15” to 19” diameter wheels. What size for a 98

i not to the point yet where I’ll be buying new wheels and tires, at least for a few months.

When I am ready, what diameter does everyone recommend? I don’t even know yet what sizes are available for a 98, tock was 15”. But now days they seem to have wheels just about any size a person would want. Someone said tires for a 17” wheel are more expensive than the same tire for a 16” wheel. I think the 18 or 19 might be for the mall crawlers but could be wrong. Suggestions?

 

I’ve never heard of anyone going above 17” wheels for a first gen.

 

Stay in the 15-17 range.

 

17" max. its personal opinion on the looks of wheel size. but the bigger the wheel the worse your opinion is

17s are the new 15s. tires are getting cheaper for them too

 

Stick with your stock wheels and upgrade the tires instead; quality tires make a huge difference whether on or off road.

 

How do you plan to drive on the new wheels? Off-road or highway? What is the rest of the suspension like?

 

What type of tires do you plan on running? P-rated street tires (Rugged Trails, etc). All Terrain? Mud Terrain?

Agreed with both above - stick to 17 and below.

I held out with 16's on my 2003 for a long time and then just about a month ago I settled on a lighter tire that was slightly larger than my 265/75R16 (31.5"). I lost ~6 lbs PER WHEEL by going to a 17" rim and a lighter All-Terrain tire that was larger. Reducing the rotational weight is HUGE for our underpowered trucks.

In my opinion, here's what you got:

15" rims if you want cheaper tire options in most sizes.
16"-17" if you want to upgrade your front brakes to the larger and much more powerful Tundra brakes.

Here are 2012 FJ Cruiser Trail Edition 17" wheels on my 2003 with 32" tires (LT 255/75R17):

 

Personally I don’t want super big wheels. I was asking more for everyone’s ideas. I’m happy with the 15’s that are on there now. I assumed the more sidewall on the tire, the better to a point. I definitely wouldn’t go over 17. But as I mentioned, some once told me 17” tires are more expensive than a 15 or 16. Maybe because they weren’t so poplar back then. Then there’s the availability. If you were on a trip and needed to buy a new tire, which would be more available?

At this point I leaning toward the BFG all terrain’s. And it’s been so long since I’ve bought pff-road tires that I’ve don't know anything about the KO tire. In the past I’ve have always bought the basic BFG AT’s. I think they are a good tire for street and moderate off-road. I’m not going to be setup for rock crawling or mud bogging, just more average or basic.

Thanks everyone for the ideas and comments.

 

It seems most people either love or hate the KO2’s.


Another one to look at is the Cooper St Maxx

 

I should add, right now are stock TRD 15” wheels that have been painted black by former owner. Doesn’t look bad! Tires are Goodyear Wrangler 31 x 10.5 x 15.

It’s needs both front tire Immediately. So until I decide what wheels I like, I’ll try and find a couple of used tires. And after reading JasonLee’s post, I’ll think I’ll go with 17’s when it’s time. Both for the weight and being able to upgrade the brakes.

This isn’t going to be a huge build that anyone would be interested in. This truck is basically a very small project truck that I can haul stuff when needed and putt around the island. I love the big X (2002 Excursion 4x4) It it’s definitely not good on mileage to just cruise around in. But I’ll probably never get rid of it. It still gets a workout every now and then.

Thanks again!

 

Yes I’ve been reading about the Coopers. Thanks for that suggestion.

 

I have a full size matching spare that I include in rotations so it’s evenly worn with the other ones.

 

That is what you did ask, 15" - 19", and they are responding with their suggestions.
If you were talking about tire size I think that should've been stated.

 

I am asking about wheel size, not tire size. I don’t understand what you’re referring to in you comment.

 

If it came with 15"'s stick with them 16" are ok as that's what mine has, but I personally like extra sidewall. I'm old skool however.

I absolutely abhor new cars with electric/auto/push button everything with infotainment shit. Dreading the thought of having to replace my 1st Gen some day. Low(er) profile off road tires? jesus christ....