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1957 Willys cj5 wheel size?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 1957Willys, Apr 8, 2012.

  1. 1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

  2. jpc

    jpc Sponsor

    1957Willys,
    I just went through the which is the correct wheel game with my 1970 CJ5.
    I had stock 15x5.5, back space 3 7/8", with 33x9.50 BFG All terrains on them and they hit the springs.
    I considered period correct 15x8, back space 3 7/8", Kelsey Hayes wheels, but did not want the tires sticking out of the fenders, do not like the flares on the fender wells.

    [​IMG]

    I decided on 15x7 stock jeep wheels from the late 70s. back space is 3.75.
    Ended up with chrome, price was right, would have preferred something to paint black.
    The extra space from the smaller back space was great. the tires stopped hitting with out doing any thing.
    the cragar 310s are the correct back space at 3.75 and are jeep correct but not period.
    the others with a 4.00 backspace will be too close, depending on the tires you choose.
    what tires are you using? this will make a difference.

    the most important thing to remember is the wheel and the tires need to be considered together along with the mounting, frame, springs and fenders.
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2013
  3. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Military jeeps of the same period used a 16" wheel. Should work fine on CJ5 if you wanted.
     
  4. sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Im running 16x5 inch wheels off of some old jeep with 235 85 16 and have some rub at full turn/droop not a big issue just need to be aware of it is all
     
  5. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    "Im running 16x5 inch wheels off of some old jeep with 235 85 16 and have some rub at full turn/droop not a big issue just need to be aware of it is all"


    Radials will tend to have a wider profile than the original type cross-plys. Especially with an 85 ratio.
     
  6. sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    works out to be like 32/33 inches tall about 9 wide at the widest point
     
  7. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    I have an all stock '57. If you can be patient I can get the sizes this weekend as the factory spare wheel is loose with no tire on it.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  8. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Factory 16 x 4.5-


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]

    H.