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Backspacing???

  1. ironskullfab Subscriber
    #112 Nov 2024, 5:40 AM

    I have a 2018 JK.

    Just installed a MetalCloak 3.5" Gamechanger Suspension Kit.

    Planning to buy 17X9 Method Racing Wheels - Bead Grip - 701 Matte Black and Nitto Trail Grappler MT 35x12.50R17LT tires.

    MetalCloak says that I should select a backspacing of 4.0 inches or less.

    What do most people run?

    Thanks.

    Joe

  2. Nubby Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #212 Nov 2024, 9:17 AM

    I would have expected them to say 4.0 or more. I started almost the same as you on my 2014 JKU and had a tiny bit of rub with 4.5 backspacing and factory fenders with MTR tires. Might be different on a JK though. I also added I think 1 inch increased bump stop in the front and 1.5 in the rear.

    I eventually went to 37x12.5 with metalcloak fenders, added a bit more bump stop up front and still rub a tiny bit when flexed.

    I decided to do a big brake kit with the factory caliper spacers and wished I would have done 4.75 backspacing so I could do the larger rotors, the Teraflex kit works well but there was another kit that had a bit larger rotors but required 4.75 backspacing. Live and learn

    Jamie & Damaris
  3. Nubby Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #312 Nov 2024, 9:42 AM

    Wait, backspacing of 4.0 or less is correct, I always get that mixed up! So the other kit required 4.25 or less backspacing and I was 4.5

    Jamie & Damaris
  4. Calaveras32Spcl Member Joined: May 2023
    #414 Nov 2024, 4:51 AM
    Jamie (K6NUB) said Wait, backspacing of 4.0 or less is correct, I always get that mixed up! So the other kit required 4.25 or less backspacing and I was 4.5

    Most wheels I have seen have 4 or more of backspacing. Are there many non-custom rims with less?

    Dale Mogg - WRZG209
  5. Nubby Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #514 Nov 2024, 6:59 AM

    When I built mine it seemed like 4 - 4.5 was pretty much the standard, and I found plenty of 4.5 options. I just did some quick looking and there are tons of non-beadlock at 4.5, when I look for 4.25 and lower the options drop off very quickly but they are out there. In Beadlocks there are a fair amount of options all the way down to 3.5.

    Jamie & Damaris
  6. Specialsoundman Member Joined: January 2013
    #618 Nov 2024, 12:12 AM

    I special ordered my rims for the Samurai with a 1" back space. Just throwing the info in there. (doesn't apply to Jeeps....) 😉 It was so I could get steering clearance for the leaf springs

    David and Lori
  7. Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
    #718 Nov 2024, 5:32 AM

    I have a metal cloak kit, and I run 3.5" backspacing. No rubbing here.

    Um...what?
  8. kris_olof Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #820 Nov 2024, 3:33 AM

    Unfortunately Method doesn't sell a 3.5-4" backspace in the beadgrip style, only 4.5+. There are other brands with the extra thick safety bead which act similar to the beadgrip like teraflex but I haven't shopped for that specific backspace requirement.

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