[993]

I am trying to figure out what backspacing my wheels are. Can someone tell me what the stock backspacing if for a Samurai? If I was to measure it myself would it be the diestance from the lug nut whole to the inside edge of the rim?

Thanks

 

[1339]

Yes it is and its 3.5" stock

 

[993]

I am wondering because I am trying to figure out how much of and extra load is on the bearing. I currently have 33x12.5 but I am not sure of the backspace as they are not the stock rims. I will look tonight and may have more questions later.
I would assume that because the tire is that much wider there is that much more of a load on the bearing. I was wondering if I moved to a 33x9.5 would I be able to fit and ride on a stock rim without rubbing? If so.... The load on the bearing would be the same as stock wouldn't it?

 

[794]

The load on the bearing will be more just from the weight of larger tires more so then the off set of the wheel. I had 127,000 on my old front end and never had to replace a bearing and I ran 235s-33" tires with 4 1/2 - 2" backspace wheels.

 

[993]

Are you sure about that. To this point I have been told that a) offset is the biggest factor when talking about bearings b) weight asside a larger tires causes less revolutions of the bearing so its easier on it that way.
As for the weight I can see what you mean. I guess for the time being I'll just hold onto my 33x12.5's and see what happens in the next season (its winter here now).
Something else I am a little confused on. The stock rim is has 3.5" of backspacing. I just measure the rims that my 33 thornbirds are on and the backspacing is 4" (measured from the lug nut whole to the inside edge of the rim). So the person that owned the truck before me put these rims on for show because a 3.5" backspaced rim would give me more rubbing clearance to the frame that a 4" backspaced rim.

Am I getting this or am I just talking

 

[rockrat]

The smaller the # the more the wheel sticks out from the fender well the larger the # the more it sits inside So if you have 4" B.S yoiu are more likley to hit the spring on compression and while turning.. most people run 2"-2.5" of B.S so when they go larger tire diameter it keeps them off the springs.. As Far as you bearing ?? whell bearings are Conical and as long as they are set right to correct preload you should have no problem there is more force aplied to the King pin bearings with larger tires then there are to the wheel bearings and that is due to the xtra leverage..

 

[794]

Well I'm not sure about off set and bearing failure, I've heard people say it will wear out bearings but I never lost a wheel bearing on any of my rides. I have 33x12.50 Thornbirds and I ran a 2" backspaced wheel and they still hit the springs at full lock. How do you turn 'em with a 4" backspace? As for running a wheel with less backspace, don't worry about the bearings, keep them greased and keep dirt and water out of them and they'll last. A lot of guys here run 3" or less backspace and have no problems.....right guys.....guys?....hello

 

[rockrat]

YEP What he said and how do you turn with 4" B.S????

 

[993]

I just don't know what to say guys. I'm really not trying to be a smart ass here. I measured as said above from the lug nut whole to edge of the inside. I haven't done much off-roading but the only time I rub on the street is when I turn the wheel all the way and the Nubs (Thornbirds) catch the spring.
Currently I have SPUA setup that will be changed to SPOA due to the bad articulation and ride quality. So if I am hearing you guys correctly... When I do get the flex I always wanted I will be screwed cause the tire will ride the spring.

 

[rockrat]

You are only hitting a little right now because you are spring under. The spring is sitting 3.5"-4" lower then the center of the wheel once you go SPOA you will rub

 

[993]

So for minimal rubbing I would need a 2" backspaced wheel. Can anyone tell me what kinda of truck has a 15 x8, 2" backspace rim or am I looking at custom applications here. I would much rather go with an existing rim from a toyota or whatever to keep costs down.

 

[794]

Here is where I got my wheels:

http://www.petepaulsen.com/Catalogofwheels/CircleTrack/CIRCLETRACK.htm

How much cheaper do you want? Buy 2" backspaced wheels or like rockrat said you'll be eating springs with your 33" T-birds. I run YJs and when I flex to full stuff I hit the shock,tower, and upper inner fenderwell. Thornbirds are actually 13.5" wide if you measure from side lug to side lug.

 

[993]

Thanks for the link. Really helps. Those are pretty cheap. Unfortunately I live in Canada so shipping may be an issue.

Thanks again

 

[794]

I ordered mine with a thicker bolt center and they where like $45 each. Paulson will custom build anything you need in a rim for very good prices and I highly recommend them.
It's to bad.....I sold all five of my 15x8 2" BS wheels for $200 a few months back, they only had 700 or so miles on them.

 

[993]

Looking through the posts I found that Jeep CJ wheels fit. Can someone confirm this? Does anyone know the backspace?

Thanks

 

[794]

You will not find ANY factory wheel with a 2" backspace with a 5 on 5 1/2 bolt circle....trust me I looked. You might find someone selling their wheels if you get lucky.
OH yeah...CJ era wheels fit sammys, but you have to check the center hole some of the CJ wheels had a smaller hole and won't fit over the sammy hub.

 

[2074]

Not to start and advertisment, but I have some black rockcrawler 2" BS rims up for sale (soon).

PM me if you're interested.

Kevin

 

[1033]

My CJ's came off a 79 and they bolted on. They are 15x8, 4" BS. They worked OK with the 32x10.5 swampers. Slight rub on the spring on compression. I now run 15x10, 3.75 BS and no rub ever.