16" Wheel Backspacing Clarification

[Carp]

Before I start, yes, I've read through all the FAQ's, and used the search about 10 different ways. I have found answers to my question, but it seems that there is no consensus on the correct answer.

I've got a sweet deal on some 16" KM2s and now I need wheels for my 60. It's got a Med/Heavy OME lift (~3") and is currently running 33x10.50R15 BFG A/T's on 15x8 Wagon wheels with 3.25" backspacing. No rubbing that I can tell, maybe at full articulation, but not enough to make me stop mid articulation and figure it out.

I have read posts (see JimC post ) and seen pictures of people running tacoma, fjc, sequoia, and tundra wheels on their 60. The threads say that the wheels have anywhere from 4.1" to 5" of backspacing. The posters will also say that they don't need spacers, 0.25" spacers work great, or I couldn't do it without 1.5" spacers.

So, if you have a high backspaced wheel on your 60, can you please reply with the wheel diameter, width, backspacing, tire size, tire type, spacer size, and where/if it rubs? I think that as more people investigate upgrading to the 16's due to the large number of take-off tires/wheels in the market, this is going to be a more popular mod.

Thanks for your time! Maybe we can add this to the FAQ if it goes well...

 

[NocalFJ60]

I went to America's /Discount Tire and they ordered some like I liked and then they test fit them. I would go talk to them and order a 16" wheel you like and then test fit them on the front. Some people definition of fitting is different from others. You want to make sure they fit like you want them to fit. I didn't have to put down any money until he found something that worked. The wheels I ended up going with I had to order on my own since they were out of them.

 

[SwampYankee88]

FWIW - I posted a similar set of questions last week.

Here's the thread:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/275968-biggest-widest-tire-wheel-combo-no-spacers.html

I'm trying to avoid using spacers. My conclusion is that if you go beyond 3.5" BS (> 3.5") wheels, you're gonna need spacers. This appears to be true no matter the wheel diameter size - 15", 16", 17", etc...

So, my plan is to go with a set of MT Classic II's 16x8 (BS is 3 5/8" - and everyone who runs them has not needed spacers.) I'm planning to put 33x11.5 treads on them.

 

[Carp]

NoCal, I talked with Discount yesterday and they said that Unique can't do a custom backspace anymore. I wish they would, I could afford those.

Swampy, I did see your thread, but missed your follow-up on the 16's. I think that the 15" talk distracted me. I do remember it clouding the answer, as you got a lot of different answers. Have you got your MTII's yet? If so, how do they fit? Where did you get them from?

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[FJ40Jim]

I have read posts (see JimC post ) and seen pictures of people running tacoma, fjc, sequoia, and tundra wheels on their 60.

Fawking AOL threw away all my pics.

I'll try to find them on a harddrive somewhere (not on this one....) and post em up.

 

[Carp]

Thanks Jim, I've looked for those pics about 20 times I guess.

 

[Elbert]

Some of the rock crawler wheels can be purchased with 3.5 BS... although not advertised.... I called and bought 5 wheels.. I think there were series 97. I don' thave them mounted yet as I was trying to let my credit card cool off before getting some tires. Worth a phone call.

Oh yeah..... be prepared to wait and then wait some more.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

MRT-Wheels

Excellent quality wheels at good prices with custom backspacing included in every wheel's price.

 

[Bomar]

You can run a Cragar soft 8 16x7 with a 4 inch backspace no issues. No brake or tie rod issues.

They are from summit $60 each

Cragar 3977760 - Cragar Soft 8 Wheels


I also run a 16x8 with a 295/75 Nitto and another set with a 285/75 Cooper STT. The wheels are soft 8's with 5 inch backspace but on my 62 with these wheels I run a 1.25 spacer. I am running this combo now so that I can switch wheels between the 62 and the 80.

I like my new combo since it puts the wheel back to factory backspacing and running a 11 inch wide tire I don't rub.

Don't fear spacers. You can get a set for $120 shipped to you from ebay and put some red lock tite and roll on.

 

[ntsqd]

My Engineering education won't let me not fear offset stud type spacers.

 

[Carp]

You can run a Cragar soft 8 16x7 with a 4 inch backspace no issues. No brake or tie rod issues.

They are from summit $60 each

Cragar 3977760 - Cragar Soft 8 Wheels

That's good info. Have you run or do you know of anyone running that setup on a 60/62? If so, do you know if there is any rubbing during articulation?

If that works, Discount tire has the same basic wheel (I think Unique and Cragar are the same) for $65 but is running a $60 off a set of wheels, so right now, they're $50 a piece. Not bad.

Unique 297 - 16x7

 

[Bomar]

That's good info. Have you run or do you know of anyone running that setup on a 60/62? If so, do you know if there is any rubbing during articulation?

If that works, Discount tire has the same basic wheel (I think Unique and Cragar are the same) for $65 but is running a $60 off a set of wheels, so right now, they're $50 a piece. Not bad.

Unique 297 - 16x7

Just make sure it is 4 inch backspace. Yes I ran them on my 62. What size tire are you plan on running with a 285/75 you might rub in the rear do it the tire buldge. 255/85 would be perfect since a skinny tire. 265/75 would be good also since a smaller tire.

Telling us the tire size would help.

 

[Carp]

I've picked up some 285/75R16 KM2's to run. My goal is to find a good wheel at a price that I can afford to run these tires. Ideally, I'd like to get some stock Toyota Tacoma/Tundra wheels, but if that won't work, I'll look into some of the Soft 8's, etc.

 

[Bomar]

Buy spacers because you will run into rubbing issues or a custom set of wheels.

But with spacers your wheel choice is wide open.

 

[FJ40Jim]

I have read posts (see JimC post ) and seen pictures of people running tacoma, fjc, sequoia, and tundra wheels on their 60. The threads say that the wheels have anywhere from 4.1" to 5" of backspacing. The posters will also say that they don't need spacers, 0.25" spacers work great, or I couldn't do it without 1.5" spacers.

So, if you have a high backspaced wheel on your 60, can you please reply with the wheel diameter, width, backspacing, tire size, tire type, spacer size, and where/if it rubs? I think that as more people investigate upgrading to the 16's due to the large number of take-off tires/wheels in the market, this is going to be a more popular mod.

Try that linky now. The pictures have been uploaded direct to 'mud.

 

[Carp]

Thanks Jim! Nice to know!

 

[Carp]

Just got off the phone with Unique Wheels. They have the 297, 298, and 27 series wheels in 16x7 and can make them in 3.5" backspacing. I'll be driving by Discount Tire today to do talk about ordering one set. If the price is right, I think I'd go chrome to get the stock look back.

I would imagine that any of the Cragars in the same style could be had at the same backspacing, since they own Unique.

For Reference:

297 Series

298 Series

27 Series

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Get the 297

 

[VTCruiser]

I got a set of OE 16x6 steel wheels I plan to mount this spring with a set of 255/85's. I am not sure about the BS specs, but I'll measure when I get home in a couple weeks.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

So Bomar, I'm looking at some 16x10 4.5" BS wheels and wanted to know if that 1/2" is going to make a big difference. How close are your rims to the caliper and tie rods?