I use my 03 mainly on the highway and cross the Sierras on average once a month during all seasons on two lane highways and wanted to increase feedback and control for most of my use but also good snow traction and decent off road use, not to loud, etc....so I looked into 18" wheels and tires that would fit the bill and got lucky!
MB branded for Discount Tire, bought 5 for $400 shipped, now at $375 shipped!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-18X9-18-6X139-7-6X5-5-MB-352-BLACK-WHEELS-RIMS-18-INCH-78181/362202111603?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
The design lends itself to being very strong structurally and I could find no issues of complaint otherwise when I researched them.
18x9, +18 offset, 106.2mm, only 25.4 lbs on a good scale which is on the lighter side which always helps the suspension work to increase surface contact for more grip, lessens wear on the chassis, helps fuel mileage, shorter braking distance, quicker acceleratio...and while maintaining good geometry the 18mm offset with a 9" wheel widens the track width enough to increase roll resistance which is a handling and safety bonus.
The wider wheel also supports the sidewall better for on pavement handling though if I was spending far more time off I would of gone with something like a 17x8 wheel and taller tires than I picked which I will get to as soon as I get the pictures transferred off my phone.
It would of liked the look of a zero offset wheel and it would fit nicely under the vehicle but these were the best deal I could find by a long shot and the suspension will work better.
(I have modded vehicles for 50+ years up to building full out race cars and have studied suspension setup for all these years but I have not spent much time in off road applications so there may be compelling reasons for more offset resulting in changes to things like scrub radius, etc I have not needed to pursue)
More info coming shortly, in limp mode right now, old injuries slowing me down a bit, time for some infrared light on my knee, helps hugely!
Rick
MB branded for Discount Tire, bought 5 for $400 shipped, now at $375 shipped!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-18X9-18-6X139-7-6X5-5-MB-352-BLACK-WHEELS-RIMS-18-INCH-78181/362202111603?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
The design lends itself to being very strong structurally and I could find no issues of complaint otherwise when I researched them.
18x9, +18 offset, 106.2mm, only 25.4 lbs on a good scale which is on the lighter side which always helps the suspension work to increase surface contact for more grip, lessens wear on the chassis, helps fuel mileage, shorter braking distance, quicker acceleratio...and while maintaining good geometry the 18mm offset with a 9" wheel widens the track width enough to increase roll resistance which is a handling and safety bonus.
The wider wheel also supports the sidewall better for on pavement handling though if I was spending far more time off I would of gone with something like a 17x8 wheel and taller tires than I picked which I will get to as soon as I get the pictures transferred off my phone.
It would of liked the look of a zero offset wheel and it would fit nicely under the vehicle but these were the best deal I could find by a long shot and the suspension will work better.
(I have modded vehicles for 50+ years up to building full out race cars and have studied suspension setup for all these years but I have not spent much time in off road applications so there may be compelling reasons for more offset resulting in changes to things like scrub radius, etc I have not needed to pursue)
More info coming shortly, in limp mode right now, old injuries slowing me down a bit, time for some infrared light on my knee, helps hugely!
Rick
