16's or 18's? That is the question!

[Mactruck]

So guys ( and gals ) I'm in the market for new rims and tires. A Good friend of mine is buying my present set for his 2001 to replace his steel wheels and 245's.



I'm looking at getting a set of . Mickey Thompson Challengers or a set of the Welds or Centerlines.

The Mickey's have a better backspacing then the other two. (4 9/16 Vs 4. 5 - Remember my stock backspacing is 6 ". ) However I have noticed that the Weld EVO's do have a 5. 125 backspacing in the 18" size.

Hence my internal battle of What size to get.



Do I stick with 16's and get the challengers?

Or do I go with the 18's and have the best of both worlds. Meaning I get better streetability without going to a 19. 5 inch and not lose the offroadability of the 16's.

I plan on going with BFG's which are limited in the 18" size but available.



Any help would be appreciated.

 

[David Muench]

A thought to consider - if you ever trade to a 3rd gen or want to sell your new rims to someome with a 3rd gen, the 16's won't fit over the brakes. 17's or 18's would leave you with more options in the future.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I voted for "Don't care. " :-laf



Matt

 

[Mactruck]

Originally posted by HoleshotHolset

I voted for "Don't care. " :-laf

Thanks for your input



One big problem I am having isues with is the backspacing.

There is currently very few companies doing 17 inchers in anything higher than 4. 5" backspace. This will cause the wheels to stick out too far for my liking and may also cause accelerated wheel bearing wear. :{



Mickey makes them in the Classic but not the challenger (in 17")



keep em comin

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Kevin: I'm surprised you're not looking into the 19. 5" conversion..... heck, you're well on your way to spending a lot of dough... . may as well go for the gold!



Matt

 

[nickleinonen]

if you go 18" go with the 325/60/18 nitto or toyo a/t tires. i think i'd be tempted to go 20" with 325/50/20's:-laf.



now before you think that is going to ride like crap, it's got more sidewall than a 225/70/19. 5 has [same as a 245/70/19. 5] and looks way imho

 

[CMNS PWR]

Any other 18" tires available other than the nittos? I have found BFG MT in 18" as well.

 

[Ken B]

Mactruck,



My new 2003 should be arriving any day and I'm going through a similar dilemma... 17's or 18's and is there a rim with decent backspacing? You've found the same thing I have with the Weld EVO's, their backspacing seems to be the closest to stock backspacing available. In regards to the rim size, I've been asking the opinions of quite a few tire dealers and they all seem to think that the 18 will eventually become the standard... a ways off, but for now, the 17's have much better availability and are much lower in price (for tires and rims). I'm probably going to end up with 315's/35" on my stock rims until I find a rim I really like. If money isn't an issue, go with the 18's... if you want to save some money, go with the MT 16's... but remember they won't work on a new truck! It sure has been a tough process for me... . hope this helps a little. -Ken

 

[Mactruck]

Well, just when I thought I made a decision... DISCONTINUED!



Decided to stick with the Mickey Thompson Challengers. They are Discontinued & not available. Called a few places and they said No Dice.



So now I'm back to the debate. I did find that Weld Racing is making their two piece wheels in a 16X9 (finally) so I'm leaning that way but they are a bit pricey. (about $250 each) I can get a set of 17's or 18's for that price but not be able to get the tires I want. (BFG's)



And then their are Vaughn Mackenzies Monsoons (18X8. 5)... HMMMMMM

 

[cosborne]

and of course Chip Foose designs for custom $$$$ wheels

 

[cosborne]

and of course Chip Foose designs for custom $$$$ wheels



http://www.foosedesignwheels.com/