Running 5X5.5" wheels on a TJ

[dirtslinger1]

I have been looking for a set of Walker Evans 15" 5X4.5 wheels for a long time. I was able to finally locate a set of 15" walker evans wheels for a steel, but they are 5X5.5 lug pattern.

Without running adapters, does anyone know if there is a re-drilled front rotor and a rear brake drum available?

 

[Obi-Wan]

How could a re-drilled front rotor work without either an adaptor or hub conversion?

The studs are on the axle hub, not the rotor.

You would have to either get a hub conversion or a set of adaptors.

 

[dirtslinger1]

How could a re-drilled front rotor work without either an adaptor or hub conversion?

The studs are on the axle hub, not the rotor.

Well I guess I missed out on typing a new hub and rotor.

 

[Irun]

New axle shafts on the year, with dual 5 on 4.5 and 5 on 5.5 pattern. Rear brake drum would have to be re-drilled. A machine shop can easily do that.

The front would require a Yukon WU-08 kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078UA05A/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[dirtslinger1]

New axle shafts on the year, with dual 5 on 4.5 and 5 on 5.5 pattern. Rear brake drum would have to be re-drilled. A machine shop can easily do that.

The front would require a Yukon WU-08 kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078UA05A/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Ouch, maybe I need to rethink the wheel adapters

 

[Irun]

Ouch, maybe I need to rethink the wheel adapters

Your problem there will be offset and backspacing. What size tire will you be running and what's the wheel backspace?

 

[dirtslinger1]

Your problem there will be offset and backspacing. What size tire will you be running and what's the wheel backspace?

I'm fairly certain that the 15" walkers had a 4.5" back spacing. I run a 33X12.50 with a 2.5" lift on my TJ

 

[Irun]

I'm fairly certain that the 15" walkers had a 4.5" back spacing. I run a 33X12.50 with a 2.5" lift on my TJ

Keep in mind that any adapter will change three things:

- back spacing, the distance between the wheel mounting surface and inside of the wheel lip, based on the thickness of the spacer
- offset, the distance from the wheel mounting surface and wheel centerline, will also be impacted in the same manner and
- scrub radius, the distance between king pin (steering) axis and the tire centerline

The ultimate impact, without the correct wheel, will be a wheel/tire that sticks out to far and puts excessive load on existing components

The calculator below can help you plug numbers in, so you know where you stand

https://tireswheelsdirect.com/wheel-offset-and-backspace-calculator/