I would like to hear some opinions on rims sizes. Specifically rim widths. I'm looking at getting 17" Method rim with a 4.5" backspacing. This particular rim available in 8",8.5" and 9" widths. I plan on running 35x12.5x17 tires. What are the pros and cons of any of these widths?

 

footprint and the wider the wheel the more it will stick out past the fenders if comparing the same bs. You are really not going to be able to tell a whole lot of difference between those three sizes and would look to your tire manufacture specs when it comes to recommendations. Personally I like a thinner width as you get more tire bulge past the actual wheel for a litttle more protection against rubbing the wheel on obstacles.

 

same sort of question or just thinking out loud. I have 17x9 Raceline monsters (non bead lock) rims sitting in a ups truck 4.5" backspace and -12 offset. I am going to run 35x12.5-17 tires. I was originally thinking I would need that size rim but now I am second guessing and wished I would have went with a narrower rim with less offset. Got a great deal on the rims on a black Friday sale but now I am worried they will stick out too far. My last rims were Pintlers with 5.2 backspacing with +10 offset.
It does seem like a lot of 35x12.5-17 suggest 8.5-11" rims.

 

Very valid point regarding tire bulge protection on a thinner rim. I just installed a Rubicon Express 2.5" lift and have stock fenders still. Fender rub may be a concern with a wider rim but I do not have disconnects, so flexing will be limited by my bump stops for now. Would a wider rim still be an issue or is the 12.5" wide tire foot print the determining factor?

 

Question with this set up are you more or less prone to blow a bead this way or not?

 

It should be harder to break a bead on a more narrow wheel. As far as rubbing on the fenders, it will have more to do with diameter then wheel width. Now rubbing on the frame would be reduced on a wider wheel when comparing the same wheel back spacing.

 

Ok thank you

 

Be honest....how "hardcore" will you be? I run a 17x9 rim with 4.5" backspacing. (I think it is technically 4.6", but close enough, eh?) it is NOT a beadlock and I air down to 15psi. I've yet to lose a bead. My tires are 12" wide. (305/65R17 BFG M/T) the trails I run, for comparison are the ones in southwest colorado, Ouray area. Not overly difficult, 90%+ are doable stock. Some "optional" routes are not doable stock and require at least one locker or better. Unfortunately, I'm 90% pavement and 10% off.

They say a more narrow rim holds the bead better, but will make the center tread crown and wear faster. To combat this, you simply do the chalk test and run a bit less air pressure. No big deal unless you run heavy and/or tow and need air pressures high for said hauling endeavors.

Sent from some string and a few tin cans.

 

What methods are you getting out of curiosity? I just found out I have to have a rim at least 8" to 11" for the tires I just bought. I was going to use my stock ones for awhile, but they are only 7.5. Discount won't mount them like that. Makes sense, but little frustrating for me the wheels aren't wide enough. You'd want to get the width recommended for your tire and if lifted whatever back spacing is recommended.

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Not sure if it matters but I scored 5 Raceline monsters from Discounttiredirect shipped for under $500 which was by far the best price on alloy rims and they are well made quality rims. might not be the greatest looking rim out there but I am going to beat them in the rocks anyway so price was nice.