I am currently in the parts gathering stage for a manual hub conversion and installation of a Vanco 16" Big Brake Kit on my '06 LJ Rubicon.
The 16" brakes will preclude the use of most if not all 15" wheels unless I settle for less than 3.75" of backspace which will result in the dreaded "skateboard" look and may necessitate mudflaps to keep law enforcement at bay. In other words, 15" wheels are not an option.
My remaining options are: (1) Stay with 16", in which case I keep my existing tires and have them mounted on new wheels with a 5x5.5 lug pattern and 4.0" backspacing; or (2) Go to a 17x9 wheel with the new lug pattern and treat myself to new 35" tires.
Questions re 17x9 wheels on a TJ:
What backspacing will I need with 35x12.50 tires (or 315/70R16, the metric equivalent)? I have found a several wheels with 4.5" backspacing but most are 5" or more. A handful are 3.5. I do not want to use wheel adapters or spacers.
Phrased another way: Will 4.5" backspacing work for 35x12.50 tires mounted on 17x9 wheels used on a TJ with 4"+ lift and stock fenders?
I suspect that 4.5 backspacing will work with this combination but would like to hear it from someone with personal knowledge because five 17x9 wheels + tires isn't inexpensive.
Questions re 35x12.50R17 and 315/70R17 tires:
Most this size are D load rated, only the Goodyear MTR with Kevlar is C load rated. Let's avoid the C vs. D debate, I know it well, what I'd like to know is whether any forum members are using these two tires sizes and if so:
What are you running?
What has been a positive about your tire choice and what has been a negative?
What wheels are you using?
The 16" brakes will preclude the use of most if not all 15" wheels unless I settle for less than 3.75" of backspace which will result in the dreaded "skateboard" look and may necessitate mudflaps to keep law enforcement at bay. In other words, 15" wheels are not an option.
My remaining options are: (1) Stay with 16", in which case I keep my existing tires and have them mounted on new wheels with a 5x5.5 lug pattern and 4.0" backspacing; or (2) Go to a 17x9 wheel with the new lug pattern and treat myself to new 35" tires.
Questions re 17x9 wheels on a TJ:
What backspacing will I need with 35x12.50 tires (or 315/70R16, the metric equivalent)? I have found a several wheels with 4.5" backspacing but most are 5" or more. A handful are 3.5. I do not want to use wheel adapters or spacers.
Phrased another way: Will 4.5" backspacing work for 35x12.50 tires mounted on 17x9 wheels used on a TJ with 4"+ lift and stock fenders?
I suspect that 4.5 backspacing will work with this combination but would like to hear it from someone with personal knowledge because five 17x9 wheels + tires isn't inexpensive.
Questions re 35x12.50R17 and 315/70R17 tires:
Most this size are D load rated, only the Goodyear MTR with Kevlar is C load rated. Let's avoid the C vs. D debate, I know it well, what I'd like to know is whether any forum members are using these two tires sizes and if so:
What are you running?
What has been a positive about your tire choice and what has been a negative?
What wheels are you using?
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