Tire/wheel Question

[kodiak1232003]

So, you all know i'm building my rig for long trail reliability and self sustainability....

to that end, i've decided to swap out my cast aluminum rims for some steelies.

I REALLY like the look of the stock TJ rims that came from the factory, and am wondering if i'm gonna have any issues putting them on my LJ wrangler.

i run the Canyon Aluminum ones right now...

i'd be running only about a 32" tire max...

here's a pic of the rims i like...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/2001-1.jpg

[DevEmp]

There are pros and cons to both types of wheels (steel VS aluminium).... off the top of my head, though, steel rims are heavier, occasionally out of round even when brand new out of the box, and will most likely have a different back spacing than your factory rim (not including the OEM rims you're talking about). I would think that for ultimate reliability you'd go for a bead lock (of either flavor). Also I think the rims you currently have on your LJ are the Ravines, not the Canyons - both of the LJs here (an 04 1/2 and the 06) have the same rims. Having said all that, the steel OEM rims should be ok - same size (15X8) and bolt pattern (5 on 4.5) and same backspacing (I think it's 5 inches).

[cshontz]

Brian,
I ran 32x11.50 on my Canyons, which measure the same as Ravines. You shouldn't have any trouble running your stock wheels - although if you go with a wide tire like an 11.50, you'll want to make sure your axles are properly centered. If I did it again, I'd go with 33x10.50.

http://www.ok4wd.com/write/rides/67/large/pic09-ORIG.jpg

[Section 8]

The steel wheels that you have pictured are narrow. They are only 6 inches wide. You won't want to use those for a 10 inch or wider tire.

That said, possibly the coolest stock wheels are the Willys Edition.

Willy (http://www.voborsky.com/willy.html)

They are what you pictured, but a dark green.

[kodiak1232003]

yup, i want "narrow"....that willy's looks sick!!.[drool]...i like the look when the tire is narrower or as narrow as the stock flares....a la defender and series landy's...

just a preference.


probably eventually end up with a set of michelin xzl's


(or, whatever! ..xl,xzl,...whatever the narrow, 32-33" mud tread, ndt tire is called..lol)



http://www.brian894x4.com/images/D90onrocks.jpg


something like this......:)

[cshontz]

A buddy of mine had 33x9.50 on those 15x6 steelies on his TJ. Alas, 33x9.50 is no longer available, but it was a slick setup. The 15x6 would be able to manage 33x10.50 but fitment would definitely be better on a 15x7.

I had 32x10.50 on the stock 15x7 steel wheel for a while - just like the Willys wheel. It was a very nice size setup, but the tire was horrible.

EDIT: BTW, Brian - I love your taste in tires and wheels. Eager to see what you put together.

http://www.ok4wd.com/write/rides/67/large/pic06-ORIG.jpg

[Section 8]

I wouldn't want to run low pressure (10psi) in a tire over 10 inches wide on a 6 inch rim, the bead just wouldn't be very stable on side hills and while turning.

As far as putting them on an LJ, you will not have any issues. All the axle widths are identical between TJ models. The back spacing changes between the different wheels, but they are all between 5 and 5.5 inches for the most part. Being that the steel wheels are the narrowest by an inch, it is probably more like 4.5" if the offset is to remain the same (designers like to keep the wheel bearings as close to the centerline of the wheel as possible).

As far as you tire choice: Be aware of your vehicle's weight, its cargo capcity, and its towing capacity (to calculate the tongue weight, even if you do't tow, or have a trailer yet, 5 tires are expensive to replace but $50 at the time of purchase is cheap). For a TJ this isn't much of a problem, but for the LJ, this additional weight is significent, and you need a load rating that is appropriate.

This is my LJ:

LJ (http://www.voborsky.com/jeep.html)

I rushed out and ordered it as soon as I saw that there would no longer be a 2 door unlimited. I am going to put the seats from the Willy in it. I really want to put the green top on it, but alas, more space means a longer jeep so the short top doesn't fit, and I am stuck with a black soft top. I would already have the wheels on it, but the Moab wheels are 16", so the tires won't fit. :o (I don't like shiny bits, so the wheels might get a coat of linex, or paint anyway)


:camping:

[pskhaat]

I really like those wheels too.

[kodiak1232003]

thanks guys...so basically

1. my wheels are ravines not canyons
2. the stock steelies should fit just fine
3. i should stick to a narrow width tire so as not to have issues with losing a bead if i air down...

that about it?

[pskhaat]

You forgot:

4. Post gratuitous amounts of pics after complete.

[kodiak1232003]

:D will do...lol...thanks for your help

[RedDog]

yup, i want "narrow"....that willy's looks sick!!.[drool]...i like the look when the tire is narrower or as narrow as the stock flares....a la defender and series landy's...

just a preference.


probably eventually end up with a set of michelin xzl's


(or, whatever! ..xl,xzl,...whatever the narrow, 32-33" mud tread, ndt tire is called..lol)



http://www.brian894x4.com/images/D90onrocks.jpg


something like this......:)


That is EXACTLY the package and look I feel I'm evolving into myself. I love my TJ but my needs and enjoyments centre more around quiet trails, camping, cooking and photography in the west country.

I have the 2" lift for the clearance I learned quickly I needed, but the offset Trxxus MT's don't seem to "fit" where I seem headed with my Jeep - and the lack of flare coverage is a ticket in waiting. The Defender style steel wheels and tall, narrow tires you refer to are spot on my radar as well.

Here's what my '05 TJ looks like these days. Consider the wheels and tires for sale.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/DogofRed/Jeep/LakeJeep2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/DogofRed/Jeep/LakeJeep1.jpg

[kodiak1232003]

might have finally found a set of the wheels I"m looking for.

I'm proud of myself for waiting and watching and searching for these wheels.

Its not like me!!

hopefully i can get my hands on them.

[IH8RDS]

The stock steel rims are 15 X 7. This is what they look like (silver) with 31" x 10.5" tires. The fit inside my fenders now. They rub slightly on the drivers side LCA.

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/new%20rims.jpg

[kodiak1232003]

The stock steel rims are 15 X 7. This is what they look like (silver) with 31" x 10.5" tires. The fit inside my fenders now. They rub slightly on the drivers side LCA.

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/new%20rims.jpg


:drool: thats great lookin'.

one question...

I had heard that they were 15x6's.
Where do you get your "x7" info from?


either way, i'm aware that I'll need to run a narrow tire, which is already the plan, just wondering is all...

[IH8RDS]

I measured them with a Rim Measurement Gauge when I mounted them.

[madizell]

I have run both steel and aluminum wheels on trails in Alaska, and I can't see that one has a definite advantage over another, as long as you are running tires sized properly for the width of the wheel, and not running super low pressures without benefit of a bead lock.

Is there a specific reason you don't trust your aluminum rims?

[kodiak1232003]

I have run both steel and aluminum wheels on trails in Alaska, and I can't see that one has a definite advantage over another, as long as you are running tires sized properly for the width of the wheel, and not running super low pressures without benefit of a bead lock.

Is there a specific reason you don't trust your aluminum rims?

this has been my experience:


1.
-cast aluminum rims + rocks = cracked boat anchor
(forged alum. rims are repairable
somewhat but are $$$--- i.e. WELD rims)


-steel rims + rocks = bent, but easily hammered back to shape with a BFH(big frickin' hammer:)). they are a bit heavier, but I'm willing to trade that for the "field repairability" of steelies.

2.
Its a throwback to the utilitarian look of the GPW, Landy series, and D90 overland look.

only problem now is that i was planning just to spray these black or drab or white or something. but they have been restored to a VERY nice finish....LOL....now i'm torn.

[kodiak1232003]

in the last one, i just rolled one of the tires in front of my existing tire.


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/IMG_0002.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/IMG_0003.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/IMG_0005.jpg


like i said, i didn't expect them to be so shiny and nice. I'll have to decide once i get my new tires on. :)

If you have an opinion or pic either way, I'd definitely listen :wavey:

EDIT: just thought of it...can anyone photoshop different colors? that'd be sweet.

[madizell]

Clear coat the wheels and call it good.

[1leg]

I like the stock steel wheel look too. :iagree:
You should give some thought to 16inch wheels. You could run a 235-85-16. I understand 15s are cheaper and easier to find.

Stock steel wheels with. thinking about painting them black???
255/85/16 BFG muds
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/2138721811_b23569ba9e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2387/2138719617_2518132f43.jpg

[cshontz]

The stock steel rims are 15 X 7. This is what they look like (silver) with 31" x 10.5" tires. The fit inside my fenders now. They rub slightly on the drivers side LCA.

Is that picture current, Scott? I dig. I'd like to find a utilitarian steel wheel in 16x7, almost like a spare rim, or like the FJ Cruiser steelie.

[Maximus Ram]

IH8RDS, where did you find the 15x7 9 slot stock steelies ? All I can find on line are 15x6's. I went with TJ 15x8 Canyons for my XJ, but the more I look at the 9 slots, I like the utilitarian look of them.

[kodiak1232003]

I like the stock steel wheel look too. :iagree:
You should give some thought to 16inch wheels. You could run a 235-85-16. I understand 15s are cheaper and easier to find.

Stock steel wheels with. thinking about painting them black???
255/85/16 BFG muds
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/2138721811_b23569ba9e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2387/2138719617_2518132f43.jpg



did you mean that you are thinking about painting those /\ black?

if so, i definitely approve...:)

i like the fact that our color schemes could include just black and the darker paint color. looks good to me.

[IH8RDS]

Is that picture current, Scott? I dig. I'd like to find a utilitarian steel wheel in 16x7, almost like a spare rim, or like the FJ Cruiser steelie.

Yes the picture is current. I want to go to 16" too.


IH8RDS, where did you find the 15x7 9 slot stock steelies ? All I can find on line are 15x6's. I went with TJ 15x8 Canyons for my XJ, but the more I look at the 9 slots, I like the utilitarian look of them.

The guy that helped me balance them said "are you sure" so we measured them and they where 7". I got them off of a 97 XJ 2 door. I actually traded 15 x 8 black steelies for them.

[cshontz]

Yep, I can vouch they're absolutely 15x7. They came on... old YJ Saharas, Cherokee SE's, eventually TJ SE's, and the TJ Willy's edition to name a few. That wheel style has had a good run, come to think of it.

Scott, you're probably well aware but I'll just post it for everyone - you can alleviate the control arm rubbing by popping a couple of washers behind the steering stops. Its common practice, and the adverse affect on your turning radius should be minimal.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/96608172_c91849cfd7.jpg

Or... WJ LCA's are the same length, but are fully boxed and have arc. I've heard the metal sleeve needs some shaving at the frame end, but its a trick way to maintain one's turning radius with oversize tires on stock wheels.

[IH8RDS]

I know the trick with the steering stops. I just have not done it yet. :coffee:

Here is how the tires used to stick out with 8" rims with a 4" backspace.

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/Sliders/Sliders5.JPG

[IH8RDS]

This is how it looked a couple years ago with TJ rims. They might have been 15 x 6, but I dont know fore sure because I never measured them. They could have been 15 x 7 for all I know.

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/tires/new_shoes.JPG

[cshontz]

This is how it looked a couple years ago with TJ rims. They might have been 15 x 6, but I dont know fore sure because I never measured them. They could have been 15 x 7 for all I know.

Those are 15x7 as well. They look very good! I prefer how stock wheels keep the tires under the fenders. Very nice.

[kjp98TJ]

yep, 15x7. i'm running 33x10.5's on those. after going through 5 or 6 sets of rims, i like those the best....

[kodiak1232003]

yep, 15x7. i'm running 33x10.5's on those. after going through 5 or 6 sets of rims, i like those the best....

which rim's do you mean, kjp?

[Maximus Ram]

I think I am going to hit up some junk yards and see what I can find in the 9 slots. Everything I find on craigslist is the 5 slots. PLus you never know what else one can find at a junk yard:jump:

[IH8RDS]

I think I am going to hit up some junk yards and see what I can find in the 9 slots. Everything I find on craigslist is the 5 slots. PLus you never know what else one can find at a junk yard:jump:

I live in the junk yards. I am fortunate enough to have a pick and pull within 30 minutes of my house.

[IXNAYXJ]

I live in the junk yards. I am fortunate enough to have a pick and pull within 30 minutes of my house.A friend of mine put it best:

"Junk yards are like Value Villages, except everything smells like gear oil instead of popcorn." :D

-----Matt-----

[kjp98TJ]

which rim's do you mean, kjp?
sorry,
ones on I8rds red XJ.

[Section 8]

Yep, I can vouch they're absolutely 15x7. They came on... old YJ Saharas, Cherokee SE's, eventually TJ SE's, and the TJ Willy's edition to name a few. That wheel style has had a good run, come to think of it.



The later TJ SE didn't have the 9 slot wheels, they have 6 ovalized triangles. The Willys ed has the same "triangle" wheels that are just green.

ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/CHEROKEE-COMANCHE-GRAND-CHEROKEE-WRANGLER-STEEL-WHEEL_W0QQitemZ200095467118QQihZ010QQcategoryZ4001 7QQcmdZViewItem)

[kodiak1232003]

this one has the 9 slot wheels?

i've seen them with the rounded triangle ones too, though.

http://www.autotrucktoys.com/jeep/images/M82209311.jpg

[kodiak1232003]

here's a flyer i found on the willy's edition

http://www.rockcrawler.com/features/newsshorts/03october/jeep_willys_flyer.jpg

[Section 8]

Huh. Yea, those both have them.

Mine doesn't.

Willys (http://www.voborsky.com/willy.html)

[kodiak1232003]

Huh. Yea, those both have them.

Mine doesn't.

Willys (http://www.voborsky.com/willy.html)


yeah, mebbe they're both factory. ??


like i said, i've seen 'em with both.

[kodiak1232003]

in any case your willys edition is pimp!

[IH8RDS]

I finally got around to getting my center caps. They where silver and off a different style, but they still fit nicely. I painted them flat black for prosperity :hehe: