Went to order some new soft 8s and they were asking me a bunch of questions, like back spacing, bolt paterns, etc.

All I know is I have 15X8" aluminium rims now, don't know the spacing but they fit and don't rub with goodyear ATs 225/75/15

What was the factory wheel size and spacing. 15x7 - 4.5 /or 5.25


I was thinking about going with 15x7's but dont know the proper back spacing.

 

It's 5 X 4.5.

A 15 x 7" wheel will stick out farther than stock because of the backspacing. Stock has more positive offset, and they were more in the 6" width range. Positive offset means the wheel is flatter on the front, deeper on the rear.

Your wheel dealer should have had a chart they can look up for your Jeep. Sounds like you need to talk to another dealer.

 

Well, I was looking online, not actually talking to a live person.

I ordered these https://www.ntwonline.com/15X7-TYPE-...l#.VETpD_l4oYs

$199.80 and free shipping for 4 wheels is not too shabby. Another $40 for cones and lugs.


I noted their info at the bottom of the page stating:
Make sure that you fill out the vehicle information form during check-out. We will supply you with the correct bolt pattern and backside for your vehicle by the vehicle information that you supply us during check-out.

The order page did ask the proper questions as to make/year/body/lift kit/ body lift etc., so I feel confident that they will provide the properly spaced wheels...

Famous last words right...

 

I believe the stock steelie has a 5.25" BS. The aftermarket steelie with 4.5" BS will be 3/4" further out. Those r nice looking wheels......I've always preferred the "D" window over the "O".

 

That's what I wound up ordering.

I have to give props to the company I ordered online from, National Tire and Wheel (https://www.ntwonline.com) their guy called me yesterday prior to filling the order to verify the vehicle and tire size the wheels were going to be used with and also suggested I use the 4.5 BS since I wasn't using over sized tires.

He also asked if he could combine my 2nd order of center caps and lug nuts into the wheel order and saved me about $8 shipping.

I will post pics after I get them mounted.

Anyone know of a good spray paint to use on the chrome caps? My XJ is red so I was thinking about painting the caps either black or red. Would Caliper paint work OK if I used some 3000 grit paper to rough them up a bit?

 

Paint chrome???????...........no, never. LOL