Changing from 15" Rims with 31" to 17" Rims with 255 tires on Grand Wagoneer

[MReno]

So I have a '89 Grand Wagoneer with original rims (15"), but the 31"x10.5x15 tires are shot. So I can either replace tires with new, or look for used tires and rims.

What would be the down side to replacing the 15" rims and 31" tires with 17" rims and running 255 (31") tires?

[will e]

Do you wheel the rig at all?

The larger rims and slightly lower sidewall profile will give a bit stiffer ride and improve the cornering slightly.
If you take the rig off road you are better off sticking with the smaller rim and larger sidewall tire.

[Stuka]

The biggest issues are back spacing and center hole diameter. I don't know of any 17" wheels off hand that have backspacing that will match your 15" wheels. There may be some, but you will have to dig. You will also have a tough time finding any with a center hole large enough for your hubs to fit through.

[MReno]

Thanks for the input. I do plan to use in off road, so I will stick with the 15" rims and just put on new 31" tires.