Wheel Opinions (Stock)

[Steve]

I never thought that finding stock, or nearly stock wheels would be so challenging and potentially expensive. Anyway, I have a possible line on 15" rims with the choice of 4.5" or 5.0" widths. Should I be inclined to pick one over the other? My intended use for the Jeep is primarily unpaved roads. Thanks.

[Tumbleweed]

Hey Steve,

The way I look at this is that you may be limited to the tire sizes if you use 4.5 or 5". At first I was contemplating same question but since I already had 3 of the 4.5" rims and that fact that I will be running 700-16 NDT tires the choice was to stick with the 4.5". I think it has something to do with the contact area of the outside diameter of the tire. If you need some rims look on the For Sale section of this forum.

George

[1955CJ-5]

I went round and round about this. I had the original 15" 4.5 rims, and finding a tire at the local tire shops was not happening...with 16's you can find light truck tires. But, even with the 15's my spring clearance at full lock is minimal.

I finally bought some 7.00/15 NDCC's and I really like the look and the way they drive. You get the bias ply bounce until they warm up and get round again. They howl a little on pavement.

 I've only got 150 miles on them so maybe it's just a little early to judge...

I have 16" 4.5 or 5" rims on my CJ-5, with radial all weather/all position tires. They work fine, but the tread is not very aggressive...

[garage gnome]

I have 15" wheels on my '53 and like them. I have 16" wheels on my '49 and like them. Both sets are 7.50 wide. It's totally up to you.

I got super traction tires from Walcks for my '53. They do good on road and I haven't had any problems with the little off road that it sees, mainly fields and the trail to the swimming hole.




I haven't driven the '49 yet, but the tires that are on it came off my beater truck, which did good off road.

[Mike S]

With Radial tires generally the taller the tire the wider the rim must be. I have good evidence that a 16", 4.5" wide tire will carry a 215/85/R16 tire, which is about 31" tall.

These tires (Duratrac or Firestone MTs) will go on my WIllys. I am also considering puting my stock centers in 6.5"-7" wide wheels to make a wider, stock looking wheel to run slightly wider tall tires. No decision really made yet.

Nate: I like your Jeeps.

[Gunslinger]

With Radial tires generally the taller the tire the wider the rim must be. I have good evidence that a 16", 4.5" wide tire will carry a 215/85/R16 tire, which is about 31"

Ditto that, I'm running the light truck tires as well.  I bought mine off of CL and they have been good now for several seasons.  It's a good way to buy if you have more time than money.

Nate: I like your Jeeps.