Truth on wheel spacers

[rockbottom]

Ok
Lots of opinions on 16” tj or 17” newer moab style wheels
I see all the more options on 17” tires but see many acceptable 16” tires

So what is the pros and cons of wheel adapter/spacers if you got to 17” wheels

Wondering about the mechanical issues not more tire size choices

Its not clear to me on all the offset and adapter comments I read about rubbing etc

Im running 33x12.5 Ion alloy wheels with 4” lift

I prefer the moab look

Whats a guy supposed to do?

 

[TheBoogieman]

No pros or cons if you use quality wheel spacers. I always used 1.5" Titan Wheel Accessories spacers when I needed them.

 

[JMT]

Ok
Lots of opinions on 16” tj or 17” newer moab style wheels
I see all the more options on 17” tires but see many acceptable 16” tires

So what is the pros and cons of wheel adapter/spacers if you got to 17” wheels

Wondering about the mechanical issues not more tire size choices

Its not clear to me on all the offset and adapter comments I read about rubbing etc

Im running 33x12.5 Ion alloy wheels with 4” lift

I prefer the moab look

Whats a guy supposed to do?

You just want to aim for around 4” BS. Most use a thread lock on the wheel spacers. That’s all.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

You don't need wheel spacers when you simply buy wheels with the correct amount of backspacing.

For 33x12.50 tires wheels that have 4" or less backspacing like 3.75" which is a common amount will work perfectly with NO need for spacers. Ignore the Offset dimension given for some wheels, just be concerned with their backspacing which is what's important on a Wrangler. 4" or 3.75" are both perfect amounts of Backspacing for a 12.5" wide tire.

For a 33" size tire I'd either stay with 15" wheels or go with 17", though I'd prefer the look of the traditional 15" size. There are fewer wheels and tires available in 16" sizes and they usually sell for more $$$. You need to insure whatever tires you buy have the correct/appropriate Load Range C and most 16" tires will only be available with stiffer D or E Load Ranges.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

This is the poke you get with a 33x12.5x15 with 3.5 inch backspacing, no spacers.

 

[CreepinDeth]

So what is the pros and cons of wheel adapter/spacers if you got to 17” wheels

Im using 17” 2022 Sahara rims on mine with no issues
I have a 2.5” Rancho lift I just put on it also

Obviously the TJ has 4.5 lug pattern that isnt compatible with newer Jeeps, so Im using wheel spacers strictly to convert to the newer Jeep lug pattern

These are the JKU rims I just took off that I got from a buddy. I didnt like Mud terrain tires for street use

 

[LONGJP2]

Ok
Lots of opinions on 16” tj or 17” newer moab style wheels
I see all the more options on 17” tires but see many acceptable 16” tires

So what is the pros and cons of wheel adapter/spacers if you got to 17” wheels

Wondering about the mechanical issues not more tire size choices

Its not clear to me on all the offset and adapter comments I read about rubbing etc

Im running 33x12.5 Ion alloy wheels with 4” lift

I prefer the moab look

Whats a guy supposed to do?

If mounted correctly, there's really no issues with spacers/adapters.
So, it's mostly aesthetics.
Pick a wheel you like and use (or don't use) a spacer to put it where you want it.
If you go offroad, remember the bigger the wheel the less sidewall you have which can affect performance.