My XJ
Wheels I like
Recently acquired an 87 XJ with stock suspension but 15x8 D window wheels. I also have the stock turbine wheels. My plan is to eventually lift it 2-3 inches and run 31" tires. It is a pioneer edition with chrome bumpers and trim. I found this pic of the turbine wheels with black painted inside the windows or holes. I personally think this would look good on my jeep. I have two questions. 1, how much spacing would I need so I could run 31" without rubbing the LCA? 2, what's the best way to paint these aluminum wheels? Mine are kind of rough and are flaking in peeling in some spots. I'm not sure if it's paint or whatever the factory coated them with. I'll attach two pics, the blue XJ is mine and the other are the wheels I think would look good on mine.

 

With a 3" lift and 31s a 3.75" backspacing is good. You still may have to trim a little for it to not rub the fenders when flexing.

 

That's what I was thinking. I wasn't sure if I could away with less or not. I believe the stock wheels are 5.25" and all the spacers I found are 1.5" so that'd work out perfect.

 

Here's what I'm up against with the wheels. You an kind of see how they're 3 different colors. Some is still factory aluminum I guess, but in the windows there is two different colors. I'm not sure if I could sand the parts I want to paint. Or if should find someone to sandblast the whole wheel?

 

Don't cheap out on spacers. Get a quality brand. You don't want wheels flying off.

 

Get the wheels blasted (sand or soda), then tape the areas you do't want painted real good, and paint them. Then remove the tape, let the paint cure, and repaint the whole rim in a clear coat or sealer to help prevent the aluminum from oxidizing again.

Blasting them gives the paint a good even surface to adhere to.

 

The coating on them is a clear coat and it gets ugly when it ages.Find a local blaster or if you have a truck stop close with a chrome shop ask if they can strip the clear off rims.

 

Could I sand them by hand? I know it would be time consuming but I've got plenty of time. I thought the inside parts were plain aluminum but I believe they were painted grey. I took some sand paper to them and dust and grey pain was everywhere. If this is the case I don't think they are oxidizing, just 30 year old wheel paint.
Also, is they're any type of paint stripper that wouldn't hurt the aluminum that you know of? I was thinking I could strip the old paint then sand what needed then be good to go.

 

You can, but sandblasting would do a lot better and more even job.

Paint stripper would work as well...

Where in VA are you ?

 

In Franklin County, about 45 minutes south of Roanoke.

 

Oh well...was gonna say drop 'em off and I'll blast 'em for ya...but you is a lil fer away for that..........................

 

Appreciate the offer. Got a quote today for $25 a wheel. Not sure what a good price is but that seems steep to me. Might be sticking with elbow grease for now.

 

3.5" lift in front, 4.5" in rear on turbines with 31" tires for your reference. I have RC X-flex control arms and no rubbing on them. (I have a spare transmission and 4cyl engine in bed in this pic)

 

If the blast the whole rim, inside & out, that's not bad.......