Spidertrax Off-Road Jeep JK Wrangler
Wheel Spacers & Adapters
So here’s the dilema. You’ve just bought a brand new 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler and now you’re wanting to install a set of bigger tires on it. Only problem is, the factory wheels that come on the JK Wranglers have 6.25″ of back spacing and depending on how wide the tires you want to install are, you’ll most likely have some rubbing problems at a full turn up front and a good chance that you’ll get some rubbing of the side walls on the rear sway bar as well.
Typically, your best option would be to get a set of new wheels that have less back spacing on them. However, with the new and uncommon 5×5 bolt pattern that Jeep decided to use on the new Jeep JK Wranglers, you’re left with a slim selection of wheels to choose from. Of course, this is to say nothing about the people out there who love the look of the factroy aluminum wheels and would prefer to keep them. What is one to do?
Well, thanks to Spidertrax Off Road and the high quality wheel spacers and adapters they are making for the new Jeep JK Wrangler, you now have options to choose from. For those of you who want to run bigger tires on your factory wheels, Spidertrax is now manufacturing a set of 1.5″ wheels spacers that will effectively reduce the amount of backspacing your factory wheels have to 4.75″. And, for those of you who are looking to install a set of aftermarket wheels but would love to take advantage of all the other wheel designs available out there, Spidertrax is now also manufacturing a set of 1.375″ wheel adapters that will convert your existing 5×5 bolt pattern to a more common 5×4.5 or 5×5.5 bolt pattern. Need I say, both the wheel spacers and wheel adapters will give you more than enough room to install a nice big tire like a 33×12.50 or bigger… depending on the amount of suspension lift you have of course.
All Spidertrax wheel spacers and wheel adapters have a wheel and hub centric design, are made out of 6061 T6 anodized blue aluminum for corrosion resistance and come with pre-installed wheel studs, lugnuts, and Red Loctite.
Eddie
Special Thanks: I would like to thank Spidertrax and Northridge4×4 for providing this exclusive press release.
FYI: Spidertrax Jeep JK Wrangler wheel spacers and adapters can be purchased at Northridge4×4 and Quadratec.
75 Comments so far
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Hey, Looking forward to building up my new rubicon that will arrive in about a month i just ordered it. Its a 2 door jk.rubicon. In green. Im sure i’ll be getting your wheel spacers. Thanks for not waiting on after market goodys. I’ll send you a picture of it when it comes in. *CANT WAIT* Drew Niles
Thanks for the info I just got my 4 door JK and love it I was attmepting to put on my wheels off my 04 TJand found the dilemma. I contacted my tire and my jeep dealers and neither had the info you have in this article thanks.
Do both the 16 and 17 inch factory wheels have the quoted back spacing?
I have a 2007 jk 4 dr and I am going to put the 2.5 budget boost by teraflex on. I want to run 33inch tires on there and I am not sure what the deal with back spacing is.I was thinking about going with differnt wheels and if so what type of back spacing is required so I wont rub my tires or if you could eplanin that would be great thanks alot out of Baumholder GE
Yes, all JK wheels have 6.25″ back spacing. As far as what you will need to prevent rubbing, well, that would all depend on how wide of a tire you are planning to run. If it’s a 33×10.50, you won’t need anything. If it’s a 33×12.50, then, I would probably say you need 5.5″ of back spacing or less.
Eddie
Can I take the 15×10 wheels off my 2006 Jeep and put them on a 2007 with the wheel adapters?
Matt
Hey Matt, yes, you can
Eddie
My problem is opposite of what is stated in the article. I have acquired a new set of 2007 rims & tires but can’t find an adapter to go from 5 on 4.5 to the new pattern 5 on 5. I need this to put the new 2007 wheels on my 1995 YJ. When will these be marketed, since I am ssuming the reason I can’t find any is because the 2007 pattern is so new. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP>.
just got a x model jk, with the 16″ rims, do you happen to know if 285/75R16’s will rub? i think it comes out to 33×11.50
My Sahara is about to arrive, I’m planning on adding 33×13.5×18 on some M/T Classic II wheels w/ and lifting it 3.5 inches… do you think I’ll still need spacers?
Hi Chris,
Depending on how much or how little back spacing you have now, you might see a little rubbing on the flares at a full stuff.
Hey Ted,
You know, you might want to reconsider your 33’s as 3.5″ of lift will give you plenty of room to clear 35’s. As far as wheel spacers go, you’ll only need them if your new wheels have too much backspacing.
Eddie
Thanks Eddie, I’ll consider the 35s over the 33s. Either way, looks like with the Mickie Thompson Classic IIs, I’ll still need the adapters since the JK has 5×5 bolt pattern. Would you suggest going from 5×5 to 5×4.5 or 5×5.5 adapter? Bigger the tire, bigger the adapter? Or does it really matter?
I’m looking into the M/T Classic II’s in the 17×9 with 5X5 and 5 inch backspacing. Is it possible to run the 285/75R17’s without lifting my 2007 X two door at all?
I have been looking into 2 and 3 inch lifts but would rather not lift it if possible.
I may just run it and see what problems I run into!
Hi Ted, I would probably recommend going with 5×5 to 5×5.5’s as they are more common and you’ll have an easier time finding wheels for them.
Hey George, you know, I’d be willing to bet that you could run 285’s with just a set of .75″ spacers up front. The rear of your JK is probably tall enough now and the front leveled out should give you enough room too.
Eddie
My question is:
My 4 Dr 2007 Sahara came with 18″ wheels and I have a set of 32×10.5×15 from my 2004 Wrangler X with a 2″ lift and I want to know if I purchase the spacers will I need to put a lift on my jeep
Eddie, I took your advice and went for the 35 tires along with my 3.5 inch lift. I also added the 5×5.5 adapters per your suggestion too. All together w/ the Mickey Thompson Classic IIs look fantastic. The dealer was hesitant to use 35 tires, but it made his other efforts look wimpy. Thanks for the suggestions, I’ve added my photos in the MyProject-JK.com, under tedinlb.
Hi Homer, if you want to put on wheels/tires from your TJ onto your JK, you will need to get a set of “wheel adapters” and not just spacers. The TJ has a 5×4.5 bolt pattern and the JK has 5×5. Otherwise, no, you should not need any lift.
Hey Ted, I’m glad to hear everything worked out for you
Eddie
I have a 07 JK with 255/70/R18 and I am going with 35/12.50/18. the difference in with is 2.68′. will i need spacers?
Hi jonathan, yes, you will want to add spacers to clear your 12.50″ wide tires.
I have the 4 dr jk I have put a 2.5 sky jacker kit on there and I have bought 16 by 8 wheels with 5 inches of back space. what is the widest tire I can put on a 8 inch wide wheel. thanks
Hi Joel, most guys run a 12.50 wide tire on an 8″ wheel but I’d bet you could get away with as much as a 13.50.
Eddie
hey thanks alot I will post the pics as soon as the tires get on the jeep in about 4 days
I wonder if there’s a safety issue with spacers or adapters?That would be great for a wider variety of wheel choice.I am having hard time locating 5×5s.I’m located in Detroit metro area.Thanks again Eddie.
Hi Len, so long as you install them properly and check them from time to time, there are absolutely no safety issues with high quality wheel spacers like Spidertrax makes.
Eddie
Have you guys had any problem with the piece of the body that sticks into the wheel well in the rear on the unlimited.I am putting 315 75r 16 and I might have to nip it off what do you think.
thanks
I haven’t had any problems but then I have a Full Traction 3″ Ultimate Lift on my JK. Need I say, it has adjustable control arms and I was able to make the adjustments that I needed to prevent it.
Eddie
Hey Eddie,
My name is Toph,
I have a 2004 Jeep Laredo, and I am new to the world of off roading, and my brother inlaw just baught the 2dr wrangler rubicon and I am buying the Jeep JK 4Door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. I want to install the TeraFlex 2.5 Budget Boost. On the TeraFlex Website it offers The BB with Shocks, or with Adaptors…. What is the difference, what should I get??
Also I am looking to buy 35″ tires, I am not too sure I understand the whole back spacing system. Could you briefly explain what and how it works.
Thanks,
-Toph, Cambridge,MA
Hi Toph,
If you can afford it, new longer shocks is the better way to go but if you’re a little tight on cash, the shock extensions will work just fine too. Also, since you have a Rubicon, with extensions, your ride will be exactly the same as it was stock.
Back spacing it the measured distance from the mounting surface of your wheel to the back edge of it. Factory wheels come with 6.25″ of back spacing and this keeps your tires nicely tucked under your fenders. However, if you install bigger/wider wheels, you will experience rubbing problems in multiple locations and this can only be fixed by install new wheels with less back spacing (i.e. 4.75″ or less) or install 1.5″ wheel spacers (effectively making your factory back spacing 4.75″) as this will push your tires further out from the body/frame of your Jeep and give you the clearance you need. Does this make sense?
Eddie
I’m sorry for this being a little off-subject (and so long), but there seem to be many people purchasing new JK’s then immediately purchasing new tires & wheels. Does everyone out there have thousands of dollars laying around to allow them to replace tires and wheels (that are brand new…) or is there a way to “trade-in and trade-up” with local tire shops/dealers? What do people typically do with their stock tires and wheels? Sell them on Ebay…? I just purchased a new JK Unlimitted Sahara and it came with 18″ wheels. (Which I’m not really crazy about. They look good, but 18″ tires cost more and there isn’t a large variety out there…) I’m interested in doing a 2″/2.5″ boost and I am reluctant to leave it with the stock tires, but my budget doesn’t allow for a complete replecement. Any suggestions…? Thanks!
Hi Michael, I think most people are just selling their wheels/tires on places like craigslist. That is typically where I go anyway.
Eddie
I posted a question here last night…now it’s gone
My question was, can I run 10.5’s on the stock painted steel 7″ rims that came with my JK? I’m currently running 235/85R16s. I’d like to go wider…can I on a 7″ rim width?
I have a 2004 jeep wrangler with factory 15 inch wheels. What would it take to install the current 17 inch rubicon rims and wheels with the 5 x 5 pattern onto my 5 x 4.5 hub.
Hope you haven’t answered this already, but I wanted to get an opinion from somebody that’s not trying to upsell me. I just got a 2007 Wrangler X. I’ve been looking at a set of 16×8 Eagle Alloys with 4″ backspacing and -11mm offset. Can I run 265/75-16 AT tires without having any rubbing or needing to do use spacers or a lift? I plan on installing the 2″ Skyjacker budget boost. Should I do the lift first and then the tires or vice versa? The budget only allows me to do one at a time.
Hi Joe, you will be fine running 10.50’s on your factory 7″ wheels.
Keith, you would need to get a set of wheel “adapters” that converts your bolt pattern.
Arlie, if you get those wheels with it’s 4″ of back spacing, you will not have any rubbing issues and will not need additional spacers.
Eddie
First, thanks Eddie for all the information, it’s very helpful.
I am looking at a 20×10 rims (5×5.5 bolt pattern) with 4.5″ of backspacing. The tires are 35 x 12.50 tires (possibly 13.5) for my JK unlimited. Will just the adapter be sufficient and can I get away with a 2.5″ lift–is that enough?
Clint
Sorry just wanted to add to the post above–the backspacing is negative 24MM of backspacing. Perhaps I don’t need the spacer at all?
Hey Eddie,
Will I have to install a bigger stronger spare tire holder, or will I get by with the stock one, considering the weight of the 35″ tires???
Deer Valley looked like it was a lot of fun, nice pictures!!!
- Toph
Eddie, you are the man!
Have you (or anybody) seen pictures of a JK w/ a 3/4 spacer lift, 285/70 on a 17″ factory alloy and 1.5 wheel spacers. I dont do alot of wheelin’ but I do want a bigger tire. (my.project-jk ZoSo-Green)
Hi Toph, I have seen a few guys carry a 35″ tire okay but I personally would recommend getting a bumper tire carrier as the stresses placed on the factory carrier and tail gate will be significant.
Hey Erik, while I don’t have any pics, I have seen this setup in person and can tell you that it can be done. However, if you do go wheeling, you most likely will experience rubbing issues.
Eddie
i have a new jk sahara unlimeted,i want to use aftermarket rims with my stock tires for now ,255/75/-17 so what spacers would i need if any with a set of aftermarket rims?and what width rim should i get?
I just got an JK Unlimited X and want to know if i can replace the stock tyres with 33″ without any lift. And would i get away with 35 on a 2″ BB.
Hi bill hoe, yes you can install 33’s without any lift but you will see rubbing on the trail. As far as 35’s on a 2″ BB goes, the same applies.
Eddie
with 35″ tires on a JK do you need to do any other mods such as re-gearing? Or modified prop-shafts?
Need? No. Should? Yes. Without new gears, you’re Jeep will feel like it’s lost a lot of power and if you have a 2-door, the amount of lift required to clear 35’s will put your rear drive shaft at a very steep angle and you will want to replace this with a double cardin u-joint style shaft and adjustable upper rear control arms so that you can set your pinion angle.
Eddie
I just bought a 2007 2door x wrangler, I love this jeep but would someday like to put bigger tires on it. It came with factory 17″ rims ,255/75/r17 tires and heavy duty suspension with gas shocks. If I keep the factory rims whats the biggest tires I can get away with?
I have a 2007 JK 4door Sahara and just bought 2″ spacer kit with shocks, ProComp 7089 17×8 with 4.5 back spacing and ProComp Extreme A/T 305/65R17. Do you think I will run into any problems with rubbing? The tire come out to be: Diameter= 32.6, SectionWidth= 12, Section Height= 7.8. Thanks, Chad
i have a stock 4 door jk x and just bought a set of 33×12.5 x17 tires and i want to get a set of rims, can i install these on my jeep with out having to add any kind of lift to it and what is the best back spacing i should get for my rims so they will not rub. if i have to get a lift what would you say i should get that would not leave me broke.
Hi Hunter, with factory wheels, you should stick with a tire that is no more than 10.50… maybe 11.50 wide at most.
Hi Chad, with 4.5″ of BS, you will not have any issues.
Hi Ray, with 33″ tires, you should be able to run them without a lift but you will have rubbing issues on the trail. As far as BS goes, you will want to install 1.5″ wheel spacers like these or get new wheels with about 5″ of BS or less.
Eddie
Thanks Eddie its great to have a site like this and people like you to take the time to help and advise us beginners keep up the good work.
Thanks Ray
I am new to off road. I just bought an 08 2 dr Wrangler X with stock 16 inch wheels sporting P225/75R16 tires. I love this ride but the tires look whimpy. My son has an 07 Wrangler Unlimited four door. It has 17 inch wheels. Can I take his wheels and put them on my 08 2 door? If so what is the widest tire that I can mount on that wheel without any other modifications. (cash is tight) If not what are the widest tires that I can mount on the wheels that my X came with?
Yes, you can mount it on your 08 as they both have the same bolt pattern but they also have the same amount of back spacing so you will be limited to how wide of a tire you can run without rubbing issues. With factory wheels, I would say that the widest you can go is about 11″ or the metric equivalent of. If you go wider, you will need wheel spacers like these.
Eddie
i have a 2007 stock wrangler x two door. i was thinking about doing a 2″ lift and running 33/12.5/R16 tires. my concern is with a axel ratio of 3.21 will running that big of a tire hurt the componants of my jeep?
No, it will not but you might feel your Jeep to be sluggish on the highway and climbing hills - that’s all.
Eddie
I just bought a 08 jeep jk wrangler 2 door sahara which came with 18″ wheels. I plan on buying a six in susp. lift as soon as available. I was wondering if I can run a 15×10 with 3.5 back spacing wheel first of all, or do I have to go with a larger wheel. Some magizine ads list 15″ but I have heard they won’t fit. Also could you tell me if runnning a 36×15.5 would be a problem or what should I go with for tire size so it don’t rub. Would I need spacers for wheels? Thanks for any info. it will help.
Hi Eric, if you’re going to be running a tire as big as 36×15.50, I would highly recommend that you get at least a 16″ wheel if not a 17″ wheel as it will greatly reduce the amount of sidewall flex you will have. ‘Some’ 15″ wheels will work on the JK but most don’t as they are too thick and will make contact with the brake calipers.
Eddie
I have a 07 JK Sahara Unlimited with a 2″ spacer lift and am looking at the Pro Comp 7005 series 17″ wheels with the Extreme a/t 33×12.50 equivalent. The 8″ wide wheels are on back order but they have the 9″. Will I see much of a difference in performance, handling etc? Thanks for the help.
9″ wide will be fine. The only reason why you want a narrower wheel is because it will help you keep your bead from rolling when aired down and on the trail.
Eddie
Eddie
I have the Sahara 18″ and am thinking about the spacers just for the aggressive, wider look, will I saccrafice strength with say a 2 or a 2.5″ spacer?
I am also conidering the 2.5″ budget boost, how will this affect my driveshaft angle?
Anytime you reduce the amount of back spacing you have whether it be by using wheelspacers or running an aftermarket wheel with less backspacing, you will add a little more stress to your axles/wheel bearings. Not enough to matter mind you if it’s within an inch or so but 2-2.5″ less than stock is probably a lot more than you should do.
Regarding budget boosts, your drive shafts should be just fine.
Hey Eddie,
I know you get this constantly, but thanks again for all the time and effort you put into the resources here for all of us.
I’d like your opinion on this one: I recently bought Mickey Thompson Classic II 16″ wheels for my 4-door JK. I have the X, so I had the cheap, stock steel wheels with 6.25″ of backspacing. The MT’s have 4.5″ of backspacing, so they’re bumped out 1.75″. Do you think that’s too much of a difference, or should I be fine with that?
Thanks, again. I hope all is well.
Dave
Hi Dave, 4.5″ is in my opinion a perfect back spacing for the JK.
Eddie
Hi Eddie,
Thanks for the quick reply. The Jeep is at the shop right now as they are installing the wheels for me. After I posted my question earlier today, I got a call from the shop. They said the front wheels are hitting the brake calipers. At this point, the only thing they are suggesting is putting the tires back on the stock wheels. I’d really rather not bump the MT’s out any further with spacers. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave
Ok verry easy question !
on a rubicon 08 whit 1.25′ wheel spacer and stock wheel and budget boost 2.5′ what is the perfect size tire ? Thanks
Really? They’re making contact with 16″ wheels?? man, those must be some thick son of a guns. if the contact is slight, you can grind your calipers a bit and they will clear just fine. i know of other guys with 15″ wheels who have done this without any problems.
Eddie
Yan, with a 2.5″ BB, I’d have to say 33″ tires is perfect but you could install up to 35’s with just minor rubbing at a full flex. In fact, that’s what I had done and loved the set up.
They are thick. I’m going to grind the calipers a bit. Thanks for the info. I couldn’t believe the 16″ wheels were hitting either, but they are. Thanks, again.
Dave
Eddie, sorry to bother you again, but I would really like your input. I took a closer look at the calipers for myself and it turns out the inside mounting surface of the wheels are the points of contact with the calipers. The outer edge of the caliper bridges are hitting the wheels. Those bridges look to be at most 1/2″ thick and I would likely have to take off about 1/8″, maybe 3/16″. I’m a bit skeptical about taking off that much. Any thoughts?
Again, thanks.
Dave
Yeah, if it’s really that much, I would be a bit leary about grinding them too.
Eddie
What about slip on spacers? I can a custom set from Skulte Performance Designs to bump the wheels out 3/16″ which would be perfect clearance. Have you heard any horror stories about the slip ons?
Dave
DO NOT use slip on spacers as they are DANGEROUS and illegal to use in most states because of them. Have I heard horror stories, YES!!
OK. That’s why I asked. Thanks.
Eddie, once again you’ve been a great help. I did not get slip-ons. Thanks for the feedback. Sorry for putting the link on that I did. I obviously wasn’t thinking.
Anyway, I had some more time to spend with my JK this morning, and when I got up into the wheel wells and was able to get a closer look, I was better able to pinpoint the points of contact between the wheels and calipers. I used chalk on the edge of the rims’ mounting surfaces, tightened the rims by hand, and turn them. The chalk marks on the calipers were on the inner edges (facing the hubs) of the caliper bridges. I took off a small amount and the rims work like a charm. No problems at all.
Again, thanks.
Dave
Hey Dave, glad to hear you were able to get this figured out.
Eddie
Hi Eddie, I had the exact same experience as the other Dave, actually ended up talking to folks at MT and Quadratec who would not, could not the Classic II were rubbing the frong brake calipers and of course would not take the wheels back as the shop had mounted the tires starting in the rear and didn’t find the caliper rub until tires were mounted. they ended up shipping me Rugged Ridge solid aluminum billet 1.25 spacers after I put up a fuss. I’m strictly local commute driver. Have I cut down the backspacing to the point that I’m not safe?
Not at all - you should be just fine with what you have.