18 vs 16 Tires - Ride comfort
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Three Wheeling
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 73
Likes: 9
18 vs 16 Tires - Ride comfort
I recently stole a absolutely mint 2000 DII Kinver Sand with 130,xxx a few months ago and it has 18 rims. They are fitted with Cooper tires. I have been a Michelin man my whole life, and these Coopers are... crap. The ride is just absolutely terrible. You feel EVERY single crack, pebble, bump in the road. It sends shockwaves through the entire truck. The ride is so bad that I dropped the psi to ~34-36 just to get a better ride. I dont care how it affects the wear on the tires because I am replacing them soon. I need opinions from owners that have knowledge of how a DII rides on 16s vs 18s. Current tires are 255/55R18.
My experience on ride comfort between the 16s and 18s is bookended by 20 years: in 2000 I owned a 99 with 16s and in 2018 I own a 2000 with 18s. I remember my 99 16 driving like a truck (through the bumps, not over them, like a true DII) but was a relatively smooth ride with my Michelins.
Does anyone one have any real world experiences between riding on the two different diameter rims? Before I go and drop $1,500 on a new set of 18 Michelins I want to see if anyone on the forum has any insight. I dont have any issue at all with sourcing a set of unique factory 16s.
Also so does anyone have recommendations with tire size on 18s? The truck isnt lifted and is stock, except for the Ashcroft CDL. Discount Tire suggested 265/60R18s for a little bit more sidewall.
Any inout out you guys (and gals) can provide would be greatly appreciated.
My experience on ride comfort between the 16s and 18s is bookended by 20 years: in 2000 I owned a 99 with 16s and in 2018 I own a 2000 with 18s. I remember my 99 16 driving like a truck (through the bumps, not over them, like a true DII) but was a relatively smooth ride with my Michelins.
Does anyone one have any real world experiences between riding on the two different diameter rims? Before I go and drop $1,500 on a new set of 18 Michelins I want to see if anyone on the forum has any insight. I dont have any issue at all with sourcing a set of unique factory 16s.
Also so does anyone have recommendations with tire size on 18s? The truck isnt lifted and is stock, except for the Ashcroft CDL. Discount Tire suggested 265/60R18s for a little bit more sidewall.
Any inout out you guys (and gals) can provide would be greatly appreciated.
TReK
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 506
From: Seattle, Wa
I find that I have that type of ride when my shocks or springs are shot. You'll have to asses the condition of your suspension before you go deciding what tires to buy. Seriously, tires don't cause the conditions you describe, suspension issues do... you probably have clapped out OG springs.
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 240
From: Alabama + Vegas + Texas
Running 18" on worn Cooper tires at the moment. Intend to upgrade to some decent offroad rubber maybe next month or so... but I haven't noticed a harsh ride.
I've got good springs+shocks, though.
34 psi fronts and 40 psi rears.
I've got good springs+shocks, though.
34 psi fronts and 40 psi rears.
Thread Starter
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Three Wheeling
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 73
Likes: 9
I find that I have that type of ride when my shocks or springs are shot. You'll have to asses the condition of your suspension before you go deciding what tires to buy. Seriously, tires don't cause the conditions you describe, suspension issues do... you probably have clapped out OG springs.
Baja
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 5,845
Likes: 368
From: Near Bordeaux, France
16" rims are larger sidewall tires and often softer so a better more comfortable ride but the compromise is tarmac roadholding.
18" rims are a harder lower profile tire so a harder ride but better tarmac roadholding.
Of course the above data depends entirely on the big factor of what tire pressures you run.
I drive 95% of my time towing on tarmac so roadholding is important and I run 255 50 R19 tires or better known to some as 'denture rattlers'
18" rims are a harder lower profile tire so a harder ride but better tarmac roadholding.
Of course the above data depends entirely on the big factor of what tire pressures you run.
I drive 95% of my time towing on tarmac so roadholding is important and I run 255 50 R19 tires or better known to some as 'denture rattlers'