A question on backspacing, and yes I read the FAQ
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
A question on backspacing, and yes I read the FAQ
Hey guys ... was reading the FAQ on wheel sizes and back spacing. It says:
Q: What back spacing will I need on my wheels in order to clear 12.50 wide tires?
A: I would recommend that you do not exceed 4.75" of back spacing and even at that, you may still have some minor rubbing up front at a full turn. Also, I would recommend that you do not go any less than 3.75" as anything less would cause your tires to stick out very far past the fender flares.
The Method Wheels I was looking at are these: NV | Matte Black Off-road Wheel | Method Race Wheels
Seems like they are only offered in the 5x5 bolt patter in 17x8.5 0/4.75" offset/backspacing .....since this is the upper limit according to the FAQ should I run spacers on these??? and if so what size?
Q: What back spacing will I need on my wheels in order to clear 12.50 wide tires?
A: I would recommend that you do not exceed 4.75" of back spacing and even at that, you may still have some minor rubbing up front at a full turn. Also, I would recommend that you do not go any less than 3.75" as anything less would cause your tires to stick out very far past the fender flares.
The Method Wheels I was looking at are these: NV | Matte Black Off-road Wheel | Method Race Wheels
Seems like they are only offered in the 5x5 bolt patter in 17x8.5 0/4.75" offset/backspacing .....since this is the upper limit according to the FAQ should I run spacers on these??? and if so what size?
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
The numbers in the faq's are guidelines, not set in stone facts.
There can be a fairly sizable variance in height and width between two different tires with the same 'stated' size, as well as differences between two jk's that might 'look' identical, so it would be hard to give a definite yes or no that would apply to all situations.
Assuming a 33x12.50, you should be fine. But, what tire size? (and even which specific tire). Any lift? Factory flares/chopped/flats? Plastic skid still in place? Axles centered? etc.
There can be a fairly sizable variance in height and width between two different tires with the same 'stated' size, as well as differences between two jk's that might 'look' identical, so it would be hard to give a definite yes or no that would apply to all situations.
Assuming a 33x12.50, you should be fine. But, what tire size? (and even which specific tire). Any lift? Factory flares/chopped/flats? Plastic skid still in place? Axles centered? etc.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
The numbers in the faq's are guidelines, not set in stone facts.
There can be a fairly sizable variance in height and width between two different tires with the same 'stated' size, as well as differences between two jk's that might 'look' identical, so it would be hard to give a definite yes or no that would apply to all situations.
Assuming a 33x12.50, you should be fine. But, what tire size? (and even which specific tire). Any lift? Factory flares/chopped/flats? Plastic skid still in place? Axles centered? etc.
There can be a fairly sizable variance in height and width between two different tires with the same 'stated' size, as well as differences between two jk's that might 'look' identical, so it would be hard to give a definite yes or no that would apply to all situations.
Assuming a 33x12.50, you should be fine. But, what tire size? (and even which specific tire). Any lift? Factory flares/chopped/flats? Plastic skid still in place? Axles centered? etc.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Wilbraham, MA
These wheels already have a 4.5" back spacing. You will be all set running them. I have similar wheels, XD Addicts, and they fit great. No rubbing issues at all. You will be good with anything that has a 4.25" or 4.5" back spacing.
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Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
Yea they are 4.75" ... just didnt know if I need to run .5" spacers all around so they are closer to 4.25"
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Those thin spacers that sandwich between the hub and wheel don't have the best reviews, since the lugnuts have that much less thread on the studs to grab onto. Most people here will discourage their use, and recommend a thicker spidertrax type spacer with two sets of bolts.
If you do end up rubbing, figure out where and how bad and then look at your options. Trim/remove the plastic skid, center the axle, trim the flares or bumper, add washers to the steer stops (there is a writeup on this up in the writeups area), whatever you need.
And if you are worried about the backspace/clearance that much, there are plenty of other wheels out there to choose from.
If you do end up rubbing, figure out where and how bad and then look at your options. Trim/remove the plastic skid, center the axle, trim the flares or bumper, add washers to the steer stops (there is a writeup on this up in the writeups area), whatever you need.
And if you are worried about the backspace/clearance that much, there are plenty of other wheels out there to choose from.
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Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
Those thin spacers that sandwich between the hub and wheel don't have the best reviews, since the lugnuts have that much less thread on the studs to grab onto. Most people here will discourage their use, and recommend a thicker spidertrax type spacer with two sets of bolts.
If you do end up rubbing, figure out where and how bad and then look at your options. Trim/remove the plastic skid, center the axle, trim the flares or bumper, add washers to the steer stops (there is a writeup on this up in the writeups area), whatever you need.
And if you are worried about the backspace/clearance that much, there are plenty of other wheels out there to choose from.
If you do end up rubbing, figure out where and how bad and then look at your options. Trim/remove the plastic skid, center the axle, trim the flares or bumper, add washers to the steer stops (there is a writeup on this up in the writeups area), whatever you need.
And if you are worried about the backspace/clearance that much, there are plenty of other wheels out there to choose from.
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: el cajon ca
no spacers!
i wouldnt get spacers, i would just get the right wheel with the offset, i didnt know i even had spacers? they were about 2-3"! and heavy? took them off, wheels never rubbed b4, but i still just dont turn wheel that hard either, theres' less stress on everything. i only get 14mpg! 
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 1
From: Madison, New Jersey
i wouldnt get spacers, i would just get the right wheel with the offset, i didnt know i even had spacers? they were about 2-3"! and heavy? took them off, wheels never rubbed b4, but i still just dont turn wheel that hard either, theres' less stress on everything. i only get 14mpg!