Tire/Wheel question

[BigRedCJ7]

Hey guys.. I own a 1985 CJ7 with a 3" lift. I've had it since the mid-90's. It's gone from being a DD, to an occasional driver, to a sitting in a storage lot spot over the years.

I've had my share of issues with it (primarily the carb), and have slowly got them resolved. However, now it sits on dry-rot 33's and I'm at a cross road.

My wife and I recently had 2 children. So, as parents know - money is tight. I'm having a hard time finding 33" tires on 15" wheels without breaking the bank. I'd love to find a set of used ones at a decent price and be done with it.

To try to make it more cost effective, I've thought about getting new wheels with 17" or so diameter to open up the pool for used tires down the road. However, I was told that this could create steering issues etc. for the Jeep. That made no sense to me, but the guy swore everytime he's done it he's had issues. The last thing I want with this is more issues.

So, I'm curious - is it worth keeping the factory 15" wheels and buckling down or should I consider a wheel upgrade?

 

[hole]

Welcome have you looked on Craigslist for used tires? Out here in the west I always see used 15" tires for sale, also most tire stores will sell decent used tires afford ably

 

[CJ7nvrstk]

Hey guys.. I own a 1985 CJ7 with a 3" lift. I've had it since the mid-90's. It's gone from being a DD, to an occasional driver, to a sitting in a storage lot spot over the years.

I've had my share of issues with it (primarily the carb), and have slowly got them resolved. However, now it sits on dry-rot 33's and I'm at a cross road.

My wife and I recently had 2 children. So, as parents know - money is tight. I'm having a hard time finding 33" tires on 15" wheels without breaking the bank. I'd love to find a set of used ones at a decent price and be done with it.

To try to make it more cost effective, I've thought about getting new wheels with 17" or so diameter to open up the pool for used tires down the road. However, I was told that this could create steering issues etc. for the Jeep. That made no sense to me, but the guy swore everytime he's done it he's had issues. The last thing I want with this is more issues.

So, I'm curious - is it worth keeping the factory 15" wheels and buckling down or should I consider a wheel upgrade?

I can't imagine how going to a 17" wheel would create steering issues.

You might be able to save a few bucks by being able to pick up used tires for 17s since they are more plentifull, but how much will you end up spending on those new wheels, and then tires on top of it?

I would just stay with the 15s and watch craigslist and local jeeper sites.