Looking for direction on wheel choice

[LJDC]

I'm moving to 35s on my 2005 LJ, and I understand that the factory 15" wheels would require spacers, because the tire would extend in both directions from the wheel, and contact the suspension on steering on the inner side. I also understand that there are differing views on whether spacers are a good idea.

Assuming I were to go with new 17" wheels (which would also permit bigger brakes in the future), where do I look for information on proper offset and backspacing to choose wheels? I'm not the first person to put 35s on a TJ, and I'm not the first person to mount KO2s.

 

[The4bangertj]

From asking others not long ago the general consensus was 17s on 35s are the way just from tire choices and a big brake is nice. 7.5-9 wide are the better option with most people running 8in wides. With the selection of wheels in those criteria you’ll find backspacing from 4.25 to 5.5. Most are shooting for the 4in of total backspacing for the clearance of steering and outboards. Most of them all running spacers to get that backspace. Those that run them and ones I even asked for this will probably chime in and specify even better notably @jjvw.

 

[LJDC]

I should add that my preference is to have the tires extend past the (stock) fenders as little as possible (which may not be that little), while maximizing turning radius.

 

[jjvw]

I'm moving to 35s on my 2005 LJ, and I understand that the factory 15" wheels would require spacers, because the tire would extend in both directions from the wheel, and contact the suspension on steering on the inner side. I also understand that there are differing views on whether spacers are a good idea.

Assuming I were to go with new 17" wheels (which would also permit bigger brakes in the future), where do I look for information on proper offset and backspacing to choose wheels? I'm not the first person to put 35s on a TJ, and I'm not the first person to mount KO2s.

So far, I am finding that 35s are nicer on a 17" wheel. The aired down traction is the same, but the stability of the tire is improved.

The backspacing concerns are the same regardless of the wheel size. The goal is to point the SAI at the center of the contact patch. That isn't going to happen with larger tires on stock width axles. The best we are going to get without problematic tire interference is the common ~4" backspacing on a 35 x 12.5" wide tire.

 

[RINC]

So far, I am finding that 35s are nicer on a 17" wheel. The aired down traction is the same, but the stability of the tire is improved.

The backspacing concerns are the same regardless of the wheel size. The goal is to point the SAI at the center of the contact patch. That isn't going to happen with larger tires on stock width axles. The best we are going to get without problematic tire interference is the common ~4" backspacing on a 35 x 12.5" wide tire.

One minor regert I have is with how cheap the 17" takeoffs are. Could have been ahead of the game with being on 17" tires.

 

[97TJNM]

One minor regert I have is with how cheap the 17" takeoffs are. Could have been ahead of the game with being on 17" tires.

True story. But if I knew 20 years ago all the shit I know now, I'd have made many, many better decisions.

Probably wouldn't have had as much fun along the way, though!

 

[jjvw]

One minor regert I have is with how cheap the 17" takeoffs are. Could have been ahead of the game with being on 17" tires.

It's a lot easier to drill a bunch of holes in a $25 JK wheel.

 

[LJDC]

So far, I am finding that 35s are nicer on a 17" wheel. The aired down traction is the same, but the stability of the tire is improved.

The backspacing concerns are the same regardless of the wheel size. The goal is to point the SAI at the center of the contact patch. That isn't going to happen with larger tires on stock width axles. The best we are going to get without problematic tire interference is the common ~4" backspacing on a 35 x 12.5" wide tire.

I would've guessed slightly worse aired-down traction, because there's less tire to flatten out.

So basically the TJ requires -4 backspacing with 35x12.5 tires, and then just choose 17" wheels from there?

I'll be sad to see the old 15" wheels go. I've had them a long time. Does anyone make the old TJ telephone-dial wheels in 17"? Those were cool.

 

[Kerndone]

I was in the same boat as you... all information I could find was 3.75-4" backspacing is ideal. And I had a hell of a time finding 17" wheels with that kind of backspacing.

I also installed a Yukon hub conversion, changing my BP to 5x5.5 and already had dual-drilled rear axle shafts. So I bought Method MR701s - 17x8.5, 5x5.5 BS 4.75 with BFG KM3s 35x12.5. While I haven't fully cycled the suspension to dial everything in, that backspacing isn't causing me any major issues. I needed new steering stops with my new knuckles so I can't really say if I had to tweak them that much from before (33x12.5 on 15x10, BS 3.75).

 

[jjvw]

I would've guessed slightly worse aired-down traction, because there's less tire to flatten out.

...

It might be the difference in modern tire technology. Or the persistence of old wife's tales. Also, a lot of information gets repeated from people doing things where nothing really matters and almost anything will work well enough.

 

[Rickyd]

I'll be sad to see the old 15" wheels go. I've had them a long time. Does anyone make the old TJ telephone-dial wheels in 17"? Those were cool.

Telephone wheels?

 

[RINC]

Telephone wheels?

Porsche had Phone Dial wheels.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Porsche had Phone Dial wheels.


View attachment 417330

Can I get those without that subpar emblem?

 

[LJDC]

Telephone wheels?

This isn’t my Jeep, but I had one just like it. We called them telephone dial wheels at the time.

 

[RINC]

Can I get those without that subpar emblem?

At an extra cost of course.

 

[JMT]

Get something classic like a TJ Moab look-a-like wheel and go get it dirty. Those telephone wheels are so old school it hurts.

 

[Rickyd]

This isn’t my Jeep, but I had one just like it. We called them telephone dial wheels at the time.

View attachment 417340

Thanks for the pic, i don't know what jeep called them. As said before 3.75-4" backspace on an 8" wheel and ignore the light rubbing. Rubicon width flares will help the mud splash a little.

 

[Rickyd]

Can I get those without that subpar emblem?

I think I'd argue they both cost more money than reasonable...

 

[PRNDL]

This isn’t my Jeep, but I had one just like it. We called them telephone dial wheels at the time.

View attachment 417340

I think Jeep called them the Gambler wheels. I like 'em.

 

[LJDC]

Well well well… (not that I’d go for “simulated” beadlocks)