So, question on this...(new to bigger tires)...why is it better to replace the stock wheels with the proper backspacing than to run spacers and stock tires? I actually really like the stock Rubi wheels and I'm planning on running 37" BFG T/A KOs [w 2" MOPAR lift]. Dealer said I'd need spacers but would be fine otherwise. If I should look at aftermarket wheels, I'd love to know why so I can make the right call
You don’t need spacers with the stock wheels with the 37’s. I wish my wheels would have been different. I’m not a big fan of wheels sticking out but I really like my aftermarket wheels. Don’t let anyone tell you different. I had full clearance with a few turns of the steering stops with 37’s and factory wheels and no spacers. On the road there was no rubbing even with the factory stops set. The only downside I might see is the width. The 7.5” is a little skinny but for off-road use it’s awesome. A poor mans beadlock. Here’s a couple pics for evidence. I would never run spacers if I didn’t have to.
If you don’t have a Rubicon you do. I am basically at at 35” tire on rubicon wheels with my sport and lift - to jump to a 37” which is wider I need new wheels or spacers. We trialed it when my lift was being installed. My lift is good for 37” just not clearances.You don’t need spacers with the stock wheels with the 37’s. I wish my wheels would have been different. I’m not a big fan of wheels sticking out but I really like my aftermarket wheels. Don’t let anyone tell you different. I had full clearance with a few turns of the steering stops with 37’s and factory wheels and no spacers. On the road there was no rubbing even with the factory stops set. The only downside I might see is the width. The 7.5” is a little skinny but for off-road use it’s awesome. A poor mans beadlock. Here’s a couple pics for evidence. I would never run spacers if I didn’t have to.
I understand that. I was responding to another Rubicon owner. I should have been more clear in my post about that.
So, not to sound like a complete idiot, but what’s this about an extra set of lug nuts? I guess you don’t just slip the spacers on, then the wheel and then the nuts, huh?
Like @jeepskate said, you will mount the spacers first, flush against your rotors and torque them on (make sure you use a torque wrench and get it right). I used medium strength (blue) loctite on my JK spacers. Once this is done you mount your wheels to the studs on your spacers. They recommend checking your spacer torque after 500 miles or so. I checked mine on my JK after 500 and 1000 to start then had the dealership check them when the tires were rotated, never had any issues. Again don’t go cheap on spacers, spider trax are widely used in the Jeep world, not the cheapest but well worth it for peace of mind.
Ugh, seems like a lot of extra work. Might be worth it to just find an aftermarket wheel with the proper spacing. If I've got a JLUR with a 2" lift and 37" T/A KOs, I need a wheel with 4.5" of backspace, right?
