Two things - How far north of Detriot? I am in Warren. Bigger wheels are just about always a better choice, because you can cut down on the sidewall height, for a given rolling diameter. This will lower any "sidewall sway" issues. It also can open up your "safe" tire choices widely. Especially lately, when so many light truck / SUVs are running 16" and even 17" from the factory. The downside to less sidewall height is there is less room for safe tire response on uneven surfaces, like off-road or just heavy gravel. If you don't go there, then that may not be a consideration! If you want to go with larger tires, and thus a larger rolling diameter, again, your choices are far greater with larger wheels. and, you don't lose as much in the off-road department, either. Too large a diameter increase may seem to lead to loss of torque response at highway speeds, because of the gearing effects of bigger tires. I went from 215/75 14" on stock wheels, to 235/75 15" on Audi wheels on my van. The ride difference was amazing! Smoother, less sway, and much less bother from gust/crosswind. When I take a drive in my other van with my old tires on it, I remember why I went to so much trouble to get the 15" wheels!
Any words of advice is appreciated.
IF I go with the new wheels option, I will have a set of 4 BRAND NEW tires, rims and OEM wheel covers for sale.
Thanks,
Jack 84Westie N. of Detroit |
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