Going to 16" wheels from 15" wheels for same tire OD...will handling noticeably improve? (1 Viewer)

[pinkiedog64]

I currently have 33 x 10.50 x 15 on OEM FJ40 steel wheels on my 1983 FJ60. I am due for new tires before long and I am currently on a quest to improve the road handling. Currently doing knuckle rebuild, power steering gear box rebuild, steering shaft u-joints, and new tie rod ends. I am also wondering about the handling improvements that could be had by switching from 33 x 10.50 x 15 to 255/85/16. Basically same outside diameter, but from 15" to 16" wheel. Does the 1/2" change in radius (sidewall dimension getting small by 1/2") make a noticeable improvement in handling with respect to sidewall squish/roll/stiffness? I'd love to hear from those who have switched from 15" wheels to 16", while keeping the same outside tire diameter.

I know there are other factors related to going from 15" to 16", like tire availability, wheel cost, looks, etc, but the one I am questioning is handling.

 

[Dumpolina]

I believe 255/85/16 is only available as load range E.
I’ve never run either on my 60 but have run both extensively on my mini trucks/4Runners.
I sure like the 15” better. The 16 is a harsh tire w/o a load on it, I feel. Maybe that’s what you’re after.
FWIW the rubicon’s come with a 255/75R17 which is load range c
There a little smaller like 32.2”
I tried the 255/75R17 once, did fine but wanted the larger diameter and I think width of the 33x1050. They didn’t air down as nice as the 33x1050
But I’m also old and like the sway of a tall sidewall. Feels like 1983

 

[toy_tek]

I also think the load rating change (going from C to E) is going to be a bigger factor than the rim size. I've already committed to it... I have a set of 235/85/16 mounted up and ready to replace the 31x10.5x15 gear I've been running for the last 5 years.

 

[BurntToast]

I agree the load range from C to E is going to wildly outweigh any stiffness increase from 1” of wheel diameter