Hi, I am new to off-roading and recently purchased a 98' Jeep Wrangler Sport. To start, I have (4) BF Goodrich 33" all terrain tires, that I got cheap from a friend. I need wheels and was thinking of 15x8 or 15x10, not sure what the differences would be? Also I was thinking of a 4" inch suspension lift kit.

Any advice or recommendations would be helpful. Just wondering what works the best with the newer model Jeeps. I plan to tackle easy to semi-difficult trails.

I would go with the 15x10 rims on 33" tires.  The rule is to have the rim width within 4" of the tire width.  So 10" wide rims allow for upgrades, ( bigger tires later!)  The 4" lift is right on the moneyu for the size of tires you are starting with.

Now then, some potential upgrades/what to know.  YOur rear axle is junk and moderate wheeling will probably break it.  With the tires, you will want to regear your axles so that you can turn the tires easier.  Some thing like 4.10 for the 33" tires.  And any other questions need answered come and ask them!

The rim size all depends on the tire width. 33X10.5 use a 8" rim. 33X12.5 use a 10" rim. If your Jeep has a Dana 35 rear axel you are limited to the terain that you can wheel. Just trail riding you will be OK if you are light on the throtel. If you have a Dana 44 you are in luck, it is alot stronger. You will want to regear the front and rear diferentials to 3.73 or better yet 4.10 gears.

A 3 1/2" to 4 " lift will work for 33" tires, If you plan to go to 35" tires later you can add a 1" body lift or trim the wheel wells a little.

If you are going to do anything that sight seeing trips on dirt roads some type of lockers should be concidered with the gear change. It"s cheeper in the long run to have the lockers and gearing to be done all at once. If you install a front locker you should also install locking front hubs.

Just remember Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket.

I run 35" tires with 4.88 gears, lockers in both differentials and a automatic transmission. It is geared for fougher rocky trail riding and miled rock crawling. I also have a overdrive for driving on the paved streets but not freeway driving. 

you might have 3.73s stock, if so you can probably skip the regear. if you've got 3.07s, then you likly have a d35 and  you might want to look at ebay for some 4.11 gears from a 4 banger. you might need carriers too. the lift manufacturers will tell you what wheel to run, but were it me, I'd do 15x8s, the backspacing is more important than the width.