Clarify My Presumption: Trading 18-inch wheels for 16-inch

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joelev

joelev

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Aug 31, 2010
Threads
9
Messages
152
Location
Portland, Oregon
Since it looks like getting steelies that are hub-centric is going to be a pain in the ass, I'm thinking about putting up my stock 2003 TLC wheels for trade to someone who has 16-inch TLC wheels. When we hit the road it's going to be a lot easier to get 16-inch replacement tires than 18-inch, I reckon. I'm less worried about screwing up a wheel than I am about screwing up tires.

Does that sit right with everyone for a decent overland solution? And the 98-02 five-lug 16-inch stockers are still the same hub-centric wheels, correct?
 
1) Try a search next time
2) all 100 series wheels (in the U.S.) are interchangeable between all years
 
You can look at tirerack.com for tire availability as a judge. Your likely to have 3x to 5x as many tires available in 16" size as opposed to 18". That is if you are shopping for a common size, road friendly AT tire such as a 31.6"

31.6" 265/75/16 there are 89 types of tire on tirerack, 27 of which are AT tires
31.6" 267/65/18 there are 20 types of tire on tirerack, 6 of which are AT tires

BTW, stock size on the 03 with 18" wheels has 12 available tires on tirerack, with only 1 AT tire. I'd say a lousy choice for an overland tire. However if you go up to 275/65/18 32" there are 51 options.
 
I have a 1998 and a 2003. One with the 16" and the other with the 18" wheels.

High prices and low availability/choice of tires for the 18 make me want to go and find a set of replacement 16" wheels.
 
18s are better on-road since there's less sidewall flex while cornering. And that's about the best reason I can up with to have them.

16s are the better offroad choice IMO. You can air them down and have more sidewall (get at least E-rated) which helps both with comfort and the ability of the tire to conform to terrain. Taller sidewalls also protect the rim edges from impact better.

Also I prefer OE alloy to OE steel. To sport the JPP casting on the wheel, the rims must meet JDM standards which are tougher than either US DOT or EU TUV standards. That's why all LC alloy wheels are forged.

Also beads are easier to unseat on steel (and once you get a puncture or unseated bead they roll off the rim easier), you can't use a HiLift JackMate on them and they add even more rotational mass (right?), which, when coupled with upsized tires, means even worse MPG and more drivetrain strain.

Yeah, you can bang steelies back into shape somewhat but they'll likely bend before the forged OE alloys will crack/break. NATO Defenders use steelies but they also use a two-piece steel band in the center of the rims to keep the beads in place, effectively turning any tire with a stiff enough sidewall into a run-flat.

Your most likely alloy injury is a hit that compromises the bead seal. My advice is stick with the alloys and carry a tube or two. If you have to install one just don't run it at highway speed. YMMV
 
Great advice. I'm going to put up an ad in the classifieds and on CL and see if there's anyone in the PNW willing to swap.
 
joelev said:
Great advice. I'm going to put up an ad in the classifieds and on CL and see if there's anyone in the PNW willing to swap.
Click to expand...

I would have bought them! In fact I have a bud who's looking for a cruiser and if he gets one he may be interested.

Regarding the 18 vs 16 debate, I'd personally keep the 18's (obviously as I 'upgraded' to 18's). While I'll never be a hard core guy like some of the other folks here, I think there are plenty of good options in the 18's. And it makes the truck look more rugged, IMNSHO. If you want three opinions on tire/wheels, ask two IH8Mudders! :)

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/425454-best-18-tire.html
 
OregonLC, I'm not in a terrible rush. The truck's in the shop getting the 90k and 120k service done now, waiting on a roof rack and RTT to be shipped in mid-Dec, then I'm heading out to Afghanistan for like a month, then will probably try to dig into the starter myself before we've even got any trips planned. But if he's still looking by February or so, give me a holler.
 
Another thought is my 06 arrived with 265/70-17's. Tire Rack lists 105 different tire options.:idea:
 
I'm in Portland, Oregon. (Which I just added to my profile, so don't feel silly for missing it.) Might be close enough to work.
 
I would love to make the switch in the other direction too... I have been looking for 18's, but can't see paying hundreds of dollars for wheels i really don't need. I wish we were closer. If anyone is in the south and wants to switch 18's for 16's, just let me know...
 
Well, I just bought some 18 tundra wheels to replace my 16's. (actually came from portland too!)

joelev said:
Great advice. I'm going to put up an ad in the classifieds and on CL and see if there's anyone in the PNW willing to swap.
Click to expand...
 
Hello Carl,

Glad you got your 18's please keep an eye out for some Rockwarrior wheels for me if you will. We will probably have to wait until spring to do my 4pinion upgrade as i don't want to sit in your reception area for the day while you do your magic. unless you want to put me to work for the day:grinpimp:

TLC Dan in Spokane
 
There's a guy on here from Seattle I almost bought stock LC wheels from, but then I ended up snagging OregonLC's instead, just for the sake of convenience. You might wanna see if he still has them. PM me if you want the guys name.
 
I bought some 18" Tundra alloys and have street tires on them (Mich MS). I kept my 16's for off road ventures (will be getting 265/75/16 DuraTrac's). I do like the way 18's look and IMO, "fits" the large stature of the LC a bit better. But tire selection and price will keep me from selling the 16" rims.
 
No question...for almost all off-highway applications the 16's will provide more traction due to better floatation and larger contact patch when aired down. The same benefits can pay off as well on-highway like in the the snow.
 
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