Mudlark

I am wanting to put 15" or 16" wheels on my 2004 GC Ltd.
The reason for this is to get a bigger range of tires.
15" do clear the brake calipers - just and only just.
16" give about 1/2" clearance.

I have been told to use 17 x 8 - zero offset - for 265/70R/17. The issue is the height of these means I am in for a huge body lift.

I want to stay with the a 2" lift if this is possible (I think this is if I drop to the 15" or 16" range)

I realize that I will need to modify what ever I start with, but am after some direction of where to start.

Anyone done this?

Or any ideas greatly appreciated.

andrewmp6

I would stick to 16s or 17s those are the factory wheel sizes it came with.And its a unibody so no body lifts for it.

bigbadon

16 inch?? I thought they came standard on the 2004. My 2004 has 16s.

dave1123

This is an "export" model. It may have 17's on it. My 2000 WJ came with 245/70R16's on it and they just about fill the wheelwell. They are 29.5" tall. Good luck finding 15's with the right bolt pattern. He's right, no body lifts with unibody, only suspension lifts.

andrewmp6

All factory wheels http://www.wjjeeps.com/wheels.htm

Mudlark

Hmmm. Thanks for this info. I need to look into this further.

Mudlark

Yeah this is factory 17s. The problem with this is little option in tyres. I have had it suggested I put 17x8 265-70R-17s on it put they are the height of the gard - so would have to lift probably 5-6".
Now I read 'unibody' and can not lift - so more research needed.

Mudlark

Thanks for the info.

I am close to finding 15s I can "modify a little" - well OK a bit more than that.

I can get quite aggressive tires by going down to 15s and they just fit past the brake calipers (about 1/8 clearance).

Have you changed the suspension at all? Is it needed with 245/70R16's.

I might have to look getting some prices to import some 16" rims.

Mudlark

Thanks for this link. I found this yesterday too.

Useful information. Nice knowing I am looking in the right area.

andrewmp6

You can do a suspension lift they do sell those for it.As far as tires just depends what you can get locally,In the us you have a lot of options but shipping would be pricey tho.

Mudlark

Yes shipping is no fun $ wise. And locally it appears they have not brought in the 16s.

I therefore have two options:
- find someone to import a set of rims with a delivery they have coming into the country
- alter a set of rims (which is most likely to happen. Amazing what can be achieved with a grinder and welder)

andrewmp6

Do you have any off road clubs around you?I would try talking to a few of them on what you should do.

Boost Happy

My 15's took no modification to fit.

Mudlark

Hmmm. I have looked these up. Aren't they a 5 x 114 not a 5 x 127?

Mudlark

Cheers for the thought. The biggest issue is that the exported models have the 17" tires. So unfortunately need to find someone who has imported 16s in the past or are willing to import now (without a new mortgage on the house required). Or a little bit of "tuck and cut" on something.

It is the "something" I am trying to work out.