The Jeep Wrangler JL began production in November of 2017 and it’s been a hit since it hit the market. While it’s similar to older models, this new generation of Jeep Wrangler can benefit from different wheels and tires for upgrade purposes.
Jeep Wrangler JLs come with many options and trim levels, like Sport and Rubicon, so it’s not always easy to know what wheels or tires will fit. Luckily, 4 Wheel Parts is here to help with a comprehensive guide on off-road wheel fitment for Jeep Wrangler JLs.
What to Consider When Upgrading Your Jeep
Upgrading your Jeep Wrangler JL requires time, patience, and a plan. It’s essential to understand what upgrades work together and how they’ll impact your off-roading experience.
Suspension
One of the first things to consider when upgrading your Jeep is the suspension. Sure, you can add wheels without changing the suspension, but upgrading the suspension gives you more space for larger wheels.
Also, consider how high you’re lifting the Jeep. A lift makes it easier to tip, and as boxy vehicles already, Jeeps are prone to tipping. The best way to stabilize your Jeep when it’s lifted high is to use backspacing to push the wheels out from under the wheel wells.
Backspacing
Backspacing allows you to add bigger wheels to your Jeep without modifying the suspension. The backspace is the distance between the hub mount and the inside lip of your vehicle’s wheel.
When you increase the backspacing, the wheel moves closer to the Jeep. Decreasing the backspacing has the opposite effect and pulls the wheels away from the Jeep.
As an example, wheels with a negative offset or an offset close to zero will stick out quite a bit. With the right backspacing it’s possible to add larger wheels without modifying your Jeep’s ride height.
Bolt Pattern
The bolt pattern, or lug pattern, refers to how many lug nuts a wheel has and the pattern they’re in. Bolt patterns are measured by finding the diameter of the circle the lug nuts create.
Jeep Wrangler JLs have a 5 x 5-inch bolt pattern. Therefore, the wheels have five lug nuts with five-inch spacing.
Material
The material of a wheel is also something to consider. Alloy and steel are the common materials for Jeep Wrangler JL wheels and both types have advantages.
Steel wheels are better for off-roading. They can take a beating and they’re easy to repair. The drawback of steel wheels is that they’re heavy and the additional weight reduces fuel efficiency.
Alloy wheels are made with light materials with aluminum being the most common. Aluminum wheels are less durable than steel wheels but don’t weigh as much. Less weight means better fuel efficiency and less stress on your Jeep’s suspension.
Wrangler Off Road Wheels & Tires
Off-road wheels and tires for Jeep Wrangler JLs are abundant. You’ll find dozens of options and many unique styles. Still, not all wheels and tires are made the same. Knowing what to look for helps you narrow down your options.
Types of Wheels
Not all wheels are made equal. Rims come in a few variations like safety rims, split rims, and beadlock rims. Each type of rim is viable depending on the surface you’re driving on.
Safety rims are the most common rims to find on passenger vehicles. The rims include small bumps that extend inwards. These small bumps secure the tire bead to the rim but they keep it away from the outer edge of the rim. Safety rims are efficient but perform poorly with low tire pressure.
Split rims are similar to safety rims but the rim is not one piece. Instead, it’s a multi-piece assembly. They leverage a ring or lock to hold tires in place. Split rims are for heavy-duty vehicles and the drawback is that they have a higher risk of causing a blowout.
The last type of rim is a beadlock rim. What makes beadlock rims unique is that they physically bind the tire to the wheel. Therefore, tire pressure can be reduced for off-roading without the risk of the tire falling off the rim.
Beadlock rims aren’t always legal for road use and they’re heavier than other types of rims. Still, they’re the best for low tire pressure off-roading.
Types of Tires
Jeep Wrangler JLs are compatible with a wide range of tires. Most tires for Jeep Wranglers are mud-terrain (M/T), all-terrain (A/T), and highway tires (H/T). Each type of tire has benefits and drawbacks.
M/T tires are popular amongst Wrangler owners because of their aggressive styling. Mud terrain tires offer durable sidewalls, thick tread grooves, and aggressive tread patterns. Overall, they’re perfect for off-roading, climbing, and driving through muddy or swampy terrain.
A/T tires are similar to M/T tires but they’re better for mild off-roading like driving on trails or dirt paths. All-terrain tires also have aggressive styling options, thick sidewalls, and deep sides.
H/T tires are also suitable for Jeep Wrangler JLs but they’re designed for highway driving. People who commute to work in their Jeep are the best fit for highway tires. They’re less durable but offer better fuel efficiency.
What Rims Fit a Jeep Wrangler?
Jeep Wrangler JL models typically come with 17 or 18-inch rims that have a 5 x 5-inch bolt pattern and 71.5-millimeter hub bore. 17 and 18-inch rims are also popular among aftermarket wheel manufacturers. It’s also possible to install rims that are 18, 20, or 22 inches on the factory suspension.
When installing rims you also have to account for depth. Most rims on Jeep Wrangler JLs are between 7 and 8 inches wide. It’s possible to have wider rims but you’ll need to offset them.
To install larger rims on your Jeep Wrangler you’ll have to raise the suspension or offset the wheels.
What is the Biggest Tire You Can Put on a Jeep Wrangler?
On the factory suspension for non-Rubicon Jeep Wrangler JL models, the biggest tire you can install is 33 inches. To fit 33-inch wheels on a stock suspension the best size is 285/75/17. Tire sizes vary based on the trim level of your Jeep.
The Sport model comes with 31.5-inch tires but tire sizes increase with trim level. As an example, Sahara models come with 32-inch tires and the Rubicon comes with 33-inch tires. JL Rubicons come with suspension upgrades from the factory that makes space for larger tires.
The biggest tire you can put on a Jeep Wrangler is 40 inches in diameter but you’ll have to lift the suspension by at least 3.5 inches. 40-inch tires are massive and only suitable for highway or city driving. In fact, you’ll have to make many upgrades to your Jeep’s suspension to accommodate 40-inch tires.
Shop at 4 Wheel Parts today for tires that fit your Jeep Wrangler like a glove. Need help finding the right fit for your Jeep? Our knowledgeable experts can help you decide the best size for your new rims and tires, and even help you choose a lift kit.
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