Doubt regarding wheel size

[Wittmann]

Hi guys,

Being new to this Jeep scene :ylsmoke: I have found out that it's a lot more difficult and especially more expensive, to find 17'' offroad tires than the more common, thus cheaper, 16'' (like I was used to when I had my Defender or DiscoII )

So, I saw in some forums and sites (can't remember where) that it was possible to get 16'' rims to a 2011 JK Rubicon, while in other sites everyone said it was impossible... For what I'm able to see, I really can't understand how is it possible to do that, due to the sheer size of the front disc brakes. Even so, I'd like to get this question sorted out...

Thanks and cheers!

 

[Hilldweller]

16" wheels fit a JK just fine. I had them.

Try different Jeep forums...
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f33/

 

[Septu]

I don't believe there's any differences in the brakes, disc's or anything else between a Rubicon (17" wheels) and a sport (16" wheels).

 

[Wittmann]

Thanks Hilldweller and Septu.

I spotted that difference between the Sport and the Rubi in some posts here... problem is that, at least here in Portugal, all the Wrangler range comes with the same 17'' aluminium wheel!

Basically we have the Sport (2dr) and the Sahara (4dr) in a choice of 9 colours, then the Limited (4dr) with leather seats and hardtop in the same colour as the bodywork only available in black and green. The Rubicon (2 and 4dr) is the same as a Sport or Sahara but only available also in black or green and with the diff locks and sway-bar disconnects. A tad confusing I guess...

Bottom line, whatever JK you choose, you always get the 17'' alu wheels with 245/75-17 Goodyear Wrangler AT...

 

[Septu]

Interesting. I've seen people with 15" wheels on... Personally I'd just go talk to my tire shop and see what they say.

 

[Hilldweller]

15s will fit with lots of backspacing (3.5"). 16s will fit with anything from stock to crazy.
I had 16" wheels and 33" tires on a 2-door; 4.5" of backspacing. That needed a lift too or else the tires would hit the fenders at full flex.

There are "big brake kits" for the JK that need 17s. But stock doesn't have to go that big.
They probably just chose 17s for Portugal for the limited market.

 

[Jpfan]

Export JKs have bigger front rotors and dual-piston calipers. So while smaller diameter wheels will fit NA-spec Jeeps with the smaller factory rotors and single-piston calipers, this isn't true for your Jeep.

 

[Hilldweller]

Export JKs have bigger front rotors and dual-piston calipers. So while smaller diameter wheels will fit NA-spec Jeeps with the smaller factory rotors and single-piston calipers, this isn't true for your Jeep.

Oh well; guess the OP has to measure...


Why would Mother Chrysler do that? I knew they got different bumpers and headlights in some cases. But brakes too?

 

[Wittmann]

I was expecting some difference between NA and Eur specs, after all we have different bumpers (unfortunately), Diesel engines, colours and other details, but getting to the point of bigger/smaller rotors and calipers I just can´t understand... :Wow1: Not even Land Rover does this! :sombrero:

Apparently and according to Jeep UK, it should have 66mm/48mm (fr/rr) discs in either 2.8 CRD and 3.6 petrol engines...

I'm out of home till tomorrow but I'll try to get some more detailed pic of the wheel.

Thanks gentlemen!

 

[reece146]

I'm guessing the US spec brakes probably suck for high speed stuff. See it all the time on other vehicles sold in EU. Vehicles sold in Germany tend to get bigger brakes than US spec, then the rest of EU get the same brake package due to local economy of scale issues.

 

[Hilldweller]

Dang Europeans; demanding a Jeep that can actually stop...

 

[Wittmann]

Dang Europeans; demanding a Jeep that can actually stop...

I suppose that would be a rightful question for you guys to ask Jeep/Chrysler... (Mind you, I'm all in favour of having proper brakes :smiley_drive: ) i'd like to see their answer!

 

[Espo78]

This brings up the idea that you should be able to order a "factory big brake kit" if you know the part numbers. I'm sure lots of guys would be interested in better brakes on this side of the pond. Espeically if the parts are interchangeable with other Chrysler products and can be found cheap.

 

[Hilldweller]

This brings up the idea that you should be able to order a "factory big brake kit" if you know the part numbers. I'm sure lots of guys would be interested in better brakes on this side of the pond. Espeically if the parts are interchangeable with other Chrysler products and can be found cheap.

What, and spoil that mystery? The "holy crap, am I going to stop in time" feeling you get when you run bigger tires on a JK?
I thought that was the "Jeep thing"...

I was on my way to work in the Power Wagon the other morning and Bambi jumped out in front of me. I hit the brakes and STOPPED. I mean, bam; stopped. Like one of those velcro ball-catcher toys.
I never ever experienced that in the JK during panic stops.
It actually hurt it was so abrupt...

 

[reece146]

Yep, the best mod I did on my XJ was adding WJ brakes. They work fantastic. Getting true cross over steering with the WJ brake conversion is probably the second best mod. All the lift and drivetrain stuff comes after that. XJ practically drives like a high end car now... I have no issues or complaints going between it and the A4 or the S2000 from that point of view. It feels that dialed in. Just don't talk about the interior...