Educate Me On Wheels

[homerun]

While we are waiting, someone want to educate me? I am looking at aftermarket wheels. I know the stock Rubi wheels are 17in diameter, but I still have lots of questions.

What is the wheel width?

What is the bolt pattern? I know its 5 bolts on jeeps, but need to know is that 5 on what? On some websites I see 5 on about 100 options. What is the second number, bolt length? If so what is the bolt length for JL?

Do we know for a fact that the JL and JT will share the same wheel/lug dimensions?

What other measurements do I need to know? Backspacing?

I know there are various opinions on wheel spacers but I want avoid them if possible. I also know the JK wheels are very close and can work but I think I read the bolts where slightly shorter, I would like wheels made specifically for the JT if possible.

What is everyone's favorite place to shop for wheels?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am more interested in learning than B.S.ing about plywood and prices.

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[homerun]

More questions if anyone is feeling so inclined.

I have read a lot about the pros and cons of steel vs aluminum. I think I want aluminum for weight savings. Although if I could find exceptional light steel that might be better, but I don't think it exists. Anyone know what the weight is on a OEM Rubi wheel, either the standard or the upgraded? What is a good averaged weight for a 17 inch wheel so I know when I am shopping what numbers are light and what is heavy.

Also my plan is to run the factory 33in tires and then upgrade to either 35s or 37s, definitely nothing bigger. Will I be able to get one set of wheels for all 3 tire sizes or would it be best to keep the stock wheel with the 33s and then upgrade wheels and tires at the same time?

As for style I like black or flat black, simple with round holes like this:

Less holes but bigger would be cool.

 

[Jake]

Don’t know any answers to any of your questions. But I feel certain that the parts department manager of any Jeep dealership should be able to answer most all of your questions. And just something else to get think about is the spare. I believe it will be the same design steel wheel for all models, just a different size tire and wheel to match what you get. For me I will get my dealer to put on a matching wheel. They can get them at a decent price and include it in the deal. If I have a flat then I don’t want to ride around town with a wheel that looks totally different from the other 3 that are on the truck.

 

[RedTRex]

https://www.quadratec.com/c/reference/wheel-bolt-patterns-typical-lug-nut-torque-specifications

17s on a Jk, 4.5" bs is common. Not sure about JL but there is a Wheel and Tire forum
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/forums/tires-wheels-brakes.15/

I imagine JT will fall in line with what JL uses.

 

[WXman]

Wrangler wheels are all 7.5" width with +44.45 offset (6.1" backspace). The lone exception is the base Sport steel wheels found on rare models.

We assume the Gladiator wheels will be the same specs, though there is some info out there that states that Gladiator wheels will have greater load capacity to handle the hauling/towing needs. This could mean those wheels end up being heavier.

With aftermarket wheels, the ideal spec is 8.5" width and 5.0" backspace. This gives appropriate width for any tire from a 10.50 width to 12.50 width, and it gives just enough clearance to avoid rubbing on suspension components and body trim. This is just the ideal spec...you can tweak it a little and go 4.5" backspace, or 9" width, etc.

 

[bullitt5897]

Here are some helpful articles:

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/learn/offset-backspace

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/learn/bolt-pattern

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/learn/measuring-rim-width

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/learn/wheel-size

 

[12BNNT]

1- jk rims are 16x7.5 on base sport, 17x7.5 on sport S and rubi, and 18x7.5 on Sahara. I believe the JL follows suit. That 7.5” is inside of bead lip to inside of bead lip.

2- bolt pattern on newer jk’s and jl’s is 5 on 5 (or 5 on 127mm) older wranglers were 5 on 4.5 and other Jeep models have various bolt patterns accordingly which is why you see so many options when you search “Jeep wheels”. Narrow your search to 5on5 bolt pattern.

3- I believe jay posted a spec sheet at one time that showed same bolt pattern and sizes for JT but as previously stated, the rims are a bit different to handle higher payload capacities.

Stock rims on jk are +44.45mm (1.75”) offset which is distance from center of the 7.5” rim to mating surface. Backspace is distance from inner edge of bead lip to the mating surface or 5.5”. When ordering custom aftermarket rims, some use backspace and some use offset. Just realize both are going to determine the location of the rim as positioned to the lugs (per se) and some math can determine one number if the other is given and you know the rim width.

For example; I have jk sport S with stock rims and Goodyear Sr-a’s that I use for daily driving and a set of incubus rims 17x9 with -12mm offset for off-roading that have 35x12.5 mud terrains mounted on. By having the -12mm offset (4” backspace) it gives me enough clearance so the taller 35’s don’t rub the sway bar or frame at full turn and the lift kit allows the clearance between the top of the tires and fenders.

The rubicon comes with wider axels than the others so if you have a rubi you could probably go with +12mm offset (5” backspace) and still clear a 35.

I also have a set of stock SportS rims I am putting 285/70 (33”) all terrain tires on so if I can afford to get a JT SportS with the max tow (wide 44 axels) i can use those for daily use and my 35’s for off-road and put the factory rims and smaller tires in the barn for future trade in. If I can afford a JT and stick with the JK for a while, I can run the 33’s but will have to add a 1” spacer to set the rim out a bit further to eliminate tore rub on the frame or sway bars.

Sorry if long winded, but wanted to make it as clear as possible for ya. Hope that help ya understand a bit better.

 

[homerun]

Thanks everyone, that helps. @12BNNT I like long winded when you are being clear and precise. Thanks again. I was thinking about getting off the forum as I haven't learned anything new in a good while. This has helped restore the value of the forum for me. I got some links I need to read up on now.

So two things I missed:

What is everyone's favorite aftermarket place to order wheels?

Do we know the weight of the OEM wheels? I need a starting point to know if I am improving on it or just looking cooler.

 

[12BNNT]

Stock rim width and weight
I have 2 aftermarket rims right now. 5 incubus rims and one American racing. The incubus rim is the ones I have my 35’s on. Bought four 35’s from a guy that bought a full sized truck with them on it and was selling to put less aggressive tires on the truck. They are used but are good knobby mud terrain tires for off-roading. I bought a fifth 35” tire from someone else just to have a full size spare in case I bust a sidewall while out on a trail and it came on the black rim pictured. Still need to move it to my spare incubus rim.

As far as WHERE to buy... that’s up to you. Plenty of places sell rims and you’ll find 3 different places selling the exact same rim at 3 different prices. Shop around.

I bought the 5 incubus rims for $500 off Craigslist from a guy who got a Jeep and was selling the 17’s to put 20’s on it. The used 35” tires I bought from Craigslist also at $50 each and the one on the black rim is brand new never used and I got the rim with it. Some will say to steer clear of used tires and I would also for daily driving but for off-road, I’m gonna tear them up on the trails anyway and $50 each for 70% tread is better than $300 each for new.

 

[12BNNT]

Also you can see in the pic of the stock rim on the scale; 25lbs, 17x7.5 size and 44.45 offset.

 

[Malarkey21]

More questions if anyone is feeling so inclined.

I have read a lot about the pros and cons of steel vs aluminum. I think I want aluminum for weight savings. Although if I could find exceptional light steel that might be better, but I don't think it exists. Anyone know what the weight is on a OEM Rubi wheel, either the standard or the upgraded? What is a good averaged weight for a 17 inch wheel so I know when I am shopping what numbers are light and what is heavy.

Also my plan is to run the factory 33in tires and then upgrade to either 35s or 37s, definitely nothing bigger. Will I be able to get one set of wheels for all 3 tire sizes or would it be best to keep the stock wheel with the 33s and then upgrade wheels and tires at the same time?

As for style I like black or flat black, simple with round holes like this:

Less holes but bigger would be cool.

Welcome to the world of wheels! There is a lot to remember and to look at for wheels other then just diameter and with. back spacing and offset are also very important and can have a major impact on how your vehicle drives.

Jeep JK are 5x5 bolt patterns and same for the JL.

For weight, I did not weight mine but i would say that my aftermarket wheels are a bit lighter then the factory wheels. and my wheel and 35'' duratrac is about 70 to 80 pounds. ( can feel it trying to put it on the tire carrier)

I did a lot of research when getting wheels for my JK and I decided to go with wheels from AEV. From what I could find, their wheels are made specifically for JK or JL (safe guess for JT too). they post their measurements so you could find something similar too. they are designed to work with a lift and also a 35 inch tire but you can also run them with 33's and no lift.

Here is the spec for their JK wheel

And here for the JL.

Link for AEV wheels.
https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/pintler-jeep-jl-wheel/

 

[JTRUBI]

In one of AEVs videos from SEMA they stated the reason why they have a JL and JK specific wheel is because the offset on the JL is less, so the wheel will sit more flush with the Body and that the center cap is opened up more to accommodate the JLs rear view camera ( not an issue for JT owners).

They did mention you can run JK specific wheels on a JL but they would have a more aggressive stance and stick out further. By the specs it looks like it’s 15mm further.

I’m planning to run JK figment Borahs when I get my Gladiator. I like the aggressive fitment it will give it.

Welcome to the world of wheels! There is a lot to remember and to look at for wheels other then just diameter and with. back spacing and offset are also very important and can have a major impact on how your vehicle drives.

Jeep JK are 5x5 bolt patterns and same for the JL.

For weight, I did not weight mine but i would say that my aftermarket wheels are a bit lighter then the factory wheels. and my wheel and 35'' duratrac is about 70 to 80 pounds. ( can feel it trying to put it on the tire carrier)

I did a lot of research when getting wheels for my JK and I decided to go with wheels from AEV. From what I could find, their wheels are made specifically for JK or JL (safe guess for JT too). they post their measurements so you could find something similar too. they are designed to work with a lift and also a 35 inch tire but you can also run them with 33's and no lift.

Here is the spec for their JK wheel

And here for the JL.

Link for AEV wheels.
https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/pintler-jeep-jl-wheel/

 

[homerun]

Thanks for all the help. I still need to do a bit more research on weight as I would really like to be as light as possible without sacrificing quality and durability. Also want to confirm @JTRUBI info on those being the only difference in wheels (no offense, I always learn on the forum and look to verify) but thanks to your input I think I have found my wheels. I love the JK Savegre look from AEV. I know AEV is a good company and like JTRUBI I think I would like the aggressive stance with the wheel sticking out a bit more. Besides my paint not being happy can anyone think of any other drawbacks of a slight wider stance?

 

[JTRUBI]

https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/pintler-jeep-jl-wheel/


Take a look at this. They breakdown everything they needed to do to change the wheel to JL specific wheel.

Thanks for all the help. I still need to do a bit more research on weight as I would really like to be as light as possible without sacrificing quality and durability. Also want to confirm @JTRUBI info on those being the only difference in wheels (no offense, I always learn on the forum and look to verify) but thanks to your input I think I have found my wheels. I love the JK Savegre look from AEV. I know AEV is a good company and like JTRUBI I think I would like the aggressive stance with the wheel sticking out a bit more. Besides my paint not being happy can anyone think of any other drawbacks of a slight wider stance?

 

[chrcal14]

Besides my paint not being happy can anyone think of any other drawbacks of a slight wider stance?

Just the possibility of more attention from police, but the rules for that stuff is state specific and the enforcement is pretty discretionary. Might not be an issue where you live.

In PA... can't stick out at all. But there are hundreds of trucks and Jeeps running around with tires sticking out... including our JK (although it's not obnoxious). Never had a problem.

I would assume unless there's another reason to bother you, they have better things to do.

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