Upgrade from 16" wheels to 17"

[Beau Diddly]

The selection of 16" tires isn't what it used to be and I'm considering going to 17" wheels for that reason. I may be over thinking this, but for the same diameter tire, more rim means less tire, so does that translate into a less smooth ride? If I go 17", should I go with a negative offset? That seems like it would allow me to go with a bigger tire, but I'm guessing it would increase my turning radius, something I'm not crazy about. From what I've read on the 80 section, it looks like 33", maybe up to 34" will still fit underneath. My goal with the truck is a cross country rig to take me to desolate parts of Montana and not get me stuck while I'm out there. So 2,000 mile drives need to be comfortable, and the off-road part is usually mild, but bad weather can change that. I wouldn't mind doing some off-roading around here, but no "cuddling" like some of you GSMTR people!!

Should I go 17", any recommendations on where to look? I like the aluminum alloys, and I'm not real picky, but I don't want to go with the outrageously expensive ones. I wouldn't mind used, but I doubt that's an easy market to find the right fit. Thanks.

 

[iwashmycar]

You could probably run other OEM 17s no? Like the FJ ones, ect. The 'phone dial' ones on the 11+ FJs look great on 80s.

Then maybe check out the 34x10.5x17 KO2 for them....unless that size is too narrow for an 80...I have no clue.

 

[ErikinSC]

typically, the larger tire (rim size) has a higher price point. I had a work truck with 17" wheels and had a difficult time finding tire options (several years ago). I drive an F350, with 20" rims, and used to have a devel of a time finding anything for it... but now there are more options.

So, I guess I dont have anything useful to add to your discussion - except cuddling; no cuddling....

 

[CharlestonG8R]

You guys just don't cuddle properly. Just sayin'.

If your only consideration is comfort, I don't think you'll notice a difference at all going from 16 to 17 in. rims. I went from 16 to 18 on my F350 and it felt exactly the same. If you want comfort you gotta change out the suspension! That was a HUGE difference maker for me. Other than the Aussie Locker, the 2.5" OME suspension has been my favorite upgrade. I will say that I prefer the look of the larger tires, but the 80 handles better with 31's than with 33's.

 

[Beau Diddly]

I looked around and found a set of FJ Cruiser "phone dial" wheels, good advise @iwashmycar. I put them on today, but discovered the center cap fits, but doesn't quite snap. I'm sure a 1/4" spacer should do the trick. I found a pair and will order, but I have to ask, any experience or opinions about wheel spacers?

 

[dbenke]

wheel spacers are fine, as long as the studs are long enough.
when I got my 62, they had 1/4"spacers with 80 wheels and were only catching about 1/4" if thread. Pretty scary.
you should be ok because your 80 came with aluminum wheels. The 62 came with steel...much thinner at the studs.

 

[iwashmycar]

Yeah I think you want like 7 full lug nut rotations to be good with spacers.

I think I saw threads on here mentioning you can flatten the dust cap a little...just see how much space you have behind it.