dumb ? but what is back spacing and If I plan to get new rims for my 06' TJ

what is the bolt pattern and would 16" rims give me any benefit over 15" rims
thanks ton.

Backspacing is the distance between the wheel's very back edge and the flat part of the wheel that fits up against the brake rotor. The more backspacing, the more the wheel is positioned into the wheel well. The tire width dictates the amount of backspacing required. If you have too much backspacing, the tire is positioned too far into the wheel well and its inside sidewall can rub. Insufficient backspacing and the wheel protrudes out too far and can look like a skate board.

The bolt pattern required for a TJ is 5x4.5" and there's no real benefit to 16" except for the minor fact that the current style is for bigger wheels. But you'll find a larger assortment of Jeep type (offroad) tires for 15" wheels than you will for 16" and they'll be cheaper too. If you offroad and air your tires down, I advise a 15x8 wheel for any size tire up to 37x12.50, I'd only go for a 15x10 wheel if the tire was 13" or wider.

Here's how the backspacing is actually measured...

thanks a ton I feel like a big dummy when it comes to this.

Don't! This a common question.



I stickied this thread for faster reference. Thanks Jerry B.

Useful info. But what about the offset? I have heard many people talking about "negative" offset, when talking about rims? Isn't it somehow opposite to the backspace?
Sorry if this is a dumb question.

Offset and backspsce are related... negative offset moves the tire out and the backspace gets smaller, positve offset moves the wheel in and the backspace gets bigger...

Thanks a lot.

How is it measured?

Hello, i'm running a 35" tire, what should my backspacing be?

I just purchased an 06 Rubicon. I plan for 33x12.5 tires. My last ride had this size tire with ten inch wide wheels forever and had no issues. What is the benefit for an eight inch wide wheel, and wouldn't that cause the tread to 'rainbow' in the cross section?

Joe

I run 33x12.50 on a 8" rim with 2.5 inch back spacing,with 24lbs air on road and 12lbs offroad. You can get a little more height out of a 8" wheel versus a 10" wheel.
I went with the 8" because If I ran 10" with a 2.5" offset they stick out too much.
I am old enough now I do not need the problems with the cops.

Can anyone recommend a less agressive road tire? Just bought this Jeep and the road noise is horrible.

I already experienced the Death Wobble. Does not appear that anyone of the tires are balanced.

Goodyear duratracs. BfGoodrich KM2s, Mickey thompson MTZ, Goodyear MT/R with Kevlar

All those i have heard to be very quiet for what they are. I can vouch for the duratracs..they arent an M/t but more of a hybrid between a/t and m/t