Optimal wheel/tire size for 1977 CJ7

[Rdavison39]

Hi there - i'm replacing my original rims (and tires) on my 1977 CJ7 . I believe the original overall tire size is 31" and the rims are 15" (i'm not sure the tire width - maybe 8"??)

My question is, what would people recommend purchasing to replace my original rims

1) Should i stay with the original sizes (15 x 8 rims)?
2) Would it look a bit better if i went to 16 or 17 inch rims. I guess if i go bigger rims i'd have to go lower profile tires and i'm not sure those lower profile tires would like better not to mention the extra cost.

Anyway, i'd be interested in what others have done when replacing their rims and their recommendations.

Note this jeep is not going to be used off road - only driving around on sunny days when its warm!

Thx

 

[007]

I'm kinda a stock buff... The 77's came with 15x8 rims and I personally would stay with that. Lots and lots of tire choices. Heck, if I had a JK I'd put 15x8's on for increased sidewall...

 

[Rdavison39]

Thanks 007

 

[Posi]

The original tire was H78X15 which is around 27.5"
The width was anywhere from 6x15 to 9x15, and 6x16.

 

[007]

Yeah I should have specified. I believe the wagon wheels were 15x8s for the narrow tracks.


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[HackFabrication]

15x8 with a 31" tire on stock suspension will work for what you usage is. Don't go wide on the tire. If your springs are shot, you might be able to stuff a 32" tire under it, but I probably wouldn't.

 

[007]

15x8 with a 31" tire on stock suspension will work for what you usage is. Don't go wide on the tire. If your springs are shot, you might be able to stuff a 32" tire under it, but I probably wouldn't.

I think Hack meant if your springs "aren't" shot on the 32's. One problem you have with 32's is that it limits your choices drastically and if you're out somewhere and you lose one somehow, it's usually an order item and rarely in stock anywhere.

 

[mtnwhlr]

15x8 with a 31" tire on stock suspension will work for what you usage is. Don't go wide on the tire.

This is as big as you should go with a stock Jeep and they look good. It's what I have ran on all mine.

 

[mdeluca]

My stock 86 CJ7 came with 15 x 7 wagon wheels.

I decided to stay with stock suspension height and after much agony decided on 15 x 8 wheels with 31 x 10.50 tires.

We use ours as a "ride in the mountains" on a Sunday afternoon on paved roads vehicle.

Bases on road noise and road wear… I went with a semi-aggressive tread pattern.

Make: Kuhmo
Model: Road Venture AT51
Size: 31 x 10.50 R 109R

Very happy with them.

More wheel and tire info

 

[Rdavison39]

Thanks guys for all the feedback. This is very useful information. i will stick with the stock 15 x 8. Mdeluca - thanks for the pic - they look good on your CJ

 

[Lumpy Grits]

OP-Do forget to consider your R&P ratio with tire OD.
LG

 

[Petescj]

My stock 86 CJ7 came with 15 x 7 wagon wheels.

I decided to stay with stock suspension height and after much agony decided on 15 x 8 wheels with 31 x 10.50 tires.

We use ours as a "ride in the mountains" on a Sunday afternoon on paved roads vehicle.

Bases on road noise and road wear… I went with a semi-aggressive tread pattern.

Make: Kuhmo
Model: Road Venture AT51
Size: 31 x 10.50 R 109R

Very happy with them.

More wheel and tire info

Yours is correct for a stock wheel size as well. '82-'86 wide track axles came with 15x7 in wheels while '76- '81 came with narrow track axles and 15x8 in wheels.

To the original poster , I like a 31x10.5 tire on a nice stock 15x8 in wheel. Bigger brake calipers are the only reason I'd run a larger wheel and you shouldn't need that in your application.

 

[Torxhead]

I also think that a 31x10.50 tire is pretty optimal, but going over bigger rocks usually require bigger tires. That's when the suspension work, gear changes, and body protection usually start.

 

[gr8dain]

I also think that a 31x10.50 tire is pretty optimal, but going over bigger rocks usually require bigger tires. That's when the suspension work, gear changes, and body protection usually start.

^^^^ This.

I had 31x10.5x15 for years. They looked great on stock springs. Filled the wheel wells nicely.

I just went up to a 33x10.5x15. I first got the 3" of lift. Then got the slighted changed gears (from 2.78 to 3.31). Just upped to the 33s in April. Not planning to go crazy on the rocks and it is still my daily driver. So that Limited my modifications some.

 

[Torxhead]

Also, the ability to stop a CJ at highway speeds with oem brakes is reduced considerably with a 33" tire.

 

[Greenwithenvy]

I am hopeful that I can talk my wife into a Jeep with stock wheels, tires and lift. Maybe up to 31x10.50 15s. This will be her daily driver. Not saying I don't like my Jeep with the lift and 35s. Just something fun about wheeling a stock Jeep too. Sure is a lot easier on the drive train too.