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Quality wheels for Jeeps ?

16K views 46 replies 27 participants last post by  DLoJK 
#1 ·
Hey guys, Brand spanking new member here, trading my Subaru BRZ to purchase a 2015 Wrangler, getting it the 1st of Sept ! Pretty excited and already I started buying stuff for it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the 3,73 so can't get too big wheels, but looking at them, I don't know where to start.. Being in the ''tuning'' culture, I always had in mind that you get what you pay for regarding aftermarket parts. Looking at wheels for my Wrangler, I can't help but notice how cheap they are... 85$ a wheel, 100$ a wheel ... Is that the way it is or am I looking at the wrong places. Coming from a guy paying +500$ a wheel for Volk and such, I find this quite frankly, disturbing hahahaa ! So here I am, asking what are the original and quality proven wheels for 4x4 ? I searched around and saw people were talking about AEV, but that's pretty much all I have... So let me know guys, what are your Rays, SSR, Work and such !
 
#2 ·
So many brands & choices of wheels it'll make you dizzy.

I wanted good quality without being flashy, which so many aftermarket wheels are.

Went with Method Racing. Quality & machining is top notch. Their high end wheels are forged beadlocks, probably hard to get much better than that.
 
#3 ·
Think this is the first thread I've ever seen about a wrangler upgrade being too cheap 😉
In all honesty, there are a class of wheel that fits the price range of high-end tuner wheels. Beadlocks are considered the usually high-end wheel class, but they're not just a really expensive wheel, they have an entire added function. The downside is that you'll read a million threads on if they're legal and still not know (maybe that's just me). Those would be your Hutchinsons, Spyderlocks, Trailready, and a whole bunch of other manufacturers.
As for just normal wheels, don't let the price shock you, I know plenty of people (myself included) that love Method Racing Wheels, and you can get a great wheel from them for under 200$.
 
#4 ·
You get to the expensive stuff later, don't worry it's there - mostly in how doing one thing ends up needing another thing done that needs a separate part that requires another mod.

As for wheels, it's not the wheel that will cost a lot necessarily, perhaps not even the tire from where you are coming from at least. Jeeps tend to get personalities, the owner builds them to suit a need, and maybe rebuilds them as faults are found or needs change.

You'll also see a lot of brand names thrown around - some good, some bad - some good for some things and not others - but there isn't THE BRAND. I'm running MB 72's, not available anymore unless you find overstock, but even new they were $110 a wheel. I figure if I don't rash them up or chip them I'll keep them a couple more years before finding something else to try.

You don't mention if you're buying a 2 or 4 door, and if you have certain plans for the new Jeep. AS WW said above, beadlocks are looked highly on, but they do serve a function, and not many tire places want to deal with them either. I would start with a normal type wheel and maybe a 33" tire, just to start if you have to do something now. Otherwise, research. Research until you dream of Jeep stuff. Get in touch with a local group, go out and hang out with them, go on some runs, find what you want to do and then spend some money. Have fun.
 
#5 ·
Volks are expensive because they are forged. Forged wheels need less material to be as strong or stronger than cast wheels, so they are lighter, which makes sense for a performance car with very light weight low profile tires. With a Jeep, you're just going to slap on an 80 pound mud tire anyway, negating any benefit from a lightweight wheel, so beefy cast aluminum or stamped steel wheels is all you need.

I would say our Volk TE37 is the ATX slab. But if you don't need a beadlock, anything will do. Popular steel wheels are Cragar, popular aluminum are MB, procomp, level 8, mickey thompson, etc...
 
#9 ·
I will have to agree that if you get 3.73s, your long term enjoyment of the Jeep can be substantially better.
 
#12 ·
Had to go for a multi quote, so happy with the replies I got



Re-gearing (as I've seen around) is something I'll consider in a very near future, I'll have to last my 3.10 for the moment

I like my Rubicon wheels. They appear to be of a good quality!
I was also thinking of going for OEM+, since they can be acquired for dirt cheap !

Just order black rock steelies
92$ just scratch up anyway
Also made in USA !!
Yeah, a lot of wheels seem to be in that price range !

Cancel your trade and find another with 3.73s, they are out there and you are going to want bigger tires, stock tires on aftermarket wheels do not look good. AEV are decent wheels, one of the few that are actually engineered for the Jeep JK.
That's the issue, in Canada at least, I've called Jeep Canada and probably phoned +70 dealers. Sold out everywhere ... I could have gotten a 2016, but that 2500$ discount and 0% was too good to pass on. I'll just re-gear in a near future !

I've had multiple sets of Te37s on my ISF, thinking about putting a set onto my Wrangler.. ;)

But most likely going to go with Method wheels. Seem like the best wheel out there. Nothing more expensive or better (technically)
ISF <3 And yeah, a lot of people mentioned Method, I'll look at their products !

Weld makes some forged wheels, regular or beadlock.
Forged wheel is the absolute best, but I hadn't realise they lightweight is not worth it when you have such heavy tires, as mentionned lower :(

Volks are expensive because they are forged. Forged wheels need less material to be as strong or stronger than cast wheels, so they are lighter, which makes sense for a performance car with very light weight low profile tires. With a Jeep, you're just going to slap on an 80 pound mud tire anyway, negating any benefit from a lightweight wheel, so beefy cast aluminum or stamped steel wheels is all you need.

I would say our Volk TE37 is the ATX slab. But if you don't need a beadlock, anything will do. Popular steel wheels are Cragar, popular aluminum are MB, procomp, level 8, mickey thompson, etc...
Thanks for listing a few brands ! I have something to look at ! And you're totally right that this is why they're expensive, just figured that the more I'd pay, the stronger they'd be !

You get to the expensive stuff later, don't worry it's there - mostly in how doing one thing ends up needing another thing done that needs a separate part that requires another mod.

As for wheels, it's not the wheel that will cost a lot necessarily, perhaps not even the tire from where you are coming from at least. Jeeps tend to get personalities, the owner builds them to suit a need, and maybe rebuilds them as faults are found or needs change.

You'll also see a lot of brand names thrown around - some good, some bad - some good for some things and not others - but there isn't THE BRAND. I'm running MB 72's, not available anymore unless you find overstock, but even new they were $110 a wheel. I figure if I don't rash them up or chip them I'll keep them a couple more years before finding something else to try.

You don't mention if you're buying a 2 or 4 door, and if you have certain plans for the new Jeep. AS WW said above, beadlocks are looked highly on, but they do serve a function, and not many tire places want to deal with them either. I would start with a normal type wheel and maybe a 33" tire, just to start if you have to do something now. Otherwise, research. Research until you dream of Jeep stuff. Get in touch with a local group, go out and hang out with them, go on some runs, find what you want to do and then spend some money. Have fun.
I'm buying a 2 doors, and to be honest with you, it's so hard making a ''plan'' of what I need, being so new regarding the 4x4 ! I want a small lift, bumpers, winch, leds, soft top !! So much stuff and no brands to look for ! :/ Hahahah thanks for the advices :)

Think this is the first thread I've ever seen about a wrangler upgrade being too cheap 😉
In all honesty, there are a class of wheel that fits the price range of high-end tuner wheels. Beadlocks are considered the usually high-end wheel class, but they're not just a really expensive wheel, they have an entire added function. The downside is that you'll read a million threads on if they're legal and still not know (maybe that's just me). Those would be your Hutchinsons, Spyderlocks, Trailready, and a whole bunch of other manufacturers.
As for just normal wheels, don't let the price shock you, I know plenty of people (myself included) that love Method Racing Wheels, and you can get a great wheel from them for under 200$.
Not necessarily complaining that it's cheap, just stunned that parts can actually be ! I'll have to read up on what beadlocks is, it's a completely new term for me !

So many brands & choices of wheels it'll make you dizzy.

I wanted good quality without being flashy, which so many aftermarket wheels are.

Went with Method Racing. Quality & machining is top notch. Their high end wheels are forged beadlocks, probably hard to get much better than that.
Thanks, a lot of people mentioned Method so I'll look at them but I'm totally with you, I want something mean and subtle, not lime green flashy !
 
#10 ·
I like my Rubicon wheels. They appear to be of a good quality!
 
#14 ·
I beg to differ, heavy tires means you should be looking for lightweight tires EVEN MORE so. I see no difference, in a performance car, you do it to save weight at all four corners to go faster. In a jeep, I look at it the same way, with the added benefit of putting as little strain on the other componants and drive trains as much as possible. If you have a lower gear ratio going with lightweight wheels is an even better idea. Do they have to be expensive Volks, no but Id be comparing the weight of all the wheels and tires I'd consider.
 
#15 ·
Jeep wheels are relatively cheap because there are so many Jeeps and stock Jeeps are relatively uncommon after a year or two.

AEV wheels on Jeeps are like BBS wheels on Mercedes Benz - everyone seems to have them.

Before you drop your cash on wheels, look at what others are using on a Jeep similar to yours. That way you get exactly what you want.
 
#21 ·
I have to agree, anything you can do to reduce the weight on the hub is good. Aluminum over steel for me.

But, before I picked wheels, I picked tires, which gave me the wheel diameter, then I picked general style of wheel, and then looked for what's in stock. That weeded out a lot of wheels. There are a lot of good looking ones out there.
 
#28 ·
Finally someone that says the Wrangler will remain driveable even with the cheap 3.21 gears ! ;)[/QUOTE]

^^^ OP, I special ordered my Jeep and did not even consider the 3.73 gears. The 2 Door will be much faster than you could have imagined with the stock 3.21. If I had a need for a JKU/4 Door, then yes, I would have ordered it with the 3.73.

If you plan to do a lot of off-roading, then get a JK with the 3.73. If the JK will be a DD, or a second or third vehicle, with little/light to no off-roading, then the 3.21 will be all you need. My JK is my fourth vehicle, and I don't need the 3.73...

You'll love your 2 Dr. JK (relatively light compared to the JKU/4 Door) w/stock 3.21, trust me. My '10 JK had the stock 3.21 and yes, it was pretty slow; however, the new 3.6 liter engine runs like a raped ape with the stock 3.21. No regrets here, whatsoever.

BTW, consider keeping your JK stock and buy some lightly used stock Jeep JK wheels off of e-Bay or CL, or see if your Jeep dealer has some take-offs he will sell you for cheap.

GL/Enjoy/Cheers,

B
 
#34 ·
@CakeCake ... those JDM wheels you mentioned are forged. I had my fair share of expensive wheels and i too came from the import scene in 2012 when i purchased my first jk.

For the JK's, consider beadlocks in terms of pricing vs the JDM wheels. Still they are very affordable compared to import tuner counterparts.
 
#36 ·
#39 · (Edited)
#42 ·
I really like a few of the Fuel rims, so much I decided to go with the Fuel Octanes 18x9 with 4.5backspacing.
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/...2-32E5-4531-B077-5695FD8F54D9_zpshhzlbm9k.jpg[/QUOTE

That I like ! Simplicity !

Hahaha, I've looked at beadlocks, and although I think I understand their functionality, not really sure how to use them !

Do you miss the tunning world @dawhitesJKU ?
The point of beadlocks is that you can let more air out of your tires without breaking the seal on the tire (also called breaking the bead).

When navigating really tough offroad conditions, you can get more "grippieness" from your tires if you deflate them.

A JK with tires at 5 PSI can climb almost a 50 degree incline of perfectly smooth rock.

Without beadlocks you'll break the bead at about 12 PSI. At 15 PSI, a JK can climb 50 degrees of rough dirt, but won't grip on smooth rock.

Using them is easy, go offroad, let air out.
Thought the process was way more tedious !

Can everyone install / mount them (every shop) ?

@CakeCake
Subie owner here as well, my other DD is 2011 WRX, accessport with custom stage II tune.

Since this is your first Jeep I strongly suggest holding off on mods until you get to know your Jeep. Keep it stock a bit, find out what you want to do with it: Rock crawler, overland, street cruiser, etc. Or a combo of those? All of them will take you in different directions for mods.


As an example, 4wp (Wheels - 5 On 5 - 4 Wheel Parts) has 1001 aluminum wheels with 5x5 bolt pattern, they run from <$100 to >$900 per wheel. A $900 street Jeep wheel is not a good choice for a rockcrawler. The other side, a beadlock is not a good choice a the street Jeep.

As far as gears, many replace the gears anyways, so don't sweat it. Consider it $ saved on the factory gears. Just gear for whatever tire size you land on, Problem solved.

Here's the wheels I went with, Teraflex big brake kit stuffed inside (minimum 17" wheel if you upgrade brakes)






Good luck and have fun!!
Why Jeep if you already have an AWD monster ;)

And I get you ! Definately would love to do some trails, but having the base model and not a Rubicon, pretty sure I won't be able to unless I put loads of money in .. :(

And BBK on a jeep ? I liiiike
 
#41 ·
@CakeCake
Subie owner here as well, my other DD is 2011 WRX, accessport with custom stage II tune.

Since this is your first Jeep I strongly suggest holding off on mods until you get to know your Jeep. Keep it stock a bit, find out what you want to do with it: Rock crawler, overland, street cruiser, etc. Or a combo of those? All of them will take you in different directions for mods.


As an example, 4wp (Wheels - 5 On 5 - 4 Wheel Parts) has 1001 aluminum wheels with 5x5 bolt pattern, they run from <$100 to >$900 per wheel. A $900 street Jeep wheel is not a good choice for a rockcrawler. The other side, a beadlock is not a good choice a the street Jeep.

As far as gears, many replace the gears anyways, so don't sweat it. Consider it $ saved on the factory gears. Just gear for whatever tire size you land on, Problem solved.

Here's the wheels I went with, Teraflex big brake kit stuffed inside (minimum 17" wheel if you upgrade brakes)






Good luck and have fun!! :thumb:
 
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