Right wheels for a CJ-7/Back spacing etc...

[Rescue Diver]

I'm about to jump back into owning another CJ7 and am pricing everything I plan to do with it. It's been 15 years since I built my last one and I'm a little foggy on which wheels will fit. I'm planning to run 15x10s with 33x12.5x15 tires and a 4 inch lift. I forget, is the lug pattern 5 on 4 1/2 or 5 on 5 1/2 ?

I'm also looking for the best back spacing. Would 4" back spacing be good on a 1984 CJ7 if I want the sidewalls to be about even with the stock flares?

 

[LongHorn]

I'm about to jump back into owning another CJ7 and am pricing everything I plan to do with it. It's been 15 years since I built my last one and I'm a little foggy on which wheels will fit. I'm planning to run 15x10s with 33x12.5x15 tires and a 4 inch lift. I forget, is the lug pattern 5 on 4 1/2 or 5 on 5 1/2 ?

I'm also looking for the best back spacing. Would 4" back spacing be good on a 1984 CJ7 if I want the sidewalls to be about even with the stock flares?

5 on 5 1/2

 

[LongHorn]

I'm about to jump back into owning another CJ7 and am pricing everything I plan to do with it. It's been 15 years since I built my last one and I'm a little foggy on which wheels will fit. I'm planning to run 15x10s with 33x12.5x15 tires and a 4 inch lift. I forget, is the lug pattern 5 on 4 1/2 or 5 on 5 1/2 ?

I'm also looking for the best back spacing. Would 4" back spacing be good on a 1984 CJ7 if I want the sidewalls to be about even with the stock flares?

Backspacing info:
https://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html

 

[LongHorn]

You need to be careful on backspacing, so you do not incur suspension interference.

 

[elwood blues]

You need to be careful on backspacing, so you do not incur suspension interference.

Or rip off a fender

 

[IOPort51]

I think 15X10's are too wide for these 15X8 would be first choice.

 

[elwood blues]

I think 15X10's are too wide for these 15X8 would be first choice.

I don't know IO, an 15x8 wheel for a 33x12.5 tire? :dunno:

 

[LongHorn]

I don't know IO, an 15x8 wheel for a 33x12.5 tire? :dunno:

Checking the CRS memory bank: B.F.Goodrich use to spec 15X8.5"-15X10".

 

[Rescue Diver]

Yeah, I'm thinking a 12.5" wide tire would look pretty strange on an 8" rim. Tire rack actually says a 32x11.5 is the right choice for a 15x10. I had 33x12.50s on 15x10 wheels on my 80 CJ and they fit great. I just don't remember what offset I had. It's been a few years after all. I want the outside sidewalls even or close to even with the outside of the flares. I'm seeing everything from 3" to 5" offset for sale. Guess I'll have to wait until I pick up the jeep and measure from the rotor or drum to the outside of the flare.

 

[IOPort51]

I guess you knew the answer to the question all the time.

Yeah, I'm thinking a 12.5" wide tire would look pretty strange on an 8" rim. Tire rack actually says a 32x11.5 is the right choice for a 15x10. I had 33x12.50s on 15x10 wheels on my 80 CJ and they fit great. I just don't remember what offset I had. It's been a few years after all. I want the outside sidewalls even or close to even with the outside of the flares. I'm seeing everything from 3" to 5" offset for sale. Guess I'll have to wait until I pick up the jeep and measure from the rotor or drum to the outside of the flare.

 

[Rescue Diver]

I guess you knew the answer to the question all the time.

I knew I was going to run 15x10 wheels but I needed the bolt pattern and the back spacing. I was pretty sure it was 5 on 5 1/2 but the answer to the back spacing question still isn't answered? CJ7s have pretty narrow axels. I don't want the tires to stick way out like on most wranglers with larger tires, but I also don't want them sitting way under the fenders either. I was just hoping with all the Jeep addicts on here that someone could tell me what back spacing or offset they're using that would look good.

 

[Old Dog]

It would help alot if we knew what year cj you had.
Narrow trak axles will need less backspacing than wide trak axles.

 

[CJ]

It would help alot if we knew what year cj you had.
~~~

Welcome Rescue Diver to the site.

Please fill out your profile per the post you read requesting that information when you joined the site -->> http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f15/your-profile-3975/. It makes it easier to help you and is required.

 

[Rescue Diver]

It would help alot if we knew what year cj you had.
Narrow trak axles will need more backspacing than wide trak axles.

Thanks!
It's a 79 with stock axles.

 

[Old Dog]

check out this thread, as you have narrow trak axles.http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/another-stupid-question-4459/

 

[Rescue Diver]

Welcome Rescue Diver to the site.

Please fill out your profile per the post you read requesting that information when you joined the site -->> http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f15/your-profile-3975/. It makes it easier to help you and is required.

Done!

 

[Rescue Diver]

check out this thread, as you have narrow trak axles.http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/another-stupid-question-4459/

Good thread. I wish he was talking about 10" wheels instead of 8" though.

I had a 77 CJ7 back in the day that had a rear axle break just going down the road. It had a 4" lift with 33x12.5 tires and enough offset to make them stick out a little. That's one of my concerns with this one. I don't want any more offset than is absolutely needed so it will put less stress on the axles.

A little history. My now ex wife was hit from the side by an apparently blinde driver that couldn't see a tall red CJ right in front of him. It bent the axle. I replaced it with a new one. The replacement axle is what broke about six months later. It just snapped off clean. I'm guessing that the axle might have come from a bad batch with too much carbon in the steel.

Has anyone else had this happen?

 

[Old Dog]

It really doesn't matter if it's a 8" or 10" wheel, it's how much backspacing you have and how wide and tall the tire is.
Without a custom wheel with very little backspacing, or wheelspacers, which are a no no, you will have rubbing on the front springs with 33x12.5 tires on the NT axles.
If this is a street only jeep you could reset your steering stops, but than you won't be able to turn as sharp. Not a good idea either, but I've seen it done before.
To be honest thats why most people that want to run 33's or 35's want the wide trak axles.

 

[LongHorn]

Good thread. I wish he was talking about 10" wheels instead of 8" though.

I had a 77 CJ7 back in the day that had a rear axle break just going down the road. It had a 4" lift with 33x12.5 tires and enough offset to make them stick out a little. That's one of my concerns with this one. I don't want any more offset than is absolutely needed so it will put less stress on the axles.

A little history. My now ex wife was hit from the side by an apparently blinde driver that couldn't see a tall red CJ right in front of him. It bent the axle. I replaced it with a new one. The replacement axle is what broke about six months later. It just snapped off clean. I'm guessing that the axle might have come from a bad batch with too much carbon in the steel.

Has anyone else had this happen?

The AMC model 20 in the CJ has been known for problems especially with over sized tires & V8 engines. The main problems are the weak factory axle tubes, weak wheel bearings, leaking seals, two piece axle & hub assy.