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Old 03-19-2014, 02:14 PM   #1
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Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

OK, I’m trying to nail down my new wheel & tire size decision here. (I don't want to get into a tire model decision here too.) I’ve spent *way* too much of my time reading through the forum reading years of discussions on this topic (thanks everyone!) but if anyone wants to check my thinking below, it’d help my peace of mind!

I've got the SMB 4x4 conversion (not Quigley etc.), and want to stay with 16" wheels for maximum tire flex.

Wheels

I have an obsession with minimizing bling -- I look for rims that look "practical", or even "military". I loved my ugly stock Ford steel rims, but they're only 7" wide. Furthermore, getting wheels with holes would be nice for the ability to use a Lift Mate for hi-lift jacking. I've found these two possibilities....

American Racing Teflon Mojave -- These are the only common wheels I can find that don't look too bad to me. They support 3100 lbs. And they retain the 0"-offset 4.5" backspacing of my steel wheels. American Eagle Series 100 or Mickey Thompson Classic III Black come close, but they change the backspacing & offset dimensions which I think I don't want to mess with. Unfortunately these ART Mojave aluminum wheels weigh 25.3 lbs. Heavy! Only 2.2 lbs lighter than my stock steel wheels (yes, I just weighed them at 27.5 lbs). Grumble... I had hoped that I'd get significantly lighter wheels out of this switch. the AE 100 wheels are only 21.9 lbs, and the Mickey T Classic III are 23 lbs.

Stockton Wheel Power Wagon 24 Series custom steel wheels -- "funhog" runs these. I love how these look. I'll have to call Stockton to find out about load, weight, and if they even still make them.



Any other wheels ideas I should consider?



Tire Size

I'm considering upping my size a bit from LT285/75R16, for better sand floatation and a softer ride. I'm considering LT295/75R16 or LT305/70R16. I've read that none of the sizes below have a major rubbing issue in a SMB 4x4 conversion.

Should I even mess with this? How do I pick a size?

Code:
tire         diameter  size increase
LT285/75R16  32.8"     0%
LT295/75R16  33.4"     2%
LT305/70R16  32.8"     0%
LT315/70R16  33.4"     2%
LT315/75R16  34.6"     5%
Thanks for any input!
-- Geoff

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Old 03-19-2014, 02:23 PM   #2
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

I just ordered a set of the Series 100 because they matched the backspace/offset of the ones I have now. I would have preferred cheaper steel wheels, but couldn't find anything with backspace/offset near what I have now.

I did consider ordering one each of several other options and trying each of them on for clearance etc, but that starts getting expensive if they don't fit..
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Old 03-19-2014, 02:29 PM   #3
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

Geoff, on my 2007 SMB 4x4, I'm running the 16" American Racing Teflon Mojave with BFG AT LT 315's. I've had no wheel or tire problems (other than a couple of sidewall gashes). The AR's are understated, visually, and that tire size only gives me the tiniest rub at full tilt turning. No silly adapters needed. Plus the ability to use the hi-lift wheel gadget is nice, though I have not had to yet.
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Old 03-19-2014, 02:58 PM   #4
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
[...]that tire size only gives me the tiniest rub at full tilt turning.
Thanks, Jeffrey. Even my LT285/75R16 tires can touch my sway bar in a full-lock turn (I notice the bar has clean spots where the tires have touched and polished the dirt away.)
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Old 03-19-2014, 03:03 PM   #5
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffff
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
[...]that tire size only gives me the tiniest rub at full tilt turning.
Thanks, Jeffrey. Even my LT285/75R16 tires can touch my sway bar in a full-lock turn (I notice the bar has clean spots where the tires have touched and polished the dirt away.)

Exactly. And the paint, too!
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Old 03-19-2014, 03:52 PM   #6
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

I'm running Mojaves and 285/75 16.
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Old 03-19-2014, 04:36 PM   #7
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

These Hutchinson beadlocks would make me jealous.

http://www.rockmonsterwheels.com/pro...uct=fordtrucks

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Old 03-19-2014, 05:22 PM   #8
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

Quote:
Originally Posted by ANZAC
I'm running Mojaves and 285/75 16.
Exact same for me as well. Zero complaints.
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Old 03-19-2014, 06:11 PM   #9
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

16" ATX Mojave's with 315 Wrangler Duratracs. I never thought of the rims as heavy but I'm not sure it matters too much with a 60lb tire?
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duratrac2.jpg   duratrac.jpg  
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Old 03-19-2014, 06:58 PM   #10
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Re: Finalizing My 16” Wheel & Tire Size Decision

The weight is unimportant when you have the unsprung weight of a solid axle, rotors etc.

Strength, on the other hand, is VERY important.... if you've ever seen a cracked wheel on your SMB!
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