Rim Fit Question

lpd235 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:08 am

Does anyone know if 17”x7.5” rims from a 2005-2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) will fit, without modification or complications, a stock 2004 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD (KJ)? The bolt pattern is the same, 5x4.5” (5x114mm), but the offset (backspacing) is on the WJ is 50.8mm. I do not know the exact offset measurement for my stock aluminum rims but it is probably close to 38mm.

If the rims will fit and if I locate and purchase them, they will need to work, again without modification or complications, when I install a Frankenlift and 245/70-17 tires. Any one with experience doing this?

Thanks’
JB

boxhead · **Joined:** Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:14 pm **Posts:** 186

You sure about the offset? 51mm on a 7" rim is 6" of backspacing. 50.8mm on a 7.5" rim would be more than than 6". Seems like too much.

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:11 pm

'05-06 Grands are WKs, not WJs, but like the WJ they use a 5 on 5" lug pattern, not 5 on 4.5" so it won't fit anyway.

As for offset and backspacing, they are two different things. Backspacing is the distance from the face of the wheel to the mounting surface, offset is the distance from the wheel centerline to the mounting surface.

You are correct on the offset for the WK rims though, it is 50.8mm which comes out to 6.25" of backspacing.

If you really want 17" Jeep wheels get some from an '03 Freedom edition or an '05 or '06 Limited Edition KJ. If you plan on offroading though, stay away from 17s. The tires cost too much and you'll be left with a smaller sidewall, meaning you can't let as much air out and you're much more likely to damage the wheel. You'll get a harsher ride too.

lpd235 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2005 7:31 pm

FreedomKJ wrote:

'05-06 Grands are WKs, not WJs...

My ignorance, I did not know they changed the designation, although I should have; it is a new vehicle and it gets a new designation.

FreedomKJ wrote:

…, but like the WJ they use a 5 on 5" lug pattern…As for offset and backspacing, they are two different things. Backspacing is the distance from the face of the wheel to the mounting surface, offset is the distance from the wheel centerline to the mounting surface.

Jeremy is correct regarding offset and backspacing. My post was not well written; I meant to express that the seller was giving the rim’s measurements as 17”x7.5” and simply 50.8mm and I did not know which dimension the seller was attempting to represent with his millimeter figure. I should have been bright enough to look up Grand Cherokee rim sizes and bolt patterns online before bothering the board.

FreedomKJ wrote:

If you plan on offroading though, stay away from 17s. The tires cost too much and you'll be left with a smaller sidewall, meaning you can't let as much air out and you're much more likely to damage the wheel. You'll get a harsher ride too.

My wife wanted a set of Cherokee rims she saw so I went looking for them. If it were my choice, we would run black 15” steel wheels all the time. If I do buy her 17’s, we will run street tires on them and off-road tires on another set then swap before any adventurous driving.

Thanks for all the information.

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2005 11:49 pm

lpd235 wrote:

I should have been bright enough to look up Grand Cherokee rim sizes and bolt patterns online before bothering the board.

Don't worry about it. It never hurts to ask!

Quote:

My wife wanted a set of Cherokee rims she saw so I went looking for them. If it were my choice, we would run black 15” steel wheels all the time. If I do buy her 17’s, we will run street tires on them and off-road tires on another set then swap before any adventurous driving.

Having a different set of wheels for street and wheeling is a good idea. I plan to add a set of 16" steels for offroading when I have the extra cash. You have to watch out with 15" wheels as some will not fit due to the size of the front brake calipers.

Quote:

Thanks for all the information.

KJed · **Posted:** Wed Nov 09, 2005 4:49 pm

Having a different set of wheels for street and wheeling is a good idea. I plan to add a set of 16" steels for offroading when I have the extra cash.

I noticed this comment from you are you still using the 17" Wheels that came with the Freedom Edition?

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:53 am

KJed wrote:

Having a different set of wheels for street and wheeling is a good idea. I plan to add a set of 16" steels for offroading when I have the extra cash.

I noticed this comment from you are you still using the 17" Wheels that came with the Freedom Edition?

Yeah, they're pretty torn up too, but they aren't leaking any air yet! I may have them refinished when I finally get some dedicated offroading wheels.

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