Tire size vs wheel sizing

I have an '04 TJ and putting a 4" lift on it. I want 33x12.50R15 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ Radials.  On the MT website, it says this tire will fit a rim thats 8.5 to 11 inches wide.  Can I fit this tire to a set of 15x8 rims?

If not, I was planning on getting 16x8 rims and buying the 305/70R16 tires. Will that work as an alternative?  

You'll have more tire choices in the 16" size. That's for sure now and probably even more so in the future. 17" wheels are probably the right size wheel for 35" and bigger tires, but there seems to be a huge cost difference for similar sized tires with rim size being the only difference.

I wouldn't even consider a 15" wheel for 33" tires, even though they do have less rolling mass than a 16" wheel and more sidewall for off-roading situations where you'll want to air down.

It's just not a big enough off-road difference, 15" VS 16", and then add in the tire choice differences and the potential for break/rotor upgrades later, go with a 16" wheel.  

Man...I have not jumped on this big wheel bandwagon for many reasons that I won't go into. 15x8 is fine for a 33x12.50. We have done it for decades. Don't go to a bigger wheel unless you absolutely have to to clear your brakes. Your TJ will fit 15s. There is a big difference between running 15s and 16s. And it's not just in the tire sidewall.  

Jp Editor:
Man...I have not jumped on this big wheel bandwagon for many reasons that I won't go into. 15x8 is fine for a 33x12.50. We have done it for decades. Don't go to a bigger wheel unless you absolutely have to to clear your brakes. Your TJ will fit 15s. There is a big difference between running 15s and 16s. And it's not just in the tire sidewall.

I can't wait to read about it!  
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Okay, If I do go with the 15x8 inch wheel, then will that tire which is rated for a rim anywhere from 8.5 to 11 inches will fit?  

A 33x12.50R15 will fit a 15x8 wheel fine. How many more ways would you like me to word it?  

sorry if im hi jacking this but i dont have any knowledge about wut difference the rim size makes, wut are they?  
97 TJ 4 banger, front aussie locker, A/T tires. o yeaaa

the width of the rim has to do with the width of the tire, you want to keep them within about 4 to 2 inches difference (narrower rim than tire), for example a tire 12.50 wide can be used on an 8-10 in rim. if you go to narrow or wide the bead will not want to seat correctly, and will be more likely to pop off or spin off.  
"WHEN IN DOUBT TACH IT OUT!"

Jp editor I agree with you, this whole big wheel thing is for guys that wanna look good. Run the 15 x 8's with that 33's. Yeah there are a lot of options in the 16" rim but there is a huge difference in weight when you start changing you rims.  

not to mention tires for a 15 are cheaper than a 16  
"WHEN IN DOUBT TACH IT OUT!"

I went from 17" to 15" wheels and the tires are cheaper but what I like personally is that you get more sidewall for riding in ditches and rocks and when you air down in the sand they get wider and help float on top and I'm not into big wheels I personally like more tire.  
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The biggest thing that I was trying to point out is that there seems to be a trend to bigger wheels and the tire mfgs are following that trend. I don't think there is any debate on the virtues of a 15" wheel vs a 16" wheel. But, if you can't get the tires you want because they don't come in a 15" size, that may suck in the future.

It's getting to the point that almost no new truck comes with 15" wheels, so all the new tire designs in the future will reflect that. Bigger brakes require bigger wheels. It's just the trend. Off-road enthusiasts buy very few tires compared to the masses, so it won't matter what we want.  

ftgiles:
The biggest thing that I was trying to point out is that there seems to be a trend to bigger wheels and the tire mfgs are following that trend. I don't think there is any debate on the virtues of a 15" wheel vs a 16" wheel. But, if you can't get the tires you want because they don't come in a 15" size, that may suck in the future.

It's getting to the point that almost no new truck comes with 15" wheels, so all the new tire designs in the future will reflect that. Bigger brakes require bigger wheels. It's just the trend. Off-road enthusiasts buy very few tires compared to the masses, so it won't matter what we want.

Partly true, the only reason for this is because the brakes on the newer vehicles are so much bigger. You can't fit a 15-inch wheel on most newer vehicles. However, there is still a market for 15-inch wheels. Enough with the scare tactics. Geez. 15-inch tires and wheels won't go away anytime soon. So that's not a concern.  

I just had to post this. And I do it with a smile on my face. I guess my scare tactics come from reading too much Jp.

Here's a quote from the article "BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 - Better Bigger", written by Jp editor Cappa.

As if all the improvements weren't enough, BFG has larger sizes, too. The initial rollout will offer several tires up to and including a 42x14.50R20. Unfortunately, most of the rubber offered in the first phase will be for 17-inch (and larger) wheels. Those of us still running the seemingly industry-hated 15s and 16s will have to wait until September 1, 2008.  

Yep, what's the point? They are still making 15s.... Likely even more so now that the lifted new fullsize truck craze is over. That's mostly what these tire guys were trying to jump on. 17s, 18s, and 20s were taking off with that crowd and now it's back to bread and butter.