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Post by jmorrisjr on Mar 22, 2005 17:19:03 GMT -5
This may seem like a newbie question, but I guess I am a newbie as this is my first jeep, so there you have it..
Please help the new guy. ;D
My question is about wheel backspacing on after market wheels. I'm running full stock right now but I am looking to modify in the future. With a lift, I would like to put 33 of 35 inch tires on my unlimited. I'm also thinking about 15x10 wheels.
I've heard that when selecting new wheels, the backspacing is critical to prevent ball joint damage.
with that in mind, what is the correct backspacing needed for 15x10s rinning 33 or 35 inch tires?
Also, will correct backspacing allow for the stock spare carrier to be used, or should I plan on replacing that as well?
Thank you!
J
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slpbear
4x4 Enthusiast
It's a Jeep Thing, most people wouldn't understand. 2004 Jeep Wrangler, Rubicon 3.5" lift
Posts: 99
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Post by slpbear on Apr 1, 2005 20:22:43 GMT -5
I do not use wheel spacers, loose a little turning radius with 33x12.50 but not enough to worry. Also get the spare in the tire size your are running. Papabear
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Post by Tujax on May 2, 2005 15:14:49 GMT -5
You need 4" of backspacing for 33s".
You will also need a new spare tire carrier due to the weight of the spare!!
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Post by crawldit on May 2, 2005 18:34:58 GMT -5
Anywhere from 3.75 to 4" should work fine. I run 13.5 wide tires on a 15x10 rim with 3.75 BS. It gives me a very wide/stable stance and zero rubbing anywhere. People have run 33" tires on the stock carrier but it's not advised. Pick yourself up a Bestop carrier for fairly cheap and never worry about it again.
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Post by treeofliberty on May 2, 2005 19:26:11 GMT -5
Ditto the advice on the tire carrier. The dealer from which we bought our Unlimited had one on the lot with a 4" lift and 33x12.5 tires. They had the spar mounted on the stock carrier. It rattled and squeeked horribly. It was also peeling away from the body. This from 50 miles and a couple months on the lot.
You might consider 15x8" wheels. This is what I run. I was leaning toward the 10" wheels until it was pointed out that the 8's work fine and puts a little more rubber between obstacles and the rims. Unless you intend to run wider than 12.5 inch treads, the 15x8's have treated me very well. As soon as I get some onboard air, I'll be able to test the lower bounds of tire pressure. Thus far, I've gone down to 15psi, which produces a very comfortable trail ride.
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Post by crawldit on May 2, 2005 21:59:39 GMT -5
Very true. A 15x8 is a better match for a 12.5 tire if you plan on airing down for the trails. A 15x10 will give you a wider patch from the get go so you won't have to air down as much. Either will work just fine, you just have to take the plunge and choose  If you go with a 15x10 try 3.75" BS, if you get a 15x8 try 4" BS. Happy shopping  |
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Post by treeofliberty on May 3, 2005 8:52:28 GMT -5
Footprint is only part of the reason to air down. Softening the tire allows more give, so you're less likely to punch through. It also softens the ride considerably, and allows the tire to flex to the shape of the terrain, which is almost never pavement-flat.
I've destroyed my fair share of tires offroad. Some were crap, some were BFG AT's, which should have held up, except that they were fully inflated. Since I got into Jeeps, I always air down on the trail, and so far (15k miles) its served me well.
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wulf711
4x4 Enthusiast
Always looking for a Trail!!!!
Posts: 51
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Post by wulf711 on May 12, 2005 7:58:55 GMT -5
another note on airing down is the ability to conform to the obstacle i.e. rocks. If any one climbs it is like a nice soft sole on a climbing shoe that helps get a hold on what ever there is to grip on. Of course if you dont rock climb I am speaking greek....
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If you go with a 15x10 try 3.75" BS, if you get a 15x8 try 4" BS. Happy shopping 
