Tires are often put under the spotlight due to the heavy beating they normally take on the trails. But have you ever wondered what to do if the same thing happens on the rims?
In this article, we provide you with some useful ideas, when it’s time to buy or replace, your tried and tested Jeep rims.
WHAT ARE JEEP RIMS?
Jeep rims are basically the outside edges of wheels that secure the tires to the wheels. They can either be made from aluminum, steel, or other compounds, depending on the components involved. If the rims don’t match your wheels, obviously, your tires won’t fit, or just fall off from them.
HOW MUCH DO RIMS FOR JEEPS COST?
Prices of Jeep rims like those of Jeep Wrangler rims and similar ones may vary based on the size, composition, brand, and intended model – the more popular and durable, the more expensive they are. The number of rims also contributes to the price tag.
If you’re only buying a single wheel, it costs around $200-$300. But if you’re buying a wheel set, it can ramp up to $600-$1,000. If you’re eyeing the rim alone, that’s around $70-$90. On the other hand, the labor for putting or replacing the wheels is around $40-$50.
WHY SHOULD I REPLACE MY RIMS?
While buying a Jeep automatically means you’ll get factory wheels at the same time, you might eventually decide to replace them for the following reasons:
- The factory rims are damaged.
- The Jeep has been lifted and needed bigger wheels.
- There are signs of control and handling problems.
- There’s immediate loss of tire pressure.
IS A WHEEL AND RIM THE SAME THING?
The answer is a huge YES. It only depends on where you grew up, since there are some slang terms that are dominant in a particular place. The point is, the rim is sometimes bought separately from a wheel, but once it becomes a part of it, the distinction no longer exists, and both are referred to as a wheel. But to make things easier to understand:
- Jeep wheels – are the entire objects that spin containing the hub, spokes, and rims.
- Jeep rims – bind the tires to the wheels for proper fitment and prevent air leaks.
- Jeep tires – are the rubber parts mounted on the Jeep rims.
WHAT SIZE OF JEEP RIMS SHOULD I GET?
Knowing the size of Jeep rims whether they’re Jeep Wrangler Rims or others, may require a bit of effort because aside from determining the width, height, etc., which is like measuring ATV tires, a new factor comes into play – the bolt pattern.
It’s the exact attachment point of your wheels to your Jeep that must be followed strictly to ensure your wheels’ security. There are generally 2 types of bolt patterns, the 5×5 and 5×4.5, but some Jeep models may have different patterns. Below is a table that shows various wheel specs, according to the Jeep year model and type, for your reference.
| Year | Jeep Type | OEM Wheel Size | Bolt Pattern (Metric) | Bolt Pattern (Inches) | Stud Size | Hub/Center Bore |
| 1987-2006 | Wrangler | 15”-16” | 5×114.3mm | 5×4.5in | 1/2×20 | 71.5 |
| 2007-2018 | JK Wrangler | 17”-18” | 5x127mm | 5x5in | 1/2×20 | 71.5 |
| 2018-2020 | JL Wrangler | 17”-18” | 5x127mm | 5x5in | 12mmx1.50 | 71.5 |
| 1955-1986 | CJ5,7,8 Scrambler | 15” | 5×139.7mm | 5x5in | 1/2-RH | 108 |
| 1993-1998 | Grand Cherokee | 15” | 5×114.3mm | 5×4.5in | 1/2-RH | 71.5 |
| 1999-2010 | Grand Cherokee | 16”-20” | 5x127mm | 5x5in | 1/2×20 | 71.5 |
| 2011-2020 | Grand Cherokee | 16”-20” | 5x127mm | 5x5in | 14mmx1.50 | 71.5 |
| 1974-1992 | Cherokee Comanche, Wagoneer | 15” | 5×139.7mm | 6×5.5in | 7/16-RH | 108 |
| 1981-2001 | Cherokee Comanche, Wagoneer | 15” | 5×114.3mm | 5×4.5in | 1/2-RH | 71.5 |
| 1980-1993 | Cherokee Comanche, Wagoneer | 15” | 5×114.3mm | 5×4.5in | 1/2-RH | 71.5 |
| 2007-2017 | Compass Patriot | 16”-18” | 5×114.3mm | 5×4.5in | 12×1.50 | 67.1 |
| 2018-2020 | Compass | 16”-20” | 5x110mm | 5×4.33in | 12×1.25 | 65.1 |
| 2002-2012 | Liberty | 16”-18” | 5×114.3mm | 5×4.5in | 1/2×20 | 71.5 |
| 2006-2010 | Commander | 17”-18” | 5x127mm | 5x5in | 1/2×20 | 71.5 |
HOW DO I MEASURE THE BOLT PATTERN?
Since the bolt pattern says how your rims should be properly placed on your Jeep, the bolts must be exactly aligned to one another. One way of doing so, is to use a ruler or measuring tape.
CONCLUSION
Buying Jeep rims isn’t as simple as you think because you also need to go the extra mile, to make sure your time, energy, and financial resources, don’t go to waste. Experts suggest that to keep your Jeep rims in good condition, is to replace them at least every 6 years, to prevent any minor issues from worsening, which could compromise your safety. Tell us if we missed other important tips by giving a comment below.
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