I am new to this forum, but not new to Wranglers. Currently I have a 2007 JK Sahara and looking to buy wheels and tires and trying to make the best long term decision...

Right now I am going with either 285/70/17 or 305/70/17 (Depending on whether or not I decide to lift an inch or two right now) However, in the future, I want the flexibility to run 35x12.50's and/or 315/70/17 on the wheels that I purchase now. So, the dilema is should I go with a 17x8 with 4.875 backspacing, even though most manufacturers recommend an 8.5 width for the 12.50's or is the 17x9 with 4.5 backspacing the best option?

I prefer the style of the 17x8's that I am looking at better than the 17x9's, however I do not want unsafe road conditions with 12.50's on an 8" wheel. I am also concerned about the possibility of needing the extra offset the 17x9's provide since 12.50's in the future may be a little tight (by my calculations the 4.875 backspacing with 12.50's will only allow for about an extra 1/4" clearance on the inside of the wheel from the factory wheels with 6.25" backspacing and tires). Not sure how I feel about having to add spacers if necessary with the 12.50's either. Feel free to chime in there too.

I don't do a lot of 4-wheeling...Mostly snow and light trails...No crawling, etc. Trying to manage basic on and off road practicality with some style. So, your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

 

i have 17 x 9 with a budget lift and i have had no problems with daily driving and light 4x4 and trailing 315/70/17

 

Sell the stockies and get new wheels/tires. 17x9 is what i'd go with.

 

I'd go for the 17x9", but that's based solely on the backspacing. I don't like the idea of spacers (yes, lots of people use them, it's just not for me), so I'd buy based on the backspacing. As far as the width is concerned, you'd be fine to run an 8" wide wheel.

 

You used the term unsafe......Around here people run 315's 0n 8 in rims all the time. I check a tire site and it says Recommended rim width is 8-10 inches. So...No an 8 in rim is not unsafe

 

A narrower wheel gives you a couple of advantages off road. The first is the ability to air down your tires with less chance of popping a bead. The second is that the tire will bulge more at the sidewall protecting your wheels from rocks, stumps, etc. An 8 inch wheel is ideal for 12.50" wide tires. Backspacing in the 4.5" range would also be ideal.

 

Is there any advantages in going with a 16 or 17 inch wheel?

Thanks,
Jason

 

Tires are cheaper for the 16" wheels. I went with 17" because the wheels I wanted aren't available in a 16" size. There can be some figment issues with aftermarket track bar, tie rod, etc. so I decided against the 15" wheels.