Help please

[AlexAlex]

I hate to miss out on 18's for 17's when the price different is only like $50-60 more than 17's. I dont want to invest in air ride right now...Mopar coil overs will those improve my ride with the 18's?

[AlexAlex]

What tire size would provide me with cushion but still low profile?

[MichaelDay]

Alex, anytime you go to larger wheels, you have to go to a tire that has a smaller distance from the rim to the tread to maintain the same rolling radius. If you change the rolling radius, the computer gets confused because it thinks you are traveling at a different speed.

Basically, the greater the distance from the rim to the tread, the most shock will be absorbed through the tire rather than being transferred to the occupants. Recognizing that there are other variables at work (springs, shocks, tire width, tire formulation, etc), in general, any increase from the stock wheel size will harm the smoothness of the ride. The 17" wheels are only on the GT and there is no question that the GT does not ride as smoothly as the Limited with the 16" wheels or the base model with 15" wheels. You are trading off appearance and handling for ride quality. You are also increasing the risk of blowing out the tire or bending the rims with large potholes.

[AlexAlex]

I was told by someone else to get the Ebiach Sportline or pro kit springs to help protect the smooth ride. Is this correct?

[2step]

There are owners who have put 18" wheels on for the "look" and for them a plush ride was not a priority. They like the idea that "dey be stylin' when dey be drivin'" but they're riding harder.

You can't put less rubber tire because of a larger wheel and expect more chush in the ride. It IS going to be harsher.

If you go with an 18" wheel and a larger diameter tire than stock, you may get a chushy ride but you'll get lots of things you don't want. Such as speedometer error, over stressed brakes and shocks, less power and slower take off, possible tire rubbing, etc.

[AlexAlex]

OK I feel so stupid right now but OK the 18's with ebiach springs will that improve the ride a little? Thats what I am leaning towards right now but on the other hand are you saying if I stick with 17's from the 16's I have know Will I keep a little of my smooth ride? I really want custom wheels 16's are not going to cut it for me. But your right michael I am trading appearance and handling for ride quality. I just have to think if thats worth it I suppose. Any help to improve the ride with 18's beside air bags would be great.

[AlexAlex]

I forgot to add [xx(] [xx(] [xx(] LOL

[2step]

quote:Originally posted by AlexAlex

I forgot to add [xx(] [xx(] [xx(] LOL

The reason it's so hard to get a straight answer is because it's so subjective. What is an acceptable ride for one is not for another. Only you can deside what's right for you. I think my wife's new car rides too soft and sloppy with over boosted steering but she loves it.

If you could get yourself to a large Cruiser gathering where you could ask questions and bum a ride or drive in some "big tired" Cruisers for yourself, then maybe you would get the answers you're looking for.

[AlexAlex]

I dont know any other cruisers with custom wheels or bigger? i guess I could test drive the PT's that have the factory 17's right?