My 99 Disco II has 18" wheels with Toyo Open Country ATs. I just got back from a week in the mountains in a place where there is no pavement in site, just rocky, washboarded dirt roads. Spent much of the week worrying about the risk of pinching a sidewall or something. I am hoping to spend more time in back country areas like this, but probably no serious trail work. I am thinking about changing to 16" wheels to improve the offroad ride and minimize risk of sidewall damage, but I am not sure what I will be giving up on the highway. My Disco II has the ACE system and it handles really well on mountain roads and highways with no lean or wallowing.

Am I correct in my thoughts that the 16" wheels will give me a smoother ride on dirt roads? I have had issues with the vehicle getting kind of squirrelly on washboard roads at about 20-25MPH. Sometimes it felt like the back end was going to come around. Would taller tires help that? Would lowering tire pressure help? Would it even be safe to lower tire pressure with the current 18" tires?

Anybody have any thoughts on the effect of smaller rims and taller sidewalls on on-road handling?

Elliot

 

If you are nearly ready for tires, yes 16"s are a great upgrade, they are cheaper, last longer, run smoother, have many more tread designs to pick from and are much stronger off road.
That being said, is your truck lifted? If not, 245/75/16's are a great way to go.
Mike