15 Inch Wheels
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 10
From: Georgia
The only thing that backspacing affects is how far inside or outside the rim itself will sit in relation to the wheel center. Please see this:
http://www.tirefactory.com/img/offset.gif
As you can see from the illustration, a negative offset (the wheel on the right) is what is needed to accomodate the front calipers. Just how much, is still up in the air. At least, I have not seen anyone with concrete figures. Backspacing has literally nothing to do with hitting the caliper. What needs to be done is to measure exactly how far the caliper protrudes outside of the front hub. Then, select an appropriate amount of negative offset to achieve enough room to clear the caliper. That amount of negative offset would of course be greater than the amount that the caliper protrudes to achieve clearance.
http://www.tirefactory.com/img/offset.gif
As you can see from the illustration, a negative offset (the wheel on the right) is what is needed to accomodate the front calipers. Just how much, is still up in the air. At least, I have not seen anyone with concrete figures. Backspacing has literally nothing to do with hitting the caliper. What needs to be done is to measure exactly how far the caliper protrudes outside of the front hub. Then, select an appropriate amount of negative offset to achieve enough room to clear the caliper. That amount of negative offset would of course be greater than the amount that the caliper protrudes to achieve clearance.
Last edited by RedneckJeep; Mar 3, 2008 at 10:41 PM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: tampa
The only thing that backspacing affects is how far inside or outside the rim itself will sit in relation to the wheel center. Please see this:
http://www.tirefactory.com/img/offset.gif
As you can see from the illustration, a negative offset (the wheel on the right) is what is needed to accomodate the front calipers. Just how much, is still up in the air. At least, I have not seen anyone with concrete figures. Backspacing has literally nothing to do with hitting the caliper. What needs to be done is to measure exactly how far the caliper protrudes outside of the front hub. Then, select an appropriate amount of negative offset to achieve enough room to clear the caliper. That amount of negative offset would of course be greater than the amount that the caliper protrudes to achieve clearance.
http://www.tirefactory.com/img/offset.gif
As you can see from the illustration, a negative offset (the wheel on the right) is what is needed to accomodate the front calipers. Just how much, is still up in the air. At least, I have not seen anyone with concrete figures. Backspacing has literally nothing to do with hitting the caliper. What needs to be done is to measure exactly how far the caliper protrudes outside of the front hub. Then, select an appropriate amount of negative offset to achieve enough room to clear the caliper. That amount of negative offset would of course be greater than the amount that the caliper protrudes to achieve clearance.
well my -38's did not work.
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 2
From: Alameda, California
''''' Whatever''''' Measure to you hearts content . While your at it, why don't you make a cardboard template or a plaster cast and post some pictures of them and your mathematical findings. Then all of us will know which wheels fit what !
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 2
From: Alameda, California
You know'''''''''' Most of the wheel manufacturers cant.... or wont even tell you if the shit they make will fit your jeep. I get what your saying but most people just want a yes or a no simple answer to will it fit ? I am retired now but owned a construction co. for most of my career. I know how to read a tape. Now how about that plaster cast you were going to supply us?
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 10
From: Georgia
You know'''''''''' Most of the wheel manufacturers cant.... or wont even tell you if the shit they make will fit your jeep. I get what your saying but most people just want a yes or a no simple answer to will it fit ? I am retired now but owned a construction co. for most of my career. I know how to read a tape. Now how about that plaster cast you were going to supply us?
As of yet, no one makes a 15" wheel specifically for the JK. since they came with 16" wheels as the smallest, they may never. It's a very simple process to measure to determine which wheel will work. Just from reading ALL of the other threads on this, I have come to the conclusion that a wheel with -19mm offset with 3.75-4.00" of backspacing WILL work with no rubbing the caliper. Am I certain without measuring? Almost, but not 100%.
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Florida Hill Country (Tallahassee)
How are you supposed to test fit? Buy one wheel? Then the problem that may occur would relate to the tire offset which is a function of backspcing and wheel width AND tire width.