Any negatives to a *smaller* overall tire diameter?

[m42rima]

Hey y'all,

Looking at tires. Because supply chains etc. I've seemed to have backed myself into a corner with a 16 inch rim. Because I don't want to lift my Jeep (2012 Sahara) or run anything larger then stock, i can really only find tires that will decrease my overall diameter.

Any downsides to a smaller but wider tire that I'm not thinking of?

[Rubicon]

In no particular off the top of my head...

Smaller diameter cons:
Less ground clearance
Stiffer ride quality
Easier to "curb rash"

Smaller diameter pros:
Perhaps better fuel mileage around town
Lighter
Quicker acceleration
Shorter stopping distance
Cheaper

Wider cons:
Heavier
Less fuel mileage
Easier to hydroplane
Worse in the snow(on road)
Potential rubbing
Loss of flare coverage(state inspection issue and more crap being flung up on the sides of the vehicle)
Added stress to the front end components.
Heavier steering feel
More expensive

Wider pros:
Better dry weather cornering & braking
Looks
Sometimes better in off-road type snow conditions(flotation)
Added rim protection

[ecgreen]

In no particular off the top of my head...

Smaller diameter cons:
Less ground clearance
Stiffer ride quality
Easier to "curb rash"

Smaller diameter pros:
Perhaps better fuel mileage around town
Lighter
Quicker acceleration
Shorter stopping distance
Cheaper

Wider cons:
Heavier
Less fuel mileage
Easier to hydroplane
Worse in the snow(on road)
Potential rubbing
Loss of flare coverage(state inspection issue and more crap being flung up on the sides of the vehicle)
Added stress to the front end components.
Heavier steering feel
More expensive

Wider pros:
Better dry weather cornering & braking
Looks
Sometimes better in off-road type snow conditions(flotation)
Added rim protection

Done and done! Make it a sticky

[mailman2013]

Pretty much have nothing to add to what Rubicon said. I guess the question is, why are you not wanting to change sizes? I get if you aren't looking for 35s+, crazy lift, etc, etc...I also get it is an expense to change wheels too, but in my searching and looking at things, it isn't really supply chains at this point. 16s are just not a common or popular wheel size on Jeeps/SUVs/trucks these days, and really for the last decade or so. I see they were optional on the Wrangler for your year, but that option got dropped not too long after...if you move to 17in wheels, the world is your oyster and you can literally choose from anything. People are selling takeoffs from wranglers all the time for cheap...just food for thought, if you have solid reasons for staying with 16s, go for it. But in my opinion, you are going to find it harder and harder as time goes on to replace tires with them, as tire manufacturers will just sunset that size...

[Tubadeuce]

16s are just not a common or popular wheel size on Jeeps/SUVs/trucks these days, and really for the last decade or so. I see they were optional on the Wrangler for your year, but that option got dropped not too long after...if you move to 17in wheels, the world is your oyster and you can literally choose from anything.

This^^^

My normal recommendation would be to go to 15's, but that is just because I like as much sidewall as I can get. Makes a bigger difference when airing down because the contact patch can get much wider. That being said, I don't think a 15in wheel would fit on a JK. Even though 17's would be an additional cost, they are a future-proof wheel size. You could put anything from a 31in tire to 40's, all on the same wheel size. Plus, you could put on larger brakes that wouldn't fit on a 16.

Alternatively, you could get a set of wheel adapters and run 16.5in Humvee wheels and tires. Kinda limited on size options, but rugged. And you get beadlocks!

[m42rima]

Did end up with 33s on a 16, didn't want to lift the Jeep so was just weighting options. I'll lose some articulation but I've gained an inch in height at least. Cooper Discoverer XLTs.

Thanks guys

[Rubicon]

Did end up with 33s on a 16, didn't want to lift the Jeep so was just weighting options. I'll lose some articulation but I've gained an inch in height at least. Cooper Discoverer XLTs. Thanks guys