17" vs 15" rims/tires

Post by **Gunnibronco** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:47 pm

I may have the chance to buy a new set of 17"x9" rims with Staun internal bead locks at a decent price. Do I want them?

I'm running 33"s on 15" rims right now. My immediate plan, is when these tires are worn out in a year or so, to upgrade to 35"s. I can do that with little or no mods to my truck right now. My truck is daily driven and needs to be highway compatible for the foreseeable future.

That said, I can also see, way, way off going to 37's. Or should I skip 35's and go straight to 37s? I just don't see that size being friendly as a daily driver.

35's are available in both sizes, but tires for 15" rims are $100/tire cheaper than tires for 17" rim. I really don't see the point in going to 17" rims.

Opinions?

Post by **Justin** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 7:17 pm

I wrestled with this, then found a good deal on some 17" wheels. It depends on your goals. I'm not convinced that a 37 on a 17" wheel will drive all that differently than a 35 on a 15" wheel. Sidewall height is about the same, and the overall truck height isn't all that different. Hopefully someone with actual hands on experience will speak to that point. I think it depends on your end goals. If you're likely to go to 37's down the road, go with the 17s as you'll have a broader range of tire options. There are 37s for a 15" wheel, but they tend to towards the hard core end of the tire range, so not as good for a daily driver. It'll also depend on how much you drive and how much metal you want to cut out. If you're not driving much the difference in tire price over the lifetime of the tire is minimal, and if you're willing to cut I bet you could mount them with minimal additional lift. I'm planning 37's on 17's, more cutting, and as little lift as I can get away with.

Post by **Gunnibronco** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 7:50 pm

All good points. And similar goals. I did a quick search for 37"x15" tires and didn't really find any.

I've got my name on a set of front inner fenders from Kirk and a set of Silverback flares in my garage attic. I planned on cutting my front inner fenders out and mounting the new set up higher and forward anyways. Probably could get enough room to fit 37"s.

Maybe I could just skip 35s. Hmmmm.

Post by **Justin** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 8:10 pm

Pit Bull and Interco make the only 37x15 tires I know of. I'm on 3.5 SL with a 2" BL. I'm not sure I'll even need to cut more, although some of that will depend on how much flex I pick up with the long arms.

Post by **landshark** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 8:11 pm

Tough to find anything in a 37" tire for a 15" rim except maybe interco if they still make them. Also bias plys aren't the friendliest street tire as you know.

I ran 37" mtr kevlars on a 17" rim and it was great on the Road. i did regear to 4.88's and had overdrive but not much different than 35's.

Loved them on the trail the step from 35's to 37's was definitely noticeable. (In a good way) and allowed for better axle clearance even when I would air down.

I would be running 37's on a 17" rim if my bronco would fit in my garage :)

Post by **trei75bronco** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 8:56 pm

It was my understanding 17" is the new 15" I did 17 to clear brakes and now the broad.range of tires is alot more appealing..

Post by **Stubborn3** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 7:15 am

Wrestling with this also, Pit Bull makes a radial rocker in 15" for a semi reasonable price. I am super bias towards BFG but I'm also super poor with another baby coming so it's nice to have a reasonable option

Post by **B.O.B.** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 12:33 pm

if you really want to go to 37's later then pickup the wheels. I have been looking for 37's as well and the only decent thing I see are the pitbull rockers in 15". 17" wheels have way more choices and you should just skip the 35's. plus they make up to a 42" TIRE FOR 17" in case you really change your mind

Post by **Gunnibronco** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 1:14 pm

Thanks for the info guys. Im convinced. I'm going to try to buy them. Ill probably skip 35s and go to 37s when my 33s are done. Sounds like it will still be manageable on the highway.

3.5" lift with 37s sounds sick. Not sure it will actually fit without another inch or so lift. But Im not opposed to lots of cutting to make it happen. I could also end up with a little body lift, depending on how/if the ZF and Atlas fit.

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Post by **Justin** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 2:44 pm

Given the plan for a ZF/Atlas combo, I'd do a small body lift. Might allow you to clock the Atlas up to flat or nearly flat.

Post by **Kinder** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 3:39 pm

^ what he said

Post by **trei75bronco** » Sat Sep 14, 2013 5:59 am

Ive run 37" tires for years on.3.5" of lift with no issues.. hell im.gonna run a 39.5 " on 4.5 "'coils and a 1" body

Post by **Jesus_man** » Sat Sep 14, 2013 7:38 am

My plan is to also go to 37's on 17's. I think you're smart to pick them up. Stauns are great especially if they are already installed and done right.

My goal is to stay at the same net lift, but push all the spring hangers up 2" and get 2" taller springs (maybe longer leaves so they still have some flex). But I'll cut fenders as necessary, so I am looking forward to see what you guys do.

Post by **Justin** » Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:18 am

I've been contemplating moving the spring hangers as well, possibly with a switch to Chevy springs.

www.ColoradoClassicBroncos.com