Jeep Wrangler TJ Full Electric Conversions

JK wheels on a TJ

I've been running JK wheels for a really long time. Pintlers, to be exact. I've had one issue and that was my own fault. I got in a hurry and forgot to check lug torque on the adapter. IF you're going to run JK or JL wheels, you'll need an adapter of some sort. They just don't have the offset/backspacing for a TJ. The wheels will be too far inboard.
1773668745891.webp


That being said, I've been looking to get some new wheels myself. I finally found a set that meets all my conditions (17" Diameter, between 8-9" in width, 4" ± .25 backspacing, and 5 x 4.5 PCD). There are not that many out there, and almost nothing you can get new, short of some custom stuff from Method or Trail Ready. However, if you are open to used wheels, there are a few more. AEV made TJ wheels (Bridger and a Pintler, both with a 5 x 4.5 and the 4" BS). Walker Evans Beadlocks were also available in 17" with a 5 x 4.5 and 3.75-4" backspacing. That is what I found recently and decided to jump on. Everything that is "correct" for a TJ and 17" diameter is tough to get your hands on.

1773668882840.webp



Going with a 16" wheel opens up quite a few more options, but it limits tire choices quite a bit.
 
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Mike_H said:
I've been running JK wheels for a really long time. Pintlers, to be exact. I've had one issue and that was my own fault. I got in a hurry and forgot to check lug torque on the adapter. IF you're going to run JK or JL wheels, you'll need an adapter of some sort. They just don't have the offset/backspacing for a TJ. The wheels will be too far inboard. View attachment 677543

That being said, I've been looking to get some new wheels myself. I finally found a set that meets all my conditions (17" Diameter, between 8-9" in width, 4" ± .25 backspacing, and 5 x 4.5 PCD). There are not that many out there, and almost nothing you can get new, short of some custom stuff from Method or Trail Ready. However, if you are open to used wheels, there are a few more. AEV made TJ wheels (Bridger and a Pintler, both with a 5 x 4.5 and the 4" BS). Walker Evans Beadlocks were also available in 17" with a 5 x 4.5 and 3.75-4" backspacing. That is what I found recently and decided to jump on. Everything that is "correct" for a TJ and 17" diameter is tough to get your hands on.

View attachment 677544


Going with a 16" wheel opens up quite a few more options, but it limits tire choices quite a bit.
Click to expand...

The Pintlers you got on in the first pic also looks quite nice!
 
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For what its worth, I did a quick AI search through co-pilot for a 17" wheel with a 8-9 inch width, 3.75-4.25" backspacing, and a 5x4.5 PCD...

This is the result:

✅
Specs:

  • Diameter: 17"
  • Width: 9" (within your 8–9" requirement)
  • Backspacing: 4.25" (top of your 3.75–4.25 range)
  • PCD: 5 × 4.5"
  • Construction: Steel, off‑road rated
  • Finish: Gloss Black
Source: The Pro Comp 97 Series 17x9 wheel is explicitly listed with
5 on 4.5 bolt pattern, 4.25" backspacing, and 9-inch width. [4wheelparts.com]

Product link:
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/pro-c...-pattern-gloss-black-97-7965/_/R-FPWF-97-7965

👍 Optional Alternative (meets most specs)​

Trail-Gear 17" Aluminum Beadlock Wheel​

  • Diameter: 17"
  • PCD: 5 on 4.50"
  • Backspacing: 3.75" (bottom of your range)
  • Width: Not listed in excerpt (likely 8 or 9, but not confirmed)
Source: The listing shows 17", 5×4.50, and 3.75" backspace. [trail-gear.com]

Product page:
https://trail-gear.com/wheels/17-al...n-4-50-w-3-75-bs-polished-segmented-ring.html

📌​

If you want a wheel that 100% satisfies all four of your requirements (17" / width 8–9 / backspace 3.75–4.25 / PCD 5×4.5), the Pro Comp 97 Series 17x9, 4.25" BS, 5×4.5 is the perfect match.
 
Hasselblad said:
New TJ bearing units with JK spacing maybe?
Click to expand...

Do they have the same spline count? The JK & Dana 30 knuckles are very similar, but I don't know if they are identical enough to accept the same exact unit bearing. You'd still have to solve for the rear axle. You'd have to replace the entire axle shaft with the correct bolt pattern, and also either your rotor or drum will also need to change to match. Which reminds me, using a JK unit bearing would also require a new front rotor as well.
 
hear said:
Do they have the same spline count? The JK & Dana 30 knuckles are very similar, but I don't know if they are identical enough to accept the same exact unit bearing. You'd still have to solve for the rear axle. You'd have to replace the entire axle shaft with the correct bolt pattern, and also either your rotor or drum will also need to change to match. Which reminds me, using a JK unit bearing would also require a new front rotor as well.
Click to expand...

They do not. JK unit bearings are 30 spline and TJ are 27. Even if you could swap in a JK bearing, the TJ still won't have the right axle width/offset combination to not be into the springs, control arms and sway bar.

AND...you have the rear axle issue as well.
 
The4bangertj said:
https://www.currie4x4.com/currie-44...MMuMjfI6VNlEO5IZYavo6069-3AhG1UBoCv7kQAvD_BwE
Click to expand...

I'll explain this one to my wife: I need to spend $6K on an axle so I can save some money on wheels! :unsure:

I also agree that using an adapter shouldn't be done unless there's a reason other than saving a few dollars to put the wrong wheels on. I didn't plan well with my build: I have a TJ width currie 44 on the front. I was running 35's at the time, and didn't plan on 37's.

A few years later, decided to move to 37's. So bought a Currie 60 for the rear with JK bolt pattern since there are very few 17" wheels that will fit a TJ. So ended up using TJ to JK wheel adapters on the front only.

You will find very few (none?) 17" wheels that will fit a TJ. So if you want to move to a 17" wheel, you will likely have to use the TJ to JK adapters.

Though it is tempting since there are plenty of JK/JL take offs. A few years ago I got nearly brand new JL wheels with street tires that someone was giving away. She just wanted them gone quickly. You can often find take offs with brand new tires for around $400 - $500.

Though I'll note that I did have a tire shop break one of my adapters trying to get it off. Of course, they wouldn't pay for a new adapter, so I had to find some in a hurry. Probably less of a problem if you're doing your own work or have a tire shop that actually knows what they're doing.
 
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