Decipher custom wheel jargon..

Here is what I want to do, but I don't quite understand all the "offset" stuff.

I want to put BFG Mud-Terrains 31"/10.50/15R on a set of American Racing Outlaw I rims. On the Amerc. Rac. website, it gives me these numbers:



61-5183 15x10 -38 4 6-5 1/2 2WD & 4WD

15x10 is the size, I guess, -38 is "offset" and 4 is "backside" Also, what is the typical bolt patterns for old CJ's? Will these wheels actually work on my stock non-lifted '53 M38-A1?

Thanks

Here is the website with the list of wheels/sizes I want:
http://tinyurl.com/87eal

Here are the tires:
http://tinyurl.com/978zz

Thanks for any help.

Dondo

 

The bolt pattern is 5-5 1/12...looks like that one you've picked is 6-5 1/2

Can't really help you on the offset numbers but I'd bet the standard backspacing is going to be 3-5/8" or 3-3/4"

 

What exactly is "backspacing" and offset? Will a 15/10.50 tire fit on a 15/10 rim?

 

If you laid the wheel flat on the concrete and then measured from the concrete to the backside of the wheel (where the wheel would hit the hub/drum)....that would be your backspacing. If the number is small...like 2" the wheel would stick out more from the side of the vehicle. If it's larger like the standard 3-5/8" it fits nicely under the fender. Depends on what you like. 3-5/8" is the standard so if you want them to stick out...look for a smaller backspacing. If you want them tucked farther under then look for a larger backspacing.

A 31 X 10.5 tire is too narrow (in my opinion) for a 10" wide wheel. I'd stick with an 8" wheel. It'll make your tire a little taller. You can actually fit the 10.5 on a 7" wheel even better, but it won't stick out from the sides of your jeep. Again...depends on what you want.

 

Oh and Dondo...FWIW...I had 31's on Nixon and I always wanted 32's. With a lift between 1" and 2-1/2" I personally think the 32 X 11.50's on 8" wheels is the best fit.

 

Cool. Thanks for the help guys.

Dondo

 

Guys?....it's just me

 

lol....oh yeah.. hehe...

Thanks "guy"..

 

31's will fit OK on 10" rims. I had a 31 x 10.5 on a Outlaw I until I got a full size spare (33").

Here's a pic of my TJ. The 31" is the spare in the pic.


Jim

 

The problem that you run into with a 10.50 width tire on a 10" rim is that if you "air down" for off roading you increase your chances of the tire bead coming off the wheel.
the 7" or 8" wheels will keep tension on the bead at lower pressures. FWIW

 

FWIW- A 10"rim and a 10.50 tire will allow dirt rocks ,sticks, etc to be pushed between the tire and rim when aired down. Some tires now have rim protection built in to the tire if the tires you want have this then that shouldn't be a problem. :hurrican: