Wheels with 5" backspacing
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, AZ
Wheels with 5" backspacing
I am planning on putting on some 285 or 295/75/16 tires in the next few weeks. The wheels I like best have a 5" backspace. I know the ideal wheel backspace is 4 1/2". I'm thinking I will be fine with my tire choice with a 5" backspace. But what if I decide to go with a 315 in a couple of years when the 285 or 295s wear out? Will a 5" backspce work then (and with a 295)? I plan on lifting mine about 2" real soon, and if I go to 315s in the future, I would replace that 2" lift with a larger lift or add a body lift. But I don't want to buy wheels twice.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Browse here, if you haven't already:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...74&postcount=3
The 295's are appx 11.5" wide, you should be fine with the 5.0 backspace. How wide are the 35's you're looking at? If you go to a 12.50+, you may be doing some trimming or bringing the steer stops in.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...74&postcount=3
The 295's are appx 11.5" wide, you should be fine with the 5.0 backspace. How wide are the 35's you're looking at? If you go to a 12.50+, you may be doing some trimming or bringing the steer stops in.
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. Any back spacing within this range should work out great.
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. Any back spacing within this range should work out great.
Last edited by nthinuf; Aug 13, 2009 at 02:38 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
I have 5' Backspacing on my wheels and I am running a 35x13.5 in wide tires and I only rubbed on the plastic air dam on the front, so I just ripped it off and it looks alot better anyway! 
You should be good
You should be good