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How Much Backspacing Is Too Much?

Discussion in 'Jeep Truck and FC Tech' started by FinoCJ, Sep 23, 2019.

  1. Sep 23, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    I am considering buying aftermarket wheels probably in the 16x6 or 7 category (who wouldn't want some blingy chrome revolver wheels on their wagon). So, how much backspacing can I go? From what I can measure on the oem 15x4.5s, it seems like there is about 3.5" of backspacing (a bit of positive offset). The white wagon rims currently on it are 15x8, and with about the same 3.5" backspacing (but a bit of negative offset due to the wider rim), they stick out too far past the fender for my aesthetic tastes, and the current 225 (9") wide tires seem to stick out too far. Going to a narrower rim will help some (I definitely don't need an 8" wide rim), but it also seems like I need to increase the backspacing so the rim sits further in - hopefully tucked more inside the fender. How much backspacing can I go? As long as the wheel has clearance around the brakes, from the knuckle-steering linkage connections, and the tire doesn't rub the inside fender or frame too much or limit maximum steering angle drastically (a D25 doesn't have a lot of steering to begin with) it should be good to go? Thinking something like 16x7 with 4.5 to 5.5" of backspacing? Am I missing something?

    As much as I like the idea of running oem style skinny steel wheels, the practicality is the selection of modern radial tires that will fit on a 15x4.5" rim is pretty limited and not very tall. I haven't given up on finding a set of 16x5.5 oem style wheels, with the idea of running a 215/85/16 (30.5x8.5) tires. But an aftermarket 16x6 or 7 would allow for more tire options, and possible up-step in tire size if desired later (with suspension etc) such a 235/85/16 (probably my dream tire size).

    This is kind of the look I am going for:
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2019
    txtoller and bigbendhiker like this.
  2. Sep 23, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Dead link. Show me some rims!
     
  3. Sep 23, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Try again...see if it works now
     
  4. Sep 23, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Burndoubt likes this.
  5. Sep 23, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Here are similar rims to what I ran on my cj7 - always like this look. It might work on a wagon. 16x7 5on5.5 but slight negative offset.
    ULTRA MOTORSPORTS 062 - Ultra Wheel

    And these I like better for the larger hole revolver pattern, but 16x8 is the narrowest rim:
    ULTRA MOTORSPORTS 164 - Ultra Wheel
     
  6. Sep 25, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    I kind of have the same dilemma with my son's Willys pickup. It has a nice set of 15" stock wheels but not much available tire-wise that's over 30". I'd like to find a 16x6 stock-ish wheel for it.
     
  7. Sep 25, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    Keep in mind, the photo example you posted is a Parkway (see the gasketed rear windows?) with the round rear fender opening. Regular wagons have a flat-topped opening, limiting the tire clearance.
    I'm going to guess the Parkway has 7" wide rims. I wouldn't consider any more backspacing than 4" max. I still prefer 3 1/2" and don't mind the tires outside the body lines, though one of my Wagons came with 10" wide rims which is a bit much.
    -Donny
     
  8. Sep 25, 2019
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    The wheels on my wagon are 16 x 5". They are probably truck rims, I imagine the wagon had 4.5" originally. Tires are 235/85 and to me they fit perfect, just enough room in the wheel well.
     
  9. Sep 26, 2019
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    I like this wagon, especially with the round rear wheel wells!
     
  10. Sep 26, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    yup...I like the round rear wheel wells as well. Unfortunately mine has the squared off ones.
     
  11. Sep 26, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    The round rear wheel openings are found on '53 and earlier, and the Sedan Deliveries, and their variants like the Parkway and Traveller. I passed up some nice wagons to find mine, that needs a lot!
    I think the wagons from about '59-up came stock with 5"x15". The 16's were not that common.
    -Donny
     
    Glenn likes this.
  12. Nov 19, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Doug - have you had any luck finding usable wheels? 16x6 with 5x5.5 pattern and 4.25" center bore is pretty much impossible - I have found a couple of 16x7 options, but even a few of those have vaporized as the retailer listed them, but when go to order them, they are no longer available....I am thinking of running a 16x4.5 replacement (often identified as the Omix 16x5.5) or a set of of m38a1 rims and just stuffing the 215 or 235s on the skinny rims....
     
  13. Nov 19, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Not yet. I have a few more options since I'll be running the smaller diameter Ford hubs, but no luck finding a wheel for that.
     
  14. Nov 20, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Yes...there are some options that are designed to fit over ford hubs at just under 4inches. Been wonder about getting those bores machined out a bit.
     
  15. Sep 23, 2020
    Andy Weaver

    Andy Weaver New Member

    Rancho Tehama, CA
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    I know this thread is a year old, but I’m going to want a 16 x 7 wheel too, for my FC 150. It came with 31x10.50 x15s and they seem to clear well. Preferably steel stock looking White steel with a decent backspace. Am I going to have to cut, grind, and adapt? Or are there any wide 16’s in stock looking steel out there?
     
  16. Sep 27, 2020
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    I haven't found anything yet.
     
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  17. Sep 27, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    Some people here have suggested stock Roxor wheels. 16" x7"? Has anyone tried these on our early Jeeps? These have styled holes, so don't have the vintage "steelie" look.
    I have run 15 x 8" rims on a '57 narrow-track 150, and they are still well inside the bodywork. Those same rims nicely fill out the wheelwells on a '61 FC.
    -Donny
     
    Andy Weaver likes this.
  18. Sep 27, 2020
    Andy Weaver

    Andy Weaver New Member

    Rancho Tehama, CA
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    They are cheap enough, lol. Wonder what they would look like white and if the center hole would clear the hubs? Makes me wish I was as good with a computer as I am with a welder! I love those guys who scan, color, then 3D print a working model of the space shuttle....
    Mahindra Roxor OEM 0404AAA07101N Steel Wheel Rim 16 X 7.0 - Black
     
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