Wheel size options without changing much? Help needed

[Jguru23]

The following image will show you what I am working with. I need to swap out these horrible wheels but at the same time I wonder if I have any options.

Can I increase the size of my wheels and use the same tires?
How much larger can I go with wheels without lifting the jeep?

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[rcadden]

I was in a similar boat previously. The most cost-effective thing for you to do is look for some Rubicon take-offs on like, Facebook Marketplace. You should be able to get a full set for between $1K-1.5K, depending on your local market and how long you want to shop.

When I was shopping, this turned out to actually be CHEAPER than just buying 18" KO2s at Discount Tire, believe it or not.

This will accomplish a few things, all at once:
1. It will get you out of the 18" rims and into 17" rims. This will not only provide you with a smaller wheel (and thus, more sidewall), but it'll also make it easier/cheaper for you to buy your *next* set of tires, since R17 is much more common than R18 (thus a wider selection + reduced cost)
2. It will get you into new tires, typically the KO2s, which are great tires. They'll have a slightly more aggressive "Wrangler" look, and will be lightly larger, too, by about an inch, so you'll get a little lift, without having to worry about rubbing or getting anything regeared, etc.
3. If you have enough tread left on yours, you could probably sell them pretty easily and make back a small portion of this cost.

If you do this, I would recommend taking both sets of wheels/tires to Discount Tire and having them swap your existing TPMS sensors into the new tires/wheels - should be ~$300.

 

[Jeffy56]

I like your wheels! Mine are 18s as well. No rub except hard bump max articulation. Good traction and handling. It depends on how much sidewall you want, i.e. rock crawling, or max air down in sand.

 

[Upnarms]

The take off idea is good. Like the previous member said, you can usually get the rubicon tires and rims for 1000-1500. Get out of 18s, imo. Tire selection and prices are nuts when it's not one of the more common sizes. You will save literally hundreds of dollars by getting a 285/70r17 (a close to 33"equivalent ). Sell your take offs for 100 each (you can try for more but most people aren't searching for those type of rims and tires so be happy if you get 500. Especially with no tpms in them).

Your other option is to look at some classic, decent looking rims on quadratec. They have some very budget friendly and imo great looking jeep rims for under 200 each.

https://www.quadratec.com/brand/quadratec/wheels

I didn't check to see if they come in 18s, but again, consider 17s for long term savings and selection

 

[The Last Cowboy]

The following image will show you what I am working with. I need to swap out these horrible wheels but at the same time I wonder if I have any options.

Can I increase the size of my wheels and use the same tires?
How much larger can I go with wheels without lifting the jeep?

If you intend to keep those not so great tires, then don't go with a wheel wider than 8". Most go with a 17" wheels as the size and variety of tires is much better.

Your current tires are 32" tall. You can go up to 33" without needing a lift.

When you choose a wheel, choose wisely. Make sure you get the backspace that puts the tire where you want it in relation the the edge of the fender. Also, a simple design is a lot easier to clean than one with a lot of complicated elements to it. What looks good hanging on the wall at the tire store, rarely looks good once mounted on the Jeep. Less is more.

What do you dislike about the current wheels? Maybe having them powder coated bronze or titanium would make a difference.

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[running_man]

I concur with the others who mention the take off route.....FB Marketplace as well as FB Jeep buy/sell groups are a great place to find them. You can also check with local 4X4 shops, I know when I had my wheels/tires upgraded, I had to ask for my stock ones back (to sell on FB), otherwise they were set out back of the shop. I would also look to go to 17" rims, many more options and greater availability for the future....

 

[Wulfgang]

I bought a set of new Rubicon take-offs and sold the original Sahara wheels.
If you want to reuse the tires you will have to buy 18 inch rims.

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