Wheel/Tire choice
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 286
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From: Naples,Florida
Wheel/Tire choice
I will install Bushwacker flat fender on my JK unlimited this weekend.
After this, without any lift and keeping stock suspension, I will stuff in a wider/taller tire. I decided the tire size to be 33 x 12.5
I am intereted in BFG KM2 or GoodYear MT with Kevlar side walls.
And I now I need to get a set of affordable steel wheel for the new tire.
What size of wheel should I pick?
currently I am thinking 17x9. Do you think it is the right size for my Jk?
Also, what backspace should I choose, 4, 4.5 or 5 inch?
for JK, it seems that if the tire width is bigger than 12 inch, it seems I can only choose wheel >=17inch. And There is a limited choices with wheel width bigger than 9 inch. Therefore, your help is very important to me and I really appreciate
any comment/suggestion
After this, without any lift and keeping stock suspension, I will stuff in a wider/taller tire. I decided the tire size to be 33 x 12.5
I am intereted in BFG KM2 or GoodYear MT with Kevlar side walls.
And I now I need to get a set of affordable steel wheel for the new tire.
What size of wheel should I pick?
currently I am thinking 17x9. Do you think it is the right size for my Jk?
Also, what backspace should I choose, 4, 4.5 or 5 inch?
for JK, it seems that if the tire width is bigger than 12 inch, it seems I can only choose wheel >=17inch. And There is a limited choices with wheel width bigger than 9 inch. Therefore, your help is very important to me and I really appreciate
any comment/suggestion
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Most of the 12.50 wide tires I have seen recommend 8-10 inch wide rims, and most on here would suggest you stay toward the lower side of the suggested range to help keep from losing the bead when aired down off-road.
For the backspace, 4.5 is the highest you should probably go. (which is also the suggestion from just about every lift manufacturer out there...) Some are running wheels with a 5 BS, but if you have a choice, 4-4.5 would be better.
For the wheel size, it's personal preference. A lot of people dropped down to 15's. I went with 16's. Some go up into the 20-24" range. Just be aware that there are issues with calipers rubbing on some 15" rims, and tire prices go up as you increase wheel size. So my suggestion, price a few sets in different sizes. You will likely be able to get 15 or 16 inch wheels & tires for the same price as just the tires for 17+. The other thing you might look at is the load rating on whatever tire you choose. Most 15's are C load, and won't be as stiff. The majority of the 16 on up tires are D or E, and will probably give a noticeably firmer ride. But again, it's preference...
For the backspace, 4.5 is the highest you should probably go. (which is also the suggestion from just about every lift manufacturer out there...) Some are running wheels with a 5 BS, but if you have a choice, 4-4.5 would be better.
For the wheel size, it's personal preference. A lot of people dropped down to 15's. I went with 16's. Some go up into the 20-24" range. Just be aware that there are issues with calipers rubbing on some 15" rims, and tire prices go up as you increase wheel size. So my suggestion, price a few sets in different sizes. You will likely be able to get 15 or 16 inch wheels & tires for the same price as just the tires for 17+. The other thing you might look at is the load rating on whatever tire you choose. Most 15's are C load, and won't be as stiff. The majority of the 16 on up tires are D or E, and will probably give a noticeably firmer ride. But again, it's preference...
Last edited by nthinuf; Dec 14, 2009 at 07:10 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Fountain, CO
Actually, almost every tire I have seen that is 12.50 wide recommends a rim width of at least 8.5. That is why my search has been so difficult. I find many wheels out there I like, but they are often only 8 wide.
So, I have finally settled on a wheel that is 17X9 as well. Smaller width is better when you air down, but I don't want to go smaller than what the tire manufacturer recommends, because then it could be dangerous on the road.
Anyway, good luck with your decision. After you know the benefits of larger/smaller rim diameter, tire size, etc., a lot of it is personal preference, which is why I have been beating myself up over the same thing.
So, I have finally settled on a wheel that is 17X9 as well. Smaller width is better when you air down, but I don't want to go smaller than what the tire manufacturer recommends, because then it could be dangerous on the road.
Anyway, good luck with your decision. After you know the benefits of larger/smaller rim diameter, tire size, etc., a lot of it is personal preference, which is why I have been beating myself up over the same thing.