Hi and Happy New Year. Just purchased a silver, 2012 Sport Hardtop and I love it. I would like to change out the wheels and tires but due to a new car payment I can only afford the wheels. What wheel size will work with the P255/75R17 tires that will allow me to replace with a larger tire at a later time? I have been told the stock backspace is 6.25" and If I go with a 4.5" backspace the wheels will be pushed too far out and look goofy. This is all pretty confusing to me. Any advice is welcome.

 

Well how big of a tire do you want to move up too?

 

Thanks for the reply, lookin to go with 33" tires, don't want to do a lift if possible. This jeep stays mostly on pavement.

 

I first installed my tires and wheels on (XD Addicts and 275/70/17) stock Rubicon suspension and I did not like the look. The front rake becomes more prominant. It looks much better with my lift. At the very least I would install a 1 inch front spacer to eliminate the front rake.

 

4.5" backspacing is pretty standard. Lots of people go to rims with 4.5" backspacing for a more aggressive look and for the clearance it offers compared to stock backspacing.

 

Can you suggest a wheel size that will work with the stock tires that will allow for larger tires in a few years. I believe the stock wheels are 17x7.5.

 

17X7.5 to probably 17X9 if you go much wider the stock rubber is going to like a racer boy car, probably will anyway with 9".

 

You may have troubles finding a shop to "stretch" the 255's onto a 9" wide rim. I had the same thought when new, but I gave up. I would probably look for an 8.5" wide rim, it would be good for tires to 12.5 " (315 or 325) in the future and should also let you use your stock tires for now. Back spacing is preference on how far out you want the tires to stick passed the flares.