1977 CJ& Wheel Lug & Hub Question

[DanPan]

Hi All
I just acquired a 77 CJ7 . I purchased some tires and wheels with 5 x 5.5 bolt pattern. When I got the tires/wheels home I was dissapointed to find that although the lug pattern fit, the center hole on the wheel was too small. Question, is the "wagon wheel" type rim that's on the vehicle now the only kind of rim I can use with the large 4.5" center hole? Thanks!

 

[mylittlecj5]

most any aftermarket wheel with the correct pattern will fit over that hub. You bought some older style stock wheels (apparently) that still have the smaller holes.
A few guys have taken those small holed wheels to a machine shop and had the centers opened up enough to use them on the CJ hubs.

 

[DanPan]

I was afraid you were goingto say that. Thought maybe the hub could be changed out or something. Thanks MLCJ5!

 

[mtnwhlr]

Those wheels were made for a 2wd Ford.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Dan, I am actually sitting at the tire shop watching them put my new rims and tires on my 66 CJ6 . I must have looked at hundreds of rims online to find one I liked in a 5 x 5.5 with all the right setup. You need a bore of 108mm or 4.25" that is what they call the center hole. But don't forget width of he rim, hight of the rim, back spacing and offset. Finding the right rims that fit, that I liked, and the wife likes, with the right offset and bore was a pain but can be done. I went with these.

Keep looking, you will find them.

 

[Kilo19]

After taking all of that info into account...is there any reason to stay away from alu.? or would it be preferred.

I'm looking at a set of steel, gun metal colored rims 6 lug, but is there an advantage/disadvantage to alu. esp being on rough terrian.

thoughts?