17's or 18's - Advice Please

[Rice Eater]

I recently found a second set of thin 5 spoke forged Alcoa wheels and keep going back and forth if I should keep the 18x9.5's or the 17x8.5's. The wheels will be used as back ups for DR's or wheels for spirited driving. The 17 is ~ 3lbs lighter, gives up 1" of width, but would have more sidewall. This is my first AWD so I would like to hear your advice.

Chris

 

[atkonkler]

Re: 17's or 18's - Advice Please

17's. ...18's and suspension travel equals broken cladding in some cases...I went with 17 inch wagon all the way around. ...

And...

 

[Syclone#2960]

Re: 17's or 18's - Advice Please

wheel weight makes a big difference IMHO but the 18's look a lot nicer.

 

[Rice Eater]

Re: 17's or 18's - Advice Please

Thank you. Regardless of wheel I will stay with a 25.5"-26.0" diameter tire. 12-16lbs is a lot of weight savings, with tires, but with a 8.5" wheel I am probably only looking at a 255 or small 275.

Chris

 

[Rice Eater]

Re: 17's or 18's - Advice Please

Looks like I can run 26X11.50x17 ET streets on the 17x8.5's so I am all set, weight reduction and traction. If someone is looking for a full set of Silver 18x9.5's let me know. Took me (4) months to find (2) sets w/o rash and/or neglect.

Chris