Do you have a Jeep and think it is time to give it a new look? Sure, why not get it a new set of wheels and tires? With a new set of bulky wheels, your Jeep Wrangler will be an entirely different thing, an off-road conquering beast. Maybe you have been researching a bit and came across a set of aggressive wheels for a different model, such as Ford and Dodge, and love the style, but hold on for a moment. You need to start by asking the big question, “What wheels interchange with Jeep?”
While determining the size of wheels can be relatively easy by simply checking the tire sizes, the lug patterns are challenging, but there is no need to worry anymore because we are here to offer a hand. We took a closer look at the Jeep’s wheels, reviewed them, and compared them to other cars, and here are the answers to the common questions you might have.
What Are the Jeep Wheel Bolt Patterns?
If you look at the bolt patterns used in car wheels, they are classified using two numbering systems, such as 5-100mm. The first one indicates the number of mounting holes/ studs that the wheel has, while the second is the diameter of the circle they make. So, in the example, 5-100mm, it means that the wheels of the vehicle come with five holes with a 100mm circle. Let us get back to the Jeep.
Like most modern vehicles, Jeeps come with five mounting holes. This looks simple enough, right? That is not all. In addition to the five lugs, the space between the studs is not always identical. See the demonstration below:
Therefore, other than telling you the number of studs the respective wheel has, the bolt pattern will also show the space between them. Let us put it plainly—wheels with different bolt patterns will not fit, and you need to be specific with what your car uses. So, before you can place an order for new wheels, the first step should be confirming they can fit in your Jeep.
Check out the answer to the next question to determine the Jeep’s wheels that are interchangeable.
What Wheels Interchange With Jeep?
Before interchanging wheels, the first thing you need to do is check the size and patterns of the wheels. If the target wheels have the same measurements, then you can go ahead and use them on your Jeep.
The list below provides some of the Jeep’s wheels that can be interchanged.
- Wrangler YJ, 15- to 16-inch
- Wrangler JL-17-18″
- Jeep Liberty KJ/KK-16-18″
- Grand Cherokee ZJ- 15″
- Jeep Gladiator 17-18″
The sizes of the wheels will match well with most Jeep Wranglers. This is one of the primary reasons why you might want to change wheels with others. For example, the Wrangler TJ and Wrangler YJ are good matches. Other cross-compatible models are Wrangler JK and Wrangler JL.
In most cases, Jeep’s wheels for specific series rarely change, and even old tires might fit perfectly into your new Jeep.
Are Jeep and Ford Wheels Interchangeable?
Some Ford wheels will fit on a Jeep if they come with the right 5-lug pattern and correct offset to work. However, the Jeep’s wheels will not easily interchange with other cars. To get the best performance from your Jeep, it is better to stick to the recommended Jeep wheels.
Ford and Jeep are incredible cars, whether for on-road or off-road driving. They have unique qualities, including advanced safety cruise controls and a host of other advanced features that make them the go-to models for comfort, performance, and style. However, we must point out that their wheels do not always match adequately.
A closer check on their wheels reveals that the locking hub for each is different. The wheel hubs also vary, but there is an exception. If you have the old model Jeep wheels, they can be interchanged with those of Ford, but some changes are needed.
The year of production has a lot to do with the compatibility of Ford and Jeep wheels. Older models tend to have better compatibility compared to the new ones. Take the example of the famous 1997 Jeep Wrangler wheels, which fit perfectly well in the 1993 Ford car models. However, this compatibility is only limited to the rear wheels.
Checking Jeep and Ford Wheel Compatibility
When checking on the compatibility of Jeep and Ford wheels, you also need to be careful with backspace and offset. So what exactly is offset and backspace?
Offset is the position where you place the wheel’s hub. It is very important because it determines where the wheel sits once it is finally attached to the Jeep. When the offset is positive, it implies that the wheel goes into the well, but this is not a good idea if you are planning to go off-road. When you move towards a negative offset, the wheels of the Jeep will stick outside.
Unlike offset, backspace refers to the position where the wheel of your Ford or Jeep sits with respect to the wheel well. Here is how it affects the wheels. Increasing the backspacing means the wheel sits more effectively in the well and vice versa when you decrease it.
Although there are some people who love it, interchanging Ford and Jeep wheels is not a good idea.
Are There Other Vehicles Where Jeep Wheels Will Fit?
It may not be a good idea to fit Jeep wheels on other vehicles. Often, the measurements and shape of Jeep’s wheels differ a lot from those of other cars on the market.
Even with the Ford, as we have highlighted, there are only a few models that match. It will be even more challenging trying to get a perfect match when it comes to other cars—let us call it near impossible.
Even when you manage to somehow stick the wheel inside, the risk of accidents is likely to be high. Therefore, the best thing for you is to stick with the recommended Jeep’s wheels for top performance both on-road and off-road driving.
How Do You Properly Torque Lug Nuts?
Ensuring that the lug nuts of your Wrangler are snug after a wheel is slotted in is very important. Indeed, it comes in handy to ensure your Jeep runs smoothly and safely. So, how do you torque the lug nuts correctly?
Once the wheels are slotted in position, you need an appropriate lug wrench to tighten them. One of the best options is the one found on the tool kit that came with the Jeep. Check your Jeep’s manual to identify the perfect wrench size. Then, select one of the lug nuts and tighten it to the recommended torque. Once done with the first nut, move to the next one, which is directly opposite that you have just tightened. Shift across the wheel, and work in the same pattern until all of them are tightened. In the demonstration below, the numbers indicate the order that you should follow to tighten the nuts.
Be careful not to over-torque the lugs because it can cause shearing off. Also, you should consider checking the lug torque after approximately 25 miles and again after 100 miles.
How Do You Select the Best Jeep Wheels?
In addition to selecting wheels that come with the correct lug and compatibility, they should also fit the way you drive. This is critical because all wheels are not designed the same way.
You see, you do not want to fit wheels dedicated for street driving on your Jeep when taking your Jeep’s off-road on the tough Rocky Mountain terrain. It will not work!
Another very important consideration is whether your Jeep will be lifted. The standard Jeep’s wheel size is only 17-18 inches. Therefore, anything bigger than that is likely to scrape the wheel and affect how you drive. This might also damage your tires faster.The best way out is lifting the Jeep for the biggest wheels to fit and give it the oomph you want.
What Are the Best Jeep Wheels to Buy?
Now that you know what wheels can interchange with Jeep and how to torque lug nuts, it is time to look at the best wheels available. Here some of the top wheels that you can order for your Jeep:
- RockTrix RT109 17 inch Wheel: This wheel is compatible with Jeep: 2007-2021 Wrangler JK JL, Gladiator JT, 2005-2021 Grand Cherokee WK WK2, and 2006-2010 Commander XK.
- PRO COMP Series 69 Vintage Matte Black: If you have a classic Jeep, this pair of wheels will be a great choice. The wheel combines unique style, lightweight, and dual-tone finish for better performance and aesthetics.
- RockTrix RT110 17 inch Wheel: Do you have a Jeep Wrangler JK or Gladiator JT? If “yes,” this wheel might be the perfect find. You will need one seat lug nut for installation, but spacers are not necessary.
What wheels interchange with Jeep? Jeep is one of the best cars for avid adventures, especially when tackling tough terrain. To enhance its capability to maneuver on different roads, you should make sure to pick the right wheels, and the answers we have provided in this post have the details you need. When it comes to interchanging the wheels, check every detail, especially the bolt pattern, size, and width of the Jeep rims. So, take your time and only pay once you are sure that every fine detail works perfectly well for your Jeep.
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