I've been looking into plus sizing my wheels when my current set of BFG AT's are worn out. My 4Runner came with 15x8 alloys. I'd like to go to a 33x12.5 or equivalent tire (body lift to make it fit).

My questions:
1) Are there any downsides to going to a 16" or 17" wheel from an offroad performance standpoint?
2) Should I stick with 8" or go a little wider.
3) What about the 16.5" wheel - or is that size getting phased out?
4) What is the consensys on these "beadlock-look" wheels?

Most of my offroading consists of mudding/trails. But I want to get into rocks in the future. Any help would be appreciated. :confused:

 

I think I posted this at the wrong time of the day - or am I asking too many questions?

 

Ok 16 and 17 in rims less tire choices. I would use the 15 in with the wider rims. The beadlock look is just for show. Real BEADLOCK help hold the tire on when you air down the tires.

 

If you're going to go with a 33x12.5 I would recommed going with a 15x10 rim. This is probably the most common rim size for the tire application. And the 15 inch rim will give you the most tire selection and they will be cheaper if you stay with the 15 inch rim.

 

i agree. staying with a 15" wheel will give you more tire choices, plus it will save you big time bucks. but definately get a 10" wheel. you'll definately need a body lift too, at least 2"

 

The shop I buy from has been telling me that 8" are the way to go so my tires don't stick out past my Bushwacker Flares. (Vehicle violation here in PA). I've got 32x11.5 on the stock 8's and it looks like I can go another inch wide before the tire peeks out.

I also read somewhere that with a narrower rim, I'm less likely to lose a bead when aired down. Is there any truth to this?

I will likely stay with BFG's since I've had so much luck with them - I did notice that they have sizes for 16" and 17" wheels now. Is this the coming trend?

 

Do you think a 2" BL is all I'll need? I was hoping so. I don't want to go any higher than I need to.

 

Look on ODW. There are a number of good posts about 33's with little or no lift.

I have 33's on 15x8's with a 1"bodylift and some minor fender beating.

Going with 16's or 17's will give you less sidewall which means less ability to absorb bumps and such or conform to objects.

As a rule, 15" tires are cheaper and a wider selection is available.

I doubt you will be able to get a 10" wide wheel on with out some big lifiting, that is dog gone wide.

16.5" rims have no saftey bead and limit tire selection even further.

Real beadlocks lock the bead of the tire between two steel or aluminum rings. This would allow the use of a wider rim with a given tire and no worries about loosing a bead. Fake beadlocks look cool

Happy trails,
Adrian

 

bigger wheels are definately the trend now. BFG has been the "leader" for this, working with the wheel companies producing tires for 17" wheels. they look awesome, its a mix of mud terrain and chrome, gotta love it.