had 17s, but the 18s look great to me too. It really comes down to what looks best to you. They start losing me with 20s though.
 

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Revolution_322

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Please explain.
Welp, yes in theory reducing unspring mass allows the suspension to
React faster. However on a 5 link more so than IFS suspension, the combined resistance of all 4 control arms Plus track bar , plus residual from drag link and tie rod, the negligible difference in weight has not enough effect on the ride quality to feel. Adversely, a softer compound , larger sidewall , Slightly aired down Tire will give a more compliant ride in this scenario.
 

blnewt

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Revolution_322

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Good eye, the old Denman Ground Hawgs before they were bought by SS.
You know it! My uncle used to pick me up from school in a brand new scrambler. That thing was CHERRY. And so began my love of jeep. Shifting gears with a marlboro red (him).
 

AnnDee4444

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Welp, yes in theory reducing unspring mass allows the suspension to
React faster. However on a 5 link more so than IFS suspension, the combined resistance of all 4 control arms Plus track bar , plus residual from drag link and tie rod, the negligible difference in weight has not enough effect on the ride quality to feel. Adversely, a softer compound , larger sidewall , Slightly aired down Tire will give a more compliant ride in this scenario.
Maybe I should have been more clear:
An 18" wheel will be fine
This was intended to be a statement all by itself. An 18" wheel is fine, if it wasn't then the Sahara wouldn't come with them. "Fine" is objective of course.

This is a completely separate thought from:
Minimize the wheel/tire weight for maximum comfort.
I stand by this statement, and it is always true regardless of suspension type. Of course a softer tire or more sidewall will change the dynamics, but regardless of wheel/tire size, less unsprung weight will probably always win when compared to more unsprung weight.
 

zrickety

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It's a matter of preference. 'Upgrade' is debatable. Personally, I would stay with the 17's and chunky tires but I understand why the lower profile 18's appeal to people. I went the other way on my Volkswagen, 18's to 17's and it was an improvement.
 

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jeepingib

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I definitely would not consider 18s an upgrade for reasons that have already been pointed out by others. Andee is on point with his suggestion to minimize the rotating weight. That is the true key to drivability for our Wranglers.
 

Spd_Tkt

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While Vinny doesn't need to worry about winter tires in MS, I have found a benefit to 18 rims. Blizzak's are available in 255/70R18 and this is an application where the narrow width is actually beneficial. There is not really a good sizing for 17's.
 

blnewt

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While Vinny doesn't need to worry about winter tires in MS, I have found a benefit to 18 rims. Blizzak's are available in 255/70R18 and this is an application where the narrow width is actually beneficial. There is not really a good sizing for 17's.
There's a few blizzaks in 17 sizes, nothing taller than 31.5 though
265/70/17 is about the best option for the JL in 17s FWIW.
 

Gdub

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It looks like a 275/65/18 is roughly the same height as stock. Only problem is tire selection isn't great...........Still thinking.........
I would base my choice on tires, what size and look, do they make them in an 18”.
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