16" or 17" Wheels which are better??

[joefnh]

I have a 03 4.0L Explorer with the stock 16" wheels and factory spec tires, no lift kits etc stock suspension
.
If I wanted to change over the the 17" x 7.5" wheels what are the issues i.e.

1.) WHat effect on MPG would that have I commute about 80 miles per day

2.) What effect would it have in snow or other soft traction environements

3.) Would I have to change the shift points and speedometer, if so how?

4.) What are the best tires to use for 17 x 7.5 wheels, good MPG highway use and some offroad use

Thanks

-Joe

 

[jimbo74]

there arent any offroad tires i na 17" size unless you get into something big.....
now there are some all terrain tires in a smallish size that will fit a 17"

tire choices is greater in a 16" size as they are more common

rims have nothing to do with traction, that would be the tires

if you keep the outside diameter of the tires and rims to the same spec, you wont need to change shift points or anything, however the rim will be heavier with the 17s and the vehicle might jsut struggle a little bit more to spin them, this might hurt gas mileage a little bit

 

[joefnh]

What is the purpose for the 17 x 7.5" wheels??

 

[ExplorerDMB]

By the way, you are in the wrong topic. Yours is suppose to be in here: Tires & Wheels I'm sure a moderator will move it.

-Drew