Not a happy camper . Finally had the JK delivered on Friday and took today off to have the wheels and tires installed. I had purchased both from a local vendor (not to be mentioned) over two weeks ago to ensure that I would have everything ready for when the Jeep was delivered. I purchased the Cragar Soft 8's 15x8 with the Goodyear MTRs 31x10.50. I was assured by the tech that these would fit the 07 JK.

Just before going to the shop to have them installed, I happened to catch a thread here talking about the Cragars and spacing. I got nervous thinking that the wheels were not going to fit the JK as they did on the 06 TJ. I was right to be nervous. The wheels were no where close to fitting. Even spacers would not help. The brake caliper will not slip inside the barrel of the 15" rim. The only solution offered by the shop was to purchase the 16x8's (which have to be ordered) and change the tires to the 265/75R16's (also not in stock). Does this sound right or am I missing something ? Please help a newbie.

 

We have only been able to fit 15x8's by using 1-1/4" spacers.

 

That is why you can only get 16-18" wheels on a JK. Some people have had success with 15's but it is extremely tight. I wouldn't even try them.

 

Erm... I am running this configuration without issue. Cragar Soft 8 15x8's w/ 4" backspacing. It is very tight (probably 1/8" clearance or less in some spots) but it doesn't rub.

 

Are you sure yours have 4.0 inches of backspacing? They also sell those wheels with 4.75 inches of backspacing.

Summit Racing lists the part # for the ones with 4 in. backspacing as #CRR-3975812. (These are the ones that mmccurdy posted pics of)

They list the part# for the ones with 4.75 in. backspacing as #CRR-3975812P. (These probably won't fit the JK and maybe the ones you have?)

EDIT: SORRY, THOSE WHEELS THAT I LISTED WERE FOR 97-06 TJ WRANGLERS. The part number for the Cragar Soft 8s for the JK is #CRR-3975850. It looks like Summit only has them for the JK with 4.0 in. backspacing.

 

I am running 15x8 4" backspacing on mine with no problems.

 

I am too! 15 x 8 Cragar Soft 8's with 4" backspacking.

 

question for you guys....for those of you running 15x8's with 4-4.75" backspacing....i'm assuming this is with 35s? also, does this include any type of lift or just stock? with a 4" lift would there be issues running 15x8s?

 

I don't have 15's, but the issue is not with the tire size/lift, it's with the wheel making contact with the caliper, etc.

 

hmmm. well i guess i'm a little confused. i thought the issue was with the tires rubbing the body or front bumper. thats where i've seen problems with wheel/tire combinations in the past with other vehicles. i've only owned one jeep which had SOA conversion so there were no rubbing issues.

so basically what i'm hearing is that you cannot run rims with 6" backspacing (stock) with larger tires? i think i'm having a hard time understanding what the difference in a 15x8 and 16x8 if the backspacing is 4 - 4.75"s (other than the extra inch in rim size)