New lift, wanting new wheels and tires, lots of questions

cenorton1

cenorton1

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Hi all,

I’m sure there is a thread answering my question somewhere, but I have yet to find. New Jeep owner here, purchased a stock 2000 TJ Sahara. Just had a RC 2.5in lift installed (I know… it’s not OME). Looking to get new wheels and tires. Would 16” Moab’s fit? And what tire size? Was thinking 265/75/r16. Does anyone have pictures? I’m going for the “more than stock but not overly aggressive” look. Thanks in advance
 
cenorton1 said:
Hi all,

I’m sure there is a thread answering my question somewhere, but I have yet to find. New Jeep owner here, purchased a stock 2000 TJ Sahara. Just had a RC 2.5in lift installed (I know… it’s not OME). Looking to get new wheels and tires. Would 16” Moab’s fit? And what tire size? Was thinking 265/75/r16. Does anyone have pictures? I’m going for the “more than stock but not overly aggressive” look. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Moab wheels will fit fine. I ran 265/75 r16's on a 2.5" lift for a while. They fit fine with no rubbing issues. I ran 285's on the same lift when I combined it with a body lift. My only caution would be the limited selection of tires for the 16" rims. Although the Moabs are my favorite rim on a TJ. If you have or really want the rims then go for it. Otherwise I'd recommend some more research on available tires in 16" before you make a decision.

This was my LJ with the 265's and 2.5" lift installed.
20191104_142802.jpg
 
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69ED7897-202A-443D-AFCF-2A19D50EEC5E.jpeg


265/75r16 on Moabs and 3” lift. I highly recommend Duratracs if you will be on the road a lot and not on any rocks. They will very slightly rub the control arms but no big deal.

You should consider your engine, transmission, final drive ratio, current tire size, local topography and current driving experience before increasing the tire size. 265/75r16 tires aren’t huge but they can make your driving experience suck with the wrong combo of the above.
 
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06lj said:
Moab wheels will fit fine. I ran 265/75 r16's on a 2.5" lift for a while. They fit fine with no rubbing issues. I ran 285's on the same lift when I combined it with a body lift. My only caution would be the limited selection of tires for the 16" rims. Although the Moabs are my favorite rim on a TJ. If you have or really want the rims then go for it. Otherwise I'd recommend some more research on available tires in 16" before you make a decision.

This was my LJ with the 265's and 2.5" lift installed.
View attachment 435212
Click to expand...

That’s good to know about the availability of 16” tires. Haven’t purchased wheels yet, but will do some research. Great stance on your LJ!
 
Tob said:
View attachment 435245

265/75r16 on Moabs and 3” lift. I highly recommend Duratracs if you will be on the road a lot and not on any rocks. They will very slightly rub the control arms but no big deal.

You should consider your engine, transmission, final drive ratio, current tire size, local topography and current driving experience before increasing the tire size. 265/75r16 tires aren’t huge but they can make your driving experience suck with the wrong combo of the above.
Click to expand...

That’s good information. Will be driving roads only. Have no idea about drive ratio. I’m currently running 30” Falkens that came with it. Do you think the drive experience would drastically change by increasing to 31” or 32”?
 
cenorton1 said:
That’s good information. Will be driving roads only. Have no idea about drive ratio. I’m currently running 30” Falkens that came with it. Do you think the drive experience would drastically change by increasing to 31” or 32”?
Click to expand...

What year tj? Auto or manual? 03 and up autos are no fun with big tires and no regearing

There should be a tag on the rear diff with your axle ratio
Thread 'How do I determine my axle gear ratio?' https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-do-i-determine-my-axle-gear-ratio.72/

If you have 3.07's i wouldn't go up in tire size
 
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Tob said:
They will get shredded up quickly with any hard wheeling, but I found them to be quiet and comfy on the road.
Click to expand...

Agreed- soft compound

Tires really are full of trade-offs- My logic is sort of this-

As far as ride quality, off-road is rough regardless. I’m not saying there are not differences but to get decent offroad performance and good on the road handling where I spend the majority of the time is a win.
 
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X2 on the recommendations to stay with 15" wheels, I'd only consider something larger for 35" or larger tires. There's just not as much selection of 16" tires and wheels and they tend to be pricier. I would also stay with inch-sized tires like 31" or 32" instead of metric like P265. The reason is that tires that have a Load Range C are a much better match for a vehicle with the weight of a TJ and they are more easily found in inch-size tires. Metric size tires more commonly come only in Load Range D or E which are stiffer riding than you need.
 
Jerry Bransford said:
X2 on the recommendations to stay with 15" wheels, I'd only consider something larger for 35" or larger tires. There's just not as much selection of 16" tires and wheels and they tend to be pricier. I would also stay with inch-sized tires like 31" or 32" instead of metric like P265. The reason is that tires that have a Load Range C are a much better match for a vehicle with the weight of a TJ and they are more easily found in inch-size tires. Metric size tires more commonly come only in Load Range D or E which are stiffer riding than you need.
Click to expand...

Thank you! Very informative!
 
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Okay, so contemplating 15” or 16” wheels with 31” or 32” tires, Duratracs seem like the popular choice. This is what I’m working with so far (I’ve got a long way to go). Thanks to everyone for the tips. Any other suggestions or advice is welcomed.

IMG_7803.jpeg
 
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cenorton1 said:
Okay, so contemplating 15” or 16” wheels with 31” or 31” tires, DuraTec seems like the popular choice. This is what I’m working with so far (I’ve got a long way to go). Thanks to everyone for the tips. Any other suggestions or advice is welcomed.

View attachment 435407
Click to expand...

Just an FYI, when changing tire diameters the speedometer drive gear has to be replaced if you want correct MPH displayed. Not a big deal to swap out.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/which-speedo-gear-do-i-need.15362/

images-png.62411
 
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31's with that 5 speed and gear ratio won't be terrible. 5th gear will be a bit sluggish. Upgrade your front brakes with Black Magic pads and good rotors. Be mindful of what back spacing you get with new wheels. Those Canyon wheels you are running have 5.5" back spacing. Most aftermarket wheels for TJ have 3.75" to 4.5" back spacing, so the wheel will stick out farther.
 
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