Wheel modification

[Winterhawk]

Because 16 inch tires are so much easier to get in the sizes I'm interested in, like 235/85r16, etc. I'd like to take my stock Jeep 15 inch steelies (see picture) , remove the centers, and then have them welded into 16 inch outer rims. Back in the day, when I lived SoCal I had stuff like that done all the time for various projects. Today I can't seem to find anyone interested or willing to do it in the PNW. I think Stockton Wheels might do it, but the expense of shipping 5 wheels back and forth, the materials and labor, and the powder coating could get expensive. I really like my stock wheels, but not interested in wide 31's or 32's and having to cut fenders, use different offset wider wheels. Thoughts and suggestions?

 

[BritKLR]

FWIW, Stockton did my 15x5.5 Toyota Steelies to 15x8 and I don't have a problem finding MT's or AT's. Goodluck.

 

[MontySquareo]

Because 16 inch tires are so much easier to get in the sizes I'm interested in, like 235/85r16, etc. I'd like to take my stock Jeep 15 inch steelies (see picture) , remove the centers, and then have them welded into 16 inch outer rims. Back in the day, when I lived SoCal I had stuff like that done all the time for various projects. Today I can't seem to find anyone interested or willing to do it in the PNW. I think Stockton Wheels might do it, but the expense of shipping 5 wheels back and forth, the materials and labor, and the powder coating could get expensive. I really like my stock wheels, but not interested in wide 31's or 32's and having to cut fenders, use different offset wider wheels. Thoughts and suggestions?

View attachment 829337

31x10.5 is about 265/75/16. Do they make 31x9.5?

I would keep the 15s

 

[Winterhawk]

Nobody makes 31x9.5r15LT AT tires anymore and 10.5 is just to wide for me. Typically on an XJ 31x10.5r15 requires higher lift, trimming, etc. If you go to a 235/85r16 you don't need to trim and you can get away with a 3 inch lift.
For now I'm sticking with the 15 inch and trying to buy General Grabber ATX 30x9.5r15 because they are a true 30 inch tire and everyone else sits at 29.5. Problem is that size is backordered with no date given.

 

[1stDeuce]

I'm running 235/85R16's on our Comanche and while they do technically fit, they are tight and they do rub a few places when the going gets flexy.
I had 215/85R16's on a Cherokee before this and they did great, working particularly well with the limited power of the sometimes crappy running '86 2.5L...

I don't think anyone is going to be able to cut the centers out of your wheels and weld 16" rings on... The center of the wheel has a diameter that it needs to be to fill a standard 16" ring, and your 15" wheel centers will be about 1" too small unless someone has centers with an extra deep relief... (Hmm, that would make changing tires so much easier...)

I too like the look of several 15" stock Jeep wheels, but I'm running 16's because I like narrower tires. I have some wheels that you won't find anywhere in the states... The '98-03 Crown Vic 16" steel wheels look a good bit like the base XJ slotted wheels... Adapt the center caps from your wheels and you have an OE looking 16", but not as cool as your 6 spoke steelies...

Are there any 31x8.50R15 UTV tires that are DOT approved? How about dropping to a somewhat narrower 30x9.50R15?
Good luck in your quest!!

 

[Winterhawk]

I'm running 235/85R16's on our Comanche and while they do technically fit, they are tight and they do rub a few places when the going gets flexy.
I had 215/85R16's on a Cherokee before this and they did great, working particularly well with the limited power of the sometimes crappy running '86 2.5L...

I don't think anyone is going to be able to cut the centers out of your wheels and weld 16" rings on... The center of the wheel has a diameter that it needs to be to fill a standard 16" ring, and your 15" wheel centers will be about 1" too small unless someone has centers with an extra deep relief... (Hmm, that would make changing tires so much easier...)

I too like the look of several 15" stock Jeep wheels, but I'm running 16's because I like narrower tires. I have some wheels that you won't find anywhere in the states... The '98-03 Crown Vic 16" steel wheels look a good bit like the base XJ slotted wheels... Adapt the center caps from your wheels and you have an OE looking 16", but not as cool as your 6 spoke steelies...

Are there any 31x8.50R15 UTV tires that are DOT approved? How about dropping to a somewhat narrower 30x9.50R15?
Good luck in your quest!!

I contacted Stockton wheel and they can take the 15 inch centers and build them up to fit 16 inch rims. They haven't gotten back with a price yet and I don't expect that it will be cost effective, but we'll see. I have a set of 16 inch ICON'S as well, so will most likely stick with the them but keep the stock steelies as well. If tires weren't so expensive I would use both.
I know the 235/85r16's will be tight, but should work with a 3 to 3 1/2 inch lift. The 215's are an option, but limited availability compared to 235's.

 

[jronwood]

RedBarnCustoms in Michigan ia a small custom shop. I wish I could afford 8 on 6.5 20" rims for my cutaway ambo . I need them reversible (singled out dually) .... would be 700+ per rim. Just running rail road 19.5" rims that CANNOT be aired down. Mostly highway but SURE would be nice to be able to. Rickson used to do this for " brush fire trucks"