Upgrading tires & wheels need advice on size and handling

[liftedwranglerpro1022]

I've been running 33" tires on my Jeep for quite some time now, but I'm considering upgrading to 35" tires for improved off-road performance. I'm also toying with the idea of changing my wheels and can't decide whether to go for 18" or stick with the stock 17". Beyond just looks, what are the actual pros and cons of going for larger wheels?

One thing I'm worried about is handling; I sometimes feel a bit of front-end vibration that's been hard to track down. Will having bigger wheels and tires make that situation worse? Right now, I'm eyeing the 18" Method Race Wheels MR315 paired with Nitto Trail Grappler 35s, but I'm open to any other recommendations. Thanks!

 

[GenZzz]

Bigger wheels like 18s just hurt ride quality and increase unsprung weight. People love the look, but 17s are better for flex, sidewall protection, and overall off-road feel.

Uhm so going to 35s without sorting your current vibration is like you're just throwing money at a problem, not fixing it

 

[Newhead]

I'd say you sort any vibration issues first before adding larger wheels and if you're mainly off road focused, I'd stay with 17s,

 

[rbns6ns]

I've been running 33" tires on my Jeep for quite some time now, but I'm considering upgrading to 35" tires for improved off-road performance. I'm also toying with the idea of changing my wheels and can't decide whether to go for 18" or stick with the stock 17". Beyond just looks, what are the actual pros and cons of going for larger wheels?

One thing I'm worried about is handling; I sometimes feel a bit of front-end vibration that's been hard to track down. Will having bigger wheels and tires make that situation worse? Right now, I'm eyeing the 18" Method Race Wheels MR315 paired with Nitto Trail Grappler 35s, but I'm open to any other recommendations. Thanks!

Yeah, most people I know stick with the 17s for a good reason. That extra rubber on a 35" tire gives you a bigger cushion when you air down for the trail, which is great for soaking up rocks and roots and improving traction. It also gives you more protection against a wheel getting damaged. Plus, 17" tires are generally cheaper and you have more options to choose from. On the other hand, going to 18" gives you less sidewall, which can sometimes make the ride a little firmer on-road and leaves you with less protection for the wheel itself off-road. The Method wheels are super popular, and that 18" combo with the Trail Grapplers would look awesome, no doubt.

I also agree with addressing your existing problems first as bigger wheels and tires can just amplify them. I'd get a good alignment and have your steering components checked out before you make the jump. A lot of times, that front-end vibe is a steering or track bar issue that just becomes more noticeable with bigger, heavier tires.

 

[Alan]

Yeah, most people I know stick with the 17s for a good reason. That extra rubber on a 35" tire gives you a bigger cushion when you air down for the trail, which is great for soaking up rocks and roots and improving traction. It also gives you more protection against a wheel getting damaged. Plus, 17" tires are generally cheaper and you have more options to choose from. On the other hand, going to 18" gives you less sidewall, which can sometimes make the ride a little firmer on-road and leaves you with less protection for the wheel itself off-road. The Method wheels are super popular, and that 18" combo with the Trail Grapplers would look awesome, no doubt.

I also agree with addressing your existing problems first as bigger wheels and tires can just amplify them. I'd get a good alignment and have your steering components checked out before you make the jump. A lot of times, that front-end vibe is a steering or track bar issue that just becomes more noticeable with bigger, heavier tires.

17s give you more sidewall forgiveness and a wider tire selection, especially for 35s. And you’re right, any front end play or imbalance will only get louder once you add weight and unsprung mass.