10" wheel question

[billgin]

1043970

I know I just posted a question (more like a plea, I guess) about lifts, but I've got another more specific one on wheels. My third-hand 90 YJ came to me with 31x10.5" tires mounted on 15x10" wheels. There is quite a dramatic offset to these wheels - I think I would have been happier with 8" wide wheels. Question is: what sort of impact is there on other components/performance as a result of having such wide wheels. Also how does a tire react to being mounted on a 10" vs. an 8" wheel? Any thoughts? Thanks.[addsig]

 

[55-willys]

1043971

my opion, for what its worth, is that id be worried about tires ppping off the rims with them aired down.[addsig]

 

[RAVEN13xxx]

1043988

Go with the 8's, the tires will look "bulgy" on 10's.[addsig]

 

[MrBill]

1044030

Good questions. Sorry for the length but you have multiple questions there that will require multiple answers...



15x10 is way to wide for a 10.50 wide wheel!!!

A good rule of thumb for off-roaders is that the section width should be between 125% to 150% of the rim width. Meaning that (for example), a 15x10 rim would be "ideal" for wheels with 12.50 to 15" section width. You'd be much better off with a 15x7 or 15x8 rim with those tires (15x8 will give you more room to grow later on).



As for how rim width effects the components/performance/tires:



Wider rims are always heavier that narrower rims of the same diameter and material. This will decrease performance and increase wear and tear. Equally important is the offset of the wheels (which you did not list). The closer the offset is to 0, the easier it will be on the components as the tire sits "neutral" on the knuckle. On the positive side, the wider the rim with relation to the wheel; the more air pressure you have to run in order to keep the tread wearing evenly. This means less rolling resistance and better gas mileage but a rougher ride and more wear and tear on the rest of the vehicle due to the fact that the tires themselves absorb less impacts while under more pressure.



HTH

[addsig]