what about those tires old krusty has? can you get those in 18"
I assume you were talking about me...
I too don't believe you'll find an 18" M/T that will fit a stock Liberty. If you do, it will cost you more than new rims , tires, and a full lift. Like recomended, you're honestly better off with two sets of rims/tires. I'll explain why later.
Let me tell you about my experinces with Liberty tires and rims....
Get comfortable (popcorn)
My '06 Limted came with the 17x7.5 inch factory chrome rims. With my first attempt to replace the tires, I wanted some 235/65-17 (OEM size) A/Ts. The problem was, all but nobody made any in that size. I ended up with Toyo Open Contry A/Ts. I liked them so much, two months later I bought 265/75-26 for my Full size Dodge PU. Not only were the truck tires bigger, with almost twice the tread depth, but they cost me $150 less for 4. Thus began
the quest for lift, and 16" rims...(the picture is before the lift, with the Toyos)
40K miles (these were supossed to be 50K tires), and a recent 2" lift later, I started shopping for some new 17" A/Ts. There are more mfgs supporting these now, and the ability to go bigger helped, but I found the 17" size still cost anywhere from $20-$40 a piece more for the same size 16" tire.
With some prudent shopping, and a 100 mile round trip, I was able to find the 16" Moabs with 245/75-16 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R at a decent price. The tires have about 50% tread left, and though a bit noisy, will get me by until I sell the original rims and save some pennies for some new A/Ts. I don't know what the availability of the MTR is in an 18" rim.
Don't get me wrong, I still made some compromises. The Moab rims have about 1" less backspacing. While this adds about 2" to the overall track width, the now widened arc (turning radius) of the front wheels coupled with the bigger tires causes some rubbing. I will try to compensate with some clevis lift, but most likely will step down a size when replacing the tires.
Now, why are two sets of rims/tires better? First without a lift, you are limited to about a 30" tire. With an 18" rim, almost 2/3 of the 30" is lost just to the rim. This leaves you about 6" of sidewall - minus tread depth, or about 5" (or less) of actual sidewall height.
While this reduced sidewal height or "low profile" helps firm up the tire for "street racer" rides, it is the exact oppisite of what you want on the trail. Offroad, the taller sidewall helps the tires abillity to flex, allowing it to absorb more trail obsticles, and provide better traction by conforming to the terain.
Tire selection is about compromise.
If you must have 18" rims - get used to street racer tires.
If you must have M/Ts - get 16" rims, and consider a lift.
If you must have Chrome - You can usually find some chome "steelies" in just about any size.
If you can compromise - PM ME! Maybe we can work out the sale of my
17" OEM Chrome Liberty Rims - I have all 5... and the picture doesn't due them justice
