Need some tire purchase input please - 15 versus 16

[Slim]

I am currently gearing up to do my spring lift install (SJ 2" coils and AALs). I am currently running stock 15x7 rims with small tires. The plan is obviously to go bigger. I have a set of 16x7 stock rims that I wanted to use for the new rubber, but .....

A local tire outfitter has both the 15" and 16" tires I am looking at. I can get either a 31x10.5x15 or a 265/70R16 (really close in diameter to the 31x10.5x15). There is only a $5/tire price difference. I'm not sure which I should go with. Price is not of any concern. Looks are not a top concern either. I am concerned with the performance of the tire - will be about 80-90% street use and the offroad use will be easy stuff.

I am inclined to believe that the 16" would be a "better" choice given the shorter sidewalls, which should provide less flex (better handling). Also, if I go with 16" rubber now I could always keep the 15" rims and get snow tires later (IF need be).

Any further thoughts or input of any kind on this?

PATIA!

 

[Toms01PSD]

265's are actually closer to 32's. What kind of tires are you looking at?

 

[wizkid00104]

I like 15's because in the event you need a new tire or tires, they a very easy to come by and very well priced used. I know you said price is not an issue, so you may not care about this. I don't think the side wall on those tires would be different enough to notice a difference. That's just me though...

 

[Slim]

265's are actually closer to 32's. What kind of tires are you looking at?

I haven't decided yet. The Canadian Tire chain up here has Goodyear, Cooper and Motomaster on sale, so weighing options and such.

According to my math the 265/70R16s have a calculated diameter of 30.6". Pretty sure i'm doing it right. Perhaps i'm not. Care to share?

 

[Slim]

I like 15's because in the event you need a new tire or tires, they a very easy to come by and very well priced used. I know you said price is not an issue, so you may not care about this. I don't think the side wall on those tires would be different enough to notice a difference. That's just me though...

Loud and clear. I don't mean to say that price isn't important because i'm certainly not rich. You have a good and valid point. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Toms01PSD]

I haven't decided yet. The Canadian Tire chain up here has Goodyear, Cooper and Motomaster on sale, so weighing options and such.

According to my math the 265/70R16s have a calculated diameter of 30.6". Pretty sure i'm doing it right. Perhaps i'm not. Care to share?

You're correct. I was thinking 265/75R16's, which are about 31.5's.

 

[wizkid00104]

Loud and clear. I don't mean to say that price isn't important because i'm certainly not rich. You have a good and valid point. Thanks for the reminder.

Anytime