sidriptide said:
he's not building a canyon-carving import here.. its an XJ.... by nature it will handle differently in emergency situations.. a properly inflated tire is a main key in vehicle stability... 235s will "feel" better under you.. and will make it look better... mileage affect will really be minimal...
The difference in the overall height (body) between my 30X9.50 15 and the wifes 225X70 16 is 3/4" at the body ( don´t hit the control arms) and half that at the pumkin. The slightly wider tire, shorter/stiffer sidewall, make a marked improvement in handling, the M/S tire isn´t that much different from an A/T in capabilities. Used Jeep rims (16"), most of which look better, than what was switched to IMO, are common and cheap, most times. The silver 5 spokes (Jeep OEM 16"), look good on the black XJ and the tire fills out the wheel well good.
If I had to pick one, to get out of shape in, it would definately be the wifes. No major, mod.´s just tuning what you got a bit.
IMO after putting a few miles on various XJ´s in the last 17 years or so, the wifes, the way it is set up now, would have less chance of a roll in most situations I can picture and better than the other tires I´ve driven, stock 215`s, 225`s, or 235X75 AT´s or 30X9.50´s M/T´s. I´ve tried a few different brands, but by no means everybodies.
Speaking of canyon racing, I´ve done a bit, you get a feel after awhile, of what works. Guess it´s all a compromise anyway. I´d sure enough pick the M/T´s for mud.
The 235 X 75 R 15 A/T´s of which I´ve tried three different brands, are a good all around tire (good in packed snow), but can be a bit quirky on the XJ, on the street. Especialy with some worn suspension parts. I deal with it, took some getting used to.