35" x 12.5 x 15" tires...8" or 10" rim?

I'm picking up a new set of 35" Mickey Thompson MTZs for the CJ. I currently have 33"x10.5" TSL radials on it. What are the reprocussions of using my 8" rims on the new 35" x 12.5" tires? I know it changes the look (anyone have pics of 8" compared to 10"?) and cross section, but is there any difference in stability? How about issues with the tire staying on the rim when psi is dropped? Thanks!

 

there are a few around here that are running the wider tires on the 8" rim. I won't do it. I think the rational is that 8" rim will be more apt to keep the bead when aired down? Or the tire will protect more of the bead area on the 8? My concern would be the tread bulging in the center. When you say new, brandy new tires or new to you? The reason I ask is because I would worry a lot less about a tire i paid $50 for than a tire I paid $150 for....

 

I've got a line on about 2 or 3 sets of used tires for only slightly less than new ones.....I'm leaining toward Mickey Thompson MTZ blems for $130 a tire brand new......

 

I'm having the same thoughts right now. I have that size BFG MT's on 10" rims, and they have fairly straight sides, I was worried about the beads letting go. Been somewhat looking for 8", but not aggressively looking, haven't even tried these ones yet.

Paul

 

I just moved from MT Baja Belted 33 x 12.5 x 15 on 8" chromes with 4 1/2 backspace to ProComp XTerrains 35 x 12.5 x 15 and put them on 8" with 3" backspace.

I run 4 1/2 to 5 p.s.i. in the snow, and 5 1/2 to 7 on the muddy trails and rocks, having zero issue with beads, or bulging.

On way extreme articulation I do get some rubs, and am working those out with sawsall and moving "things", but I love the 8" vs the 10" I used to run, largely for the added meats on the ground, and the flex of the sidewall for traction.

Never 10" wheels for me again.

Ken

 

I used to run 12.5 wide tires on 10 inch rims and got tired of unseating the bead and packing the bead full of mud and sticks. Go for the 8's.

 

You're fine with the 8" wheels. Move to a 10" and you'll bust more beads at low psi. 8" also "buries" the bead deeper inside the profile of the tire, protecting it a little more from sticks and stones. I'm running bias swampers, 33 x 12.50 and I sure wouldn't go any wider.

 

I'm going to be a dissenting voice here. I've run both 8" and 10" wheels and prefer the 10"'s. I've found my tires wear longer as they don't bulge in the center, because of this I get a better footprint of tread on the ground, read better traction, and good floatation if I need it for sand and mud. I was initially concerned about popping beads but haven't had any more issues than I had with the 8"s. The 10's don't bulge the sidewall as bad and I've noticed the tires don't rub the springs and frame as bad as they used to or the inside of the rear wheel wells with the same backspacing. I do have a little more rub on the tub but I attribute that to sagged springs and a twisted/bent frame. Nickmil