Different wheel sizes for WJ/WG 2004 Grand Cherokee Ltd diesel.

[Ed..]

Hi Guys, Does anyone know if it is possible to legally and physically change the rim size on a 2004 WJ/WG Grand Cherokee Limited diesel model from a 17" to a 16" rim.

I am looking at changing tyres from the A/T's that I have to a M/T tyre and there seem to be more choices in the 16" sizes, I have heard that my Jeep Limited model has larger brakes so may not be able to use the smaller rim, however I haven't been able to verify that.

If that isn't true and if I can use 16" rims does anyone know of any other Jeep models that have a direct fitting alloy 16" rim that I can put on. I would have liked to put on LT265/70R17 M/T's on it but I don't want to lift it or do other modifications to it plus they would be over the 50mm increase that you are allowed to do, so my only other choice would be to go down to the 16" rim.

Cheers

Ed.

[WHHEMI]

I have been told the 16 inch JK rims are a direct bolt on for the early grand, but cannot confirm, if you find out and want a set I have 5 that I'm thinking about selling. They are from an 07 JK.

[Ed..]

Thanks for the offer but the delivery to Qld would cost too much, I will try doing some more searching for that model.

[fester]

There is no difference due to either your year or the diesel. The earlier 16" rims will fit as will the early JK rims. Personally I don't like any of the early 16" rims, I think they are all ugly but that is personal choice. The 16" JK rims look good. You said you wanted the 265/70x17 tyres but if they won't fit without lift you might have to go 16". What 16" tyres are you then thinking because you will have to stick with a smaller size in either case so why not stick with a smaller 17 rather than buy rims and tyres.

The good thing I suppose is if you find some early rims they should be dirt cheap as there is next to no market for them.

[wrench]

I ran JK 17 rims on mine with 255/65r17 mud tyre. worked well and no major rub issues. still have the set of four if you are interested. prior to that I was running 265/65 r17 all terrains on the OE rims. tight fit in the spare well and did rub on guards, rear shocks and front spring towers with 2 inch liftl

[drover]

My Laredo came with 16" rims so they are not a problem, 255 70's will give the rear shocks just a bit of a scrub but if you wanted to be legal then your max is 245's going by the tyre placard.
With 16's you will want to go 70's at least or you will drop in height.

[Ed..]

The original tyres this jeep had as standard were the 235/65R17 , when I bought it it had the Mickey Thompson Baja 5 rib ATZ LT245/70R17, and whilst those tyres are really great on the road and stick like glue to the bitumen, they are absolutely hopeless in the slick clay mud, I had bogged them in my backyard once after it rained and I am only talking about a bit of rain and I just sat there with the wheels spinning as they just loaded up within seconds and wouldn't clear. Very embarrassing just as well I wasn't in public view.

Anyway as my tyres are now fairly worn and I have a 5K trip planned before the year ends, I need to replace them soon, I don't know what I will be putting them through when I head south so I would like to hedge my bets and get some MT's.

As a replacement A/T tyre, I have read good reviews of the Hankook tyres, been looking at the Hankook Dynapro RF10 which I can get in the LT245/70R17 for about $248 fitted.

But I would prefer the MT RT03, unfortunately the MT RT03 doesn't come in my size to fit my Jeep so the closest I could find is a 245/75/R16 ($269) which is rated at 120/116Q or a 265/75R16 at 123/120Q for $235 + $15 fitting Plus I will need a smaller rim for them, I am trying to get LT tyres wherever possible as I tow a 3.5t boat.

I also like the look of the new pattern Maxxis MT764 in the 245/75R16 but that is close to the $300 mark fitted and more than I would prefer to spend, I haven't done enough research into whether or not the above mentioned tyres will fit apart from the RF10.

As for losing a bit of height, having a higher profile replacement 16" tyre should be about the same as what I have now, assuming that it will fit without mods.

That is what I am thinking but it may not work out in which case I will just get the RF10 in the 17" LT size and hope they are better than my current AT's

Any thoughts?