Rim Size vs AWD ability?

[cmac]

Well, we finally found the beautiful 2006 Baja we've been looking for the last year.

First thing I did was build a bike rack in the back, those 4x2 slots are very handy!
Next I want to change the wheels/tires. The first owner put cheapo Walmart tires on the stock rims, they have to go for a start! And having had a sports car before I know how much more 'road feel' you get from more metal and less rubber.
However, having driven a Wrangler for the last 8 years in snowy conditions I love the go-anywhere ability. My current Wrangler is lifted with 33x12.5" TrXus MT's underneath, they are awesome in snow!

So, here's where I'm torn. I'd like to get larger rims, but need to retain as much AWD as possible for those winter snowboarding trips.
Anyone had experience of the effect of larger rims on the AWD ability of the Baja, especially in snow?
Is going to 18" (mixed with an aggressive tire) going to degrade the AWD? How about 17"?

Thanks.

[offroadohio]

the rim size has nothing to to do with the AWD.

But the bigger the rim the less aggressive the tire options will be so that would lessen snow traction. YIf snow traction is your concern keep the stock wheels and put snow tires on them for winter use and put the aftermarket wheels on the performance tires.

[STI2NR]

I am running a set of 18x10.5" +15 rims on my wide 05 STI. I plan to go with 18x9.5 +38 on the 05 baja.

The Baja has much bigger fenderwells than the STI does. They should fit no problem.

As far as AWD ability lost with bigger wider tires and rims I do not notice it since the STI is tuned for e85 and makes more than enough torque for my liking.