15 inch wheel on 2012 Rubicon

[Hibaldone]

Hey guys I have a 2012 2 door Rubicon with factory wheels and tires. Looking to upgrade the wheels and tires soon. Initially I was told that 15 inch wheels wouldn't fit with out doing a little grinding on the caliper. Now I'm being told they will fit with the right amount of backspace (also depending on the wheel its self) with out grinding caliper. I have tried searching for other threads but haven't had much success so any input would be great.

[lubJK]

I have 15" on my 4dr. I DO NOT RECOMMEND. I had to have almost 4" of back spacing to make it fit over the caliper with no shaving per side. The stance it creates because of the backspacing is ridiculous. My Jeep is 82" wide from outside bulge to outside bulge. Makes it really hard to wheel some places because of the width.

[Hibaldone]

Thanks lubjk, that's good to know.

[lubJK]

Anytime! That's what we're here for!

[Bearkat]

I would go with 17" wheels.

[Myrtle Turtle]

I would go with 17" wheels.

x2, the tires are often more expensive, but way more selection than you will find for 16" wheel

[Hibaldone]

I was going to go with 15 because tires seem to be cheaper than 17

[Myrtle Turtle]

I was going to go with 15 because tires seem to be cheaper than 17

this is true, but just to use one popular tire for example Nitto Trail Grapplers come in 1 size for 15" rims, 4 sizes for 16" and 10 sizes for 17"

http://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/trail-grappler-mud-terrain-light-truck-tire/

I'd rather pay a little more and have all those options.

[Hibaldone]

SO if I were to get a nice rim like these

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findWheelDetail.do?c=11&rcz=75023&rc=TCCINT&dVeh=dVeh&bp=&fl=&tc=MBMTKO&yr=2012&pc=47238&wd=17&rw=&vid=021659

How would I protect them while on the trail? I already have to sets of rims and tires Stock Goodyear Wrangler off of a Sport and the stock BFG mud terrain off of my Rubcon. The wheels with the mud terrain are all chewed up from the rocks.

[Hibaldone]

SO if I were to get a nice rim like these

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findWheelDetail.do?c=11&rcz=75023&rc=TCCINT&dVeh=dVeh&bp=&fl=&tc=MBMTKO&yr=2012&pc=47238&wd=17&rw=&vid=021659

How would I protect them while on the trail? I already have to sets of rims and tires Stock Goodyear Wrangler off of a Sport and the stock BFG mud terrain off of my Rubcon. The wheels with the mud terrain are all chewed up from the rocks.

[Da Cooyon]

If you are worried about trail damage/ rock rash you need two sets of wheels. One for mall crawling and one for rock crawling.

[Newcastle1]

I was thinking about going with the MB 11's or the Bully Pro's that have the replaceable rock ring. What's the opinion on those?

[CJ7nvrstk]

I've run Pro Comp 52s, both 15x8 and 15x10, no issues. Great for wheeling and better on road ride as these are typically C rated tires. Never had an issue on the trail with my Jeep being 1" wider than everyone else. Only went to 17s because I got a screaming deal on a set of 37s, tires and wheels. Otherwise would still be running those 15" wheels.

[panama red]

What's wrong with 82" wide. My 37s rub the trailer fenders that are 83. Wider is better for most offroad situations.

[SofaRider]

Most of the aftermarket front end/steering components require at least a 17" wheel. If you never plan on up-grading anything (yeah right) you'll never have to worry about that though....