I am about to buy some new steel wheels. I am debating a 17x8 with 4.0 back spacing and a 17x8 with 4.5 back spacing. My rubi presently has the stock wheels and tires. I want to run the stock BFG KM's for a while but hope to be able to go up to a larger tire later. I would like to go with a BFG KM2 in a 285/75/17 or 285/70/17. These tires are 33.9 and 33 inches in height as I prefer a taller and thinner tire, the 285/75/17 would be my first choice. Ultimately I would like to be able to get a taller tire on the Jeep while not rubbing and trying to stay within the stock fender flares.

I know the stock wheels with their 6.25 inches of back spacing pose problems and I don't want to run spacers. So I am wondering which steel wheel would better meet my long term goal of taller while still within the fender flares? The 4.0 BS or the 4.5 BS?

Thanks!!!

 

I'm sure either will fit completely under your stock flares. I had some steel 16X8 Crager Streetlocks wheels that were around 5.25" backspacing and the tires stuck out a little (less than an inch). Either way you'll have some tire sticking out. The good news is that with the tall skinny look you like, there will be a little less than the avg person has with 12.50 wide tires.

 

Yup either will work fine. I run 305/70's with a wheel that as 4.75" BS and don't rub on the inner part of the tire against any suspension components.

I do occasionally hit the flares as my tires are wide, and have not lifted anything yet.

Kevin

 

With either a 4.0" or 4.5" back space you will get some poke beyond your stock flares. 4.5" will poke a 1/2" less than a 4.0".

 

Thanks for the advice. I have decided to do the 4.5" BS. I made some measurements and used some graph paper to draw up some scale estimates and the 4.5 should be about perfect. I enquired about custom made steel wheels and the most positive offset that could be added was 6mm (1/4"). So to me the added expense of custom over such a small gain would not be worth it.