Offset/backspace tolerances with a 3" lift

[RedChili]

I'm looking to pick up a new set of wheels (Method 70somthings) in a 17 x 8.5 with a set of KO2's in 35 x 12.5 (or 315 x 70?). I thought I had all of the offset and backspacing straightened out, but then I read something else about lift kits needed a 4.5 inch backspace or you'd get wheels touching suspension parts and then I'd start to second guess again.

So my question is a matter of fitment. I have a 2022 Gladiator Rubicon. I'll be getting a 3 inch trail lift from Fabtech installed in mid September. That lift kit, on the website notes, several wheel and tire size combos along with how much potential trimming or cutting might be needed, I'm assuming on the fender. But their suggested(?) spacing shows 4.5 for back spacing. None of the wheels I'm looking at has a back spacing of 4.5. They are all 4.75 with a 0 offset. If I go with a positive offset then the spacing number increases to 5.78. From my understanding this means that the tire/wheel will be closer to the suspension components the higher that number goes. So while I'd love to have less poke, I'll live with it as I don't want the wheels/tires to be rubbing on the suspension parts.

So will these wheels work with the 0 offset/4.75 back space, or is the .25 inch difference enough to cause problems? I think some of the models and colors have a 17 x 9 with a -12 offset/4.6 backspace, which is even closer, but again, I'm not sure how close those numbers have to be in order work. Maybe I just need to ditch the Methods and go for a different wheel, but I like those wheels!

Sponsored

 

[offroad_source]

You'll Want a 17" Wheel with a -12 Offset. The others will work, but you may end up needing spacers, or risk rubbing components such as the sway bar etc. The reason for this is that 12.5 Inch wide tire, if you run a skinnier tire any of those wheels should work with no problem.

If you want a reference on what others are running in that size just check out our gallery https://offroad-source.com/gallery/

 

[RedChili]

Thank you very much for the information. I had not come across that site so that was very helpful as well. Much Appreciated!

 

[Rusty PW]

You'll Want a 17" Wheel with a -12 Offset. The others will work, but you may end up needing spacers, or risk rubbing components such as the sway bar etc. The reason for this is that 12.5 Inch wide tire, if you run a skinnier tire any of those wheels should work with no problem.

If you want a reference on what others are running in that size just check out our gallery https://offroad-source.com/gallery/

Is that a -12 offset on a 8.5" or a 9" wide rim? That's a 1/4" difference between them

 

[offroad_source]

Is that a -12 offset on a 8.5" or a 9" wide rim? That's a 1/4" difference between them

9" Wide i see that he said 17X8.5.

 

[Rusty PW]

9" Wide i see that he said 17X8.5.

I'm planning on running 37x12.5-17's on a 8.5" rim. I don't want it to rub on anything. But don't want it to poke too much because of state law.

 

[RedChili]

Method has a 701 in a 17 x 9 with a -12 offset. It shows a backspace of 4.6. In looking at all of the information out there about back spacing and offsets and diameters, I am really surprised that there aren't a ton of options with 4.5 backspacing. I mean there are plenty out there, but I guess I just thought there would be more, given the popularity of the platform and lifts, etc.

Maybe, though, I'm way off it what I think is popular versus what is actually popular...which would not be a first for me, at least according to my kids!

 

[Alans17]

Is that a -12 offset on a 8.5" or a 9" wide rim? That's a 1/4" difference between them

Offset is offset. I don’t think wheel width matters much unless you have so much backspace that the wheel is hitting the calipers?

 

[SuperUltraMan]

I can say that anyone wanting a beadlock capable wheel with little/no outside of fender “poke” can use the AEV Borah. It’s good up to a 37” tire but I had to use spacers to get clearance for larger tires (38s and now 40s).
The Borah is good up to a 40”.

 

[Randonexplosion]

37s clear just fine on a 17x8.5 with 0 offset on my Rubicon.

37s also clear just fine on stock Mojave wheels on my wife's truck. We have have only driven hers on the street since the 37s though.

 

[CrazyCooter]

You should be fine with a 4.75 or 5.75? I see a Rubi in your profile?

I ran a 37x12.50 and now a 38x12.50 on a Method 313 17x8.5 4.75BS without any clearance issues and I have my bumps optimized for full usable travel. Nothing hits control arms or sway bars at full lock or stuff.

Choose the 4.75 if you want the tire 1" outside the fender or the 5.75 for almost an exact flush fit in the fender.

This is with the 313's 4.75BS "0" offset and 12.50 tire.

 

[offroad_source]

Method has a 701 in a 17 x 9 with a -12 offset. It shows a backspace of 4.6. In looking at all of the information out there about back spacing and offsets and diameters, I am really surprised that there aren't a ton of options with 4.5 backspacing. I mean there are plenty out there, but I guess I just thought there would be more, given the popularity of the platform and lifts, etc.

Maybe, though, I'm way off it what I think is popular versus what is actually popular...which would not be a first for me, at least according to my kids!

If your looking for more wheels specs and information on the 701s, Heres our link to those wheels.

https://offroad-source.com/search/?...Jeep$2520Wheels/filter:custom_backspacing:4.6


4.5" backspacing or more is what your looking for to comfortably ride a 12.5 Inch Wide Tire.

Those are all 4.6" so it fits the criteria.

Hope i've helped and that you enjoy your Method Wheels, we love them also!

 

[Rusty PW]

You should be fine with a 4.75 or 5.75? I see a Rubi in your profile?

I ran a 37x12.50 and now a 38x12.50 on a Method 313 17x8.5 4.75BS without any clearance issues and I have my bumps optimized for full usable travel. Nothing hits control arms or sway bars at full lock or stuff.

Choose the 4.75 if you want the tire 1" outside the fender or the 5.75 for almost an exact flush fit in the fender.

This is with the 313's 4.75BS "0" offset and 12.50 tire.

This I can live with. And I won't have a problem with the state inspection.

 

[CrazyCooter]

This I can live with. And I won't have a problem with the state inspection.

Only exception for you is the Fox 2.5's..........With the 5.75's you may have clearance issues with the 90° fitting ion the front shocks if you are really flexed out.

Note how it just kisses with the Stt Pro 37's.

 

[Tommyd]

Contact your lift company and ask them they will recommend your the right backspacing

Sponsored