Final resolution was excessive carbon buildup on the #5 piston caused by a broken coil connector (intermittent cylinder firing). Dodge soaked overnight with combustion chamber cleaner and it's run fine ever since.
You should look for 17" winter tires on steel rims. Much more selection and easy to swap in the spring and fall. The 17" size for the Journey is 225/65-17. Steel rims need to be OEM or there will be clearance issues with the front calipers.
I went with 16" steel rims and winter tires for my 2011 Crew but I'm not sure if your 2012 Crew has the new, larger brakes that we've been hearing about. It seems that the larger brakes may be too big for 16" rims to fit.
