Help With Wheels - I have ugly 4 lug wheels!!!!!

I purchased a sorry looking Jeep with the idea that new wheels, and maybe some paint, would make for a very inexpensive and fun vehicle. However, I am perplexed by the wheel situation and not sure how to proceed.

This particular Jeep is a 2WD 1966 DJ5 with the F134 engine with 3 on the floor. This is a 2WD version of the CJ5 (open body) and is not a postal Jeep. I can't find any info on this particular model (Postal jeeps are DJ5A-DJ5M, this is just a DJ5). I have come across a few pics of Jeeps with 4 lug wheels, but they are few and far between, and no website or documents ever mention 4 lugs wheels for Jeeps.

Here is a pic of one of the wheel:



Note that the wheel has 4 lugs with a small center opening. I need to know what is involved to upgrade to a standard 5x5.5 wheel (plan is to run black steal rims with military tread). I won't be off roading or putting much stress on the wheels (just putting around on back roads). I don't need 5 lugs per se, so it is possible to find a 4 bolt wheel the same size as the standard Jeep 5x5.5 wheel? Would a 4 to 5 lug adapter be an option? If I change the Jeep to have 5 lugs, what all is involved?

As I post this, I am wondering if maybe the Jeep has a 5 to 4 lug adapter in place now - the Jeep is in a remote location, so I can't check until this weekend.

Any thoughts on this?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!

 

Pics of 4 lug Jeeps:

 

If you don't care that it's a 2WD Jeep, just keep the 4 lug wheels. That's what's correct for them.

It's probably a 4 on 4.5" circle. Someone here will know, or next time you are at the Jeep, measure the distance between the lugs.

Summit Racing sells a lot of different wheels with a 4 on 4.5" bolt pattern. Pick the ones you like. http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/wheels/wheel-bolt-pattern/4-x-4-1-2-in - measure the backspacing you need (likely 3.5") and buy some wheels.

Adapters are another option, but steel wheels won't cost much more than quality adapters. And you'll still need to find some wheels.

 

Thanks, that helps immensely! I want as simple and inexpensive as possible, so sticking with 4 lugs is preferable (I was afraid a PO had installed non-OEM parts).

I did a few measurements from the pics - assuming the wheel is 14", the bolt pattern would be 4.5" (of course I will measure the actual wheels before ordering).

How can I determine the correct backspacing?

 

I found a very nice tutorial online about measuring backspacing: http://www.4wheelparts.com/tire-whe...spacing.aspx?gclid=CMyOnfquibYCFaUWMgod3xcAcg

Feeling much better about the wheel project now!

 

I vote to leave it four lug . and buy a new set of wheels , I would also hold on that set of wheels . just remove tires and stack them up somewhere safe

 

With Tim's assistance, I have located these rims (the only ones at Summit that I think will work): http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-12-570404/overview/

These will need to be painted before installing. I plan on painting them black, and am wondering if this issomething I can do with a rattle can, or should I drop these off at an auto-body shop for painting (the next time they have a black car)?

Local tire dealer has spec'd these tires in 235/75R15: http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires/suv-light-truck/roadian-mt#

The new tires will have a diameter of 29", which is about a 5" increase from what I have now. Should look a whole lot better.

 

The wheels you had look like a Toyota Celica wheel. Around 79-80 IIRC.

Don't get too big with those tires, you might be sorry when you have to start out on a hill. Have you driven the jeep at all yet? Do you know the axle ratio in it? I have a 3.73 in my DJ3A and with the 134 flathead and small 15's it takes some clutch slipping to get started...(I have 5 lug wheels and a replaced rear axle probably from a later postal.)

 

I'd have any new wheels powder coated. Way tougher than any paint and not that much more expensive than a pro paint job, maybe even cheaper.

 

Wow, good memory. The pic below is a 1982. Perhaps I should be searching for Celica wheels and not Jeep wheels (since Jeep wheels don't fit).

I have driven it, but not a lot as the weather has been awful. I do have some steep grades to deal with, so you do bring up a good point. I did drive up a steep grade (about as steep as anything in my area), and the Jeep did pretty well. I was able to head up in 2nd and accelerate into 3rd gear(3rd was pushing it a bit).