16inch or 17inch wheels. Which is better and why?

Alright boys that time is closing in. This is the year I order my FJ and I'm stuck scratching my head over the wheels. I can't decide which is better. The 16inch or the 17inch wheels. Any thoughts as why you would prefer one over the other.

16" better for off roading. 17" better for handling on the street.

Also, more tire options, and lower cost for 16's.

Pros for the 16":
- I think a 16" looks better as it makes the tires look better.

Pros for the 17":
I like the 285/75/17 tire size though.
Most all 17"s clear the brake calipers, so larger variety of wheels to choose from

I'd find the tire you want to run and wheel it accordingly.

Like Brian said, some sizes / brands are only available in one sometimes.

I worry that the smaller wheel sizes are slowly going to disappear as trucks get bigger and heavier and the brakes follow suit. The 15" wheel has disappeared from anything but vintage trucks, even 1/4 tons and compact trucks are moving to 16"+ wheels.

As for which is BETTER... I don't think I can add anything to the above. 16" offers more rubber, 17" offers more stability and a better selection of wheels. I'm preferential to 16" wheels, and would probably put 15s on the FJ if I could.

darned if you do darned if you dont...there are alot of pros for both..not too many cons...i have 17s both sets...but honestly if had to do it again i would have gotten the 16s for my off road wheels and tires...

I miss my "stock" machined 17" alloys sometimes. I liked the little bit of bling they had and the overall look of them. I always wanted to to the beadlock rings on them....did this PS a while back:

If you think you might go with aftermarket wheels like so many of us, then just go with whatever is cheaper on the truck to start with.

I am starting to lust after the 16" offroad package wheels for some reason. I think I miss the aluminum bling of the OEM wheels.

Thinking of trying to solicit a straight up trade for these TRDs, even though the offroad wheels are only 7" wide. hmm, decisions, decisions.

iwashmycar wrote:

I am starting to lust after the 16" offroad package wheels for some reason. I think I miss the aluminum bling of the OEM wheels.

Thinking of trying to solicit a straight up trade for these TRDs, even though the offroad wheels are only 7" wide. hmm, decisions, decisions.

I think they are all 7.5", but if I am wrong, DO NOT go to a 7.0" wide wheel. I really think you will regret that later if you want to put a larger tire on.

Also I think Paul (NC FJ Driver) has a set of pre-2011 16" offroad package wheels he has put up for sale. HE would probably sell them to you or trade you outright for the TRD. I would think he could sell the TRDs more easily and for more.

I have a set of the 2007 17" 6-spoke FJ wheels that are shiney.

Naw no 17s. But the offroad wheels are 16x7. I do understand the concern with width, but I REALLY doubt ill ever get to huge tires. Would get aftermarket 8" wheels if that ever happened probably.

I would be nervous about airing down a 11.5" (your average 285) tire on a 7" wheel. My tires are about 11.6" and that is as wide as I would go on my 7.5 wheel. I know some people are running 305s and even 315s on 7.5", but I just wouldnt feel comfortable.

You don't want that wide of a tire on such a narrow wheel. It'll cause odd wear issues in the future. That being said. I run a 12.5" tire on an 8" wheel.

Of course you could run the 35"x10.5"-16 SSR! with them:D

Maybe my little crush on them will pass, but I'm liking them more andmore lol.

Maaaybe I'll see if that set is still up for grabs.....