Chrysler Repair: wheel size replacement, 14 inch rims, 15 inch rims

Question
Mini vans that came with 15 inch rims, can they be replaced with 14 inch rims?

Answer
Hi Cook,
I believe that such a change is perfectly alright, but you would want to look on the tire inflation sticker on the front or rear door frame or the owner's manual to see exactly what aspect ratio (height/width of tire cross section) is appropriate for the smaller radius wheel. It will be a higher aspect ratio which gives a softer ride with the smaller diameter wheels, and a larger section width number as well. If there is no info in the owner's manual or the chart on the door frame then check with the dealer's parts department for the proper sizing, and also for the size of the wheel (bolt spacing) that fits your model. If you choose correctly, the circumference of the new tire/wheel will be the same as the tire/wheel that was delivered with the van and so the odometer and speedometer will read properly and so will the shift points and rpm of the transmission at a given road speed. But be sure to get the specification one way or the other. There is an exactly correct tire that will fit the 14" wheel and meet these requirements.
Roland