Hi gang, I picked up a set of 35" Nitto Trail Grappler M/T 35X12.50R17E2 tires. I have a 4" lift on my 2011 jeep sahara unlimited manual.

I need to select wheels. I've been told i can fit my tires on 17x8 or 17x9 wheels. Is this correct? I plan on 4 to 4.5 backspacing.

My question, how will 17x8 or 17x9 effect the look and/or ride of my vehicle. Why would i go with one over the other? Will 17x8 raise my jeep a bit higher? Plan on ordering today.

Thanks in advance.
John

 

For what it's worth, mine are 17x9 with 35x12.5's. Only real guidance I can give you is I have worked with tire pressures (from 40# at first put by the tire mounter down to 26-27# now for ride comfort) since putting these on and I am getting near even wear across the tread. I'd think an 8" rim would bow the tread a bit. Not sure of that but I know the 9 does not.

 

I run a 33x12.50R17 on a 17x8 rim. I have had no issues with tread wear running 30-32psi. The only thing I have run into is some tire shops will not mount a 12.50 wide tire on a 8" rim as most tire specs recommend at least a 8.5" wide rim. The tire balloons out alittle more on the sidewalls but I like the look of it, it also adds a little more protection from scuffing up your rims. Also, I have had no issues with sidewall punctures and no issues of losing a bead when I air down to 10-15lbs on trail rides.

 

thanks fellas. I picked up 17x8 black rock 909's (BLACK ROCK 909 BLK 17X8 5X5/5X5.5 4 BS ). They were relatively cheap and had the 4" backspacing i was looking for. I sure hope i dont have any surprises going 8" insstead of 9".

Love the pics guys

 

Those black rocks are gonna look great!

 

Any pics? I'd like to see the end result. I dig those black rock wheels!

 

The rule is the rim should be the same width as the tread. On a 12.5 tire that is usually around 10". But that is for best tread wear. Some say that the smaller rim holds the tire bead better in a low pressure situation .

The purpose of matching the tread is a smaller rim will bow the tread outward so you get more wear, at proper tire pressure, in the center. A wider rim will bow the tread inward and wear more on the edge of the tread.

That said you can reduce the air pressure in your tires to make the tread sit flat on the ground for your 8" rim. The side effect of this is reduction in load carrying capability and reduced MPG. The little jeep weight is well below the rating of the tire so no problems there. The lowered air pressure also makes a smoother ride with only a minute decrease in MPG so it is a good trade-off.

Enjoy your new tires...remember there is no shame in getting up in the middle of the night to go pet them.

 

wheels arrive next week. have to get them put on the 35" Nittos. Will post pics then. Thanks again for the posts!

John

 

Thanks for that write-up toymaster, makes sense. How would I go about finding the right balance of tire pressure with my setup. I want my configuration to be safe while keeping tire wear low.

Thanks again..
John

 

The chalk test:

Use a piece of chalk or sidewalk chalk and draw a line from the inside to the outside perpendicular to the Jeep or tire travel. Straight across the top of the tire, if that makes sense. Now, take the jeep down the road for a few miles and then check to see how the chalk looks. Most of the chalk should be worn, but maybe the outside edge. If only the middle of the line is worn off, then you have too much air. If the entire line is gone, then you could have too little air.