I have those base steel 15" wheels on my XE and was planning on upgrading to a bigger wheel. First, is it problem with my speedometer if i upgrade? also, the parts guy at the dealership said the max size i can put on is 16x8. What about the 17" on the s/c...i just bought my xterra so im pretty fresh. thanks
(2002 xe)

The guy at the dealership does not know what he is talking about, you should be able to fit the 17" SC wheels on your X. I am selling my 17" SC wheels and tires for $800 plus shipping, if you are interested. BF Goodrich Long Trail 275 60 R17 with 11K miles. idavid76@yahoo.com

Your tire size can affect the speedometer reading...a larger tire diameter will need fewer revolutions to go the same distance...so you will be rolling faster than the speedo says you are.

That's OK though, as long as you remember to drive slower than the speedo says, to compensate/not get a ticket.



People have put 22's on X's...and 16-17's are std on most years models...

One caveat...the backspacing should be 5.25"...or the tires can rub, especially on up travel.

(The less backspacing, the more rub...)

Another thought..

The tires for 15" size rims are cheaper...might want to keep them if $ is an issue.



Also - do you plan on off roading?

I am planning to start off-roading, nothing too technical or hardcore. More dirt type logging/mining roads. Also, going to be using it a lot to head up and down the mountains here when the snowboarding season starts.

The wheels i was planning on getting are 16x8, The Chamber by American Racing. Any reason not to get these, or shall i just stick with 15's?

The main reason is factory backspacing and offset. No one makes a wheel with the same backspacing and offset as the X. So... you run the risk of rubbing.