Factory 7.5 wide vs aftermarket 8.5

[WhyNotJeep]

I have the popular 315-70-17 BFG KO2's on my factory wheels and notice some minor bowing in the tread, not bad. A 8.5 wide wheel would probably make the tire tread flatter. The added 1 inch would be on the outside, same backspace. I do like the look of Method machine finish wheels. Just wonder if adding the inch is also a good reason to spend the $$$. Any downsides?

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[Renegade]

I’d pay a little for an extra inch…

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

You sure you can find 8.5" wide wheels with 6" backspacing? That's not very common with aftermarket wheels.

Downsides would be keeping it clean and a it's a little harder on your unit bearings.

 

[Mac]

BFG does not recommend mounting their 315/70/17 on a 7.5” wide wheel.
Look for a 17x8.5 wheel with +25 offset.

 

[Griepp06]

BFG does not recommend mounting their 315/70/17 on a 7.5” wide wheel.
Look for a 17x8.5 wheel with +25 offset.

what size can you mount on a stock rim and be around 35"? or is it more a manufacturer thing?

 

[Mac]

what size can you mount on a stock rim and be around 35"? or is it more a manufacturer thing?

Toyo makes a 35x11.5x17 and Kenda makes a 35x10.5x17 both are recommended by the manufacturer for 7.5” wide rims.

 

[John in the Woods]

I’ve been running 35x12.5 KO2s on my factory Ruby rims for 32k miles, with no issues. Air down on trails no problem. Definitely a little crown in mine too, but all seems well. You’ll find lots of posts on here from folks who’ve run 35s on factory rims for years.

Manufacturer is recommending a best practice, and trying to avoid hearing from people if the tires wear to much in the middle. Can’t blame them at all.

That said, if you’ve got the cash, I’d go for the 8.5 inch rim. Better for the tire, and a little more poke outside is a plus for me. Also, it sets you up nicely for 37s when the first set wears out!

I know that’s what I’m planning.

 

[WhyNotJeep]

I am spending money like a madman so I better cool it for a while. Eventually get some 8.5s.

 

[Hootbro]

what size can you mount on a stock rim and be around 35"? or is it more a manufacturer thing?

Need to refer what the manufacturer recommends. Part of the confusion of going to larger width tires in the 12.5" range on factory 7.5" width wheels stems from a few charts that places like Discount Tire put out that says you can do it even though many if not most tire manufactures do not recommend it.

That being said there is tons of anecdotal examples of people running 12.5" width tires on factory 7.5" wheels with no issue.

 

[WhyNotJeep]

There is probably no big reason to go to 8.5s with a 35 other than you want a different look, more personalized. There may even be more arguement that a 7.5 is less likely to loose a bead and flex better with low PSI with more rim protection. But the factory rims look, well, factory. We get Jeeps to make them personal.

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