Whats the real scoop on 15x7 vs 15x8 wheels?

[cnhxn]

Does any one know the real scoop? I hear all kinds of answers to this? I have a 3.5 lift with 31x 10.5 tires on stock wheels (15x7, 3.75" backspacing). I'm getting MTs in the same size and have a choice of either 15x7 or 15x8 rock crawler wheels. Right now, the tire only rubs if I make a sharp turn in a parking lot. Which wheel will stick out more, better ride, etc?

 

[cnhxn]

No one is responding, so I'm responding as a TEST since this is my first post on this site.

 

[cnhxn]

Does any one know the real scoop? I hear all kinds of answers to this? I have a 3.5 lift with 31x 10.5 tires on stock wheels (15x7, 3.75" backspacing). I'm getting MTs in the same size and have a choice of either 15x7 or 15x8 rock crawler wheels. Right now, the tire only rubs if I make a sharp turn in a parking lot. Which wheel will stick out more, better ride, etc?[/QUOTE]

 

[MrShoeBoy]

Your stock wheels have a backspacing of 5.25" not 3.75". You can put a 31x10.50 on a stock 15x7 wheel with a 3" lift and not run into any major problems. You will have to trim the very front bottom corner of the fender flare so the tire doesnt rub unless you have bump stop extensions. At least that was the case with my 31s and Rustys 3" lift I had way back when. If you get the 15x8 rim with a 10.50 tire, it will be easier to loose the bead when aired down. I always had good luck with the 7" rim and 10.50 tire.

AARON

 

[cnhxn]

Thanks, Aaron. Good info. BTW, if I don't air out the tire, do the 15x 8 havave a better ride or stick out less since ther's no bulge in tire?

 

[cosnowrider]

Stick with the 15x7. They will tuck better than a 15x8 and as allready mentioned it will be better to air down with a 7" rim.

 

[Prepmech]

What is the BS of the 15x7 vs. the 15x8? What are you going to use the jeep for? Are you going to go with bigger tires later? If you ever want to put bigger tires on it, go with the 15x8s. The amount they stick out will depend on the BS. If you are going to run trails and stay with 31s, go with the 15x7s. 15x8s will make the 31x10.50s wear a little better, so if you are going to keep it on the street stick with the 15x8s.

 

[cnhxn]

Thanks for the info, Travis,

I bought the 15x8s. I'm going to be using them on the street, good for snow etc. (live in the Cleveland, OH area). I didn't want them sticking out too much, but hope I can get used to it. With the black rock crawler wheels, I don't know if the 15x7s would stick out less. But they would have more of a roll on the sides. These tires, 31x10.5 Mud Terrains, look very aggresive.
regards,
cnhxn
(Harry)

 

[falcon556]

What would happen if i used 15x8 wheels with the standard tires, no lift.
Would that work? Would I be better off with one size rather than the other?

 

[streetpirate]

What would happen if i used 15x8 wheels with the standard tires, no lift.
Would that work? Would I be better off with one size rather than the other?

standard?
need more info on what you want

 

[falcon556]

standard?
need more info on what you want

My XJ came with two sizes either 215x75R15 or 225x75R15 and 15X7 wheels.
My question is whether the 15X8 TJ wheel can be used instead of the 15X7.
My concern is the width interfering when turning and also the backspacing of the 15X8 being incompatible.

 

[Beej]

No concerns there falcon. The backspacing is identical on the TJ wheels, at 5.25". Using 8" wheels will just widen the tire at the bead area, providing a slightly wider tire through the sidewall. It won't affect the tread, handling, load etc...

 

[falcon556]

No concerns there falcon. The backspacing is identical on the TJ wheels, at 5.25". Using 8" wheels will just widen the tire at the bead area, providing a slightly wider tire through the sidewall. It won't affect the tread, handling, load etc...

Thank you.