Considering Moab rims (aka rubi rims)

[FirstTimer]

So as I get closer to the date I've set for myself to lift my 02 tj I am faced with a few decisions, one of them being rim selection.  There are lots of great after market rims out there, but I find myself coming back to the ome moab rims.  I want to go to a 33x12.5 tire, and I know 3.75 back spacing is ideal, however the moabs are 5 inch back spacing. My question is, is it worth it to add wheel spacers to get the moabs to 3.75 bs, or will this just decrease the integrity of my wheels  when offroad too much to be worth it and will I just end up destroying my rims with rock rash? Additionally, cuz the moabs are 16inch rims, what would the comparable tire size be to a 33 x12.5 R15?
Any comments or experience with this would be appreciated,
Thanks

[RustJ5]

I'm running 285/75r16 MTRs on Moabs with no spacers.  I believe they are equivalent to a 33X11.5.  I do get some rubbing on the lower control arms- but I just need to adjust the steering stops.  I don't think using spacers will decrease the strength of your wheels, but it may shorten the life of your wheel bearings somewhat.

[w squared]

if you want a 33X12.5 and want to run it on a 16" rim...then just buy a 33X12.5R16 instead of a 33.X12.5R15. Companies tend to make the really popular tire sizes (33X12.5, 35X12.5, 37's) in a variety of rim sizes (15's, 16's, 17's, 18'2, 20's)

As far as rim choice goes, if you have a source for the Moab rims at a good price and you like them, then just get them. Just don't pay full pop from the dealer. If you wheel reasonably hard, you're going to get rock rash. That is unavoidable, and is true if any set of rims you buy. Rocky mountain pinstriping and roch rash on your wheels is part of wheeling.


Running a set of 1.5" inch spacers will work just fine....if you own a torque wrench and know how to use it. If you don't know how to use a torque wrench or are not willing to spend the time, then don't get wheel spacers. A number of oflks here (myself included) have run good quality (hub centric machines aluminum) wheel spacers for quite a while and have had no issues. Yes, wheel spacers will shorten the life of your unit bearings, but so will running wheels with lower backspacing. Running proper wheel spacers will not hurt your wheels...just don't buy the shim type - make sure you get the style that has a set of lugs in them.

[FirstTimer]

Thanks again for the advice!
Wsquared do you kind posting a link to wheel spacers that you mentioned so I know exactly what I'm looking for?
Thanks

[w squared]

http://www.northridge4x4.ca/proddetail.php?prod=SPIDER-WHS-002

[Bone206]

X2 on the spidertrax.

[Bone206]

Here is a smokin' deal for some Moabs ($150 for all 4 sans rubber). Shipping may get you though.

http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48698

[TL-Iguana]

Dont quote me on this, but I am pretty sure that JK rims will not fit on a TJ. Different bolt pattern...

Here is a smokin' deal for some Moabs ($150 for all 4 sans rubber). Shipping may get you though.

http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48698

[Immortal]

Dont quote me on this, but I am pretty sure that JK rims will not fit on a TJ. Different bolt pattern...

You sir, have been quoted.

TJs, XJs, YJs are 5x4.5
JKs (pretty sure the older FSJs and CJs) are 5x5

[Vinman]

You sir, have been quoted.

TJs, XJs, YJs are 5x4.5
JKs (pretty sure the older FSJs and CJs) are 5x5

I think the FSJ's and CJ's were 5 on 5-1/2

[hps4evr]

cj's were 5x5.5 like fords, dodges and samurais. tj, yj, mj, xj, zj, kj, were 5x4.5. jk, wj, xk, 5x5.
im not 100% certain on FSJ, but some had the 6 bolt pattern.
patriots and compass's are the same as calibers and dont matter anyways.

[FirstTimer]

The jk moabs are also 17 inch rims I believe. The ones I'm looking at are 16 with a 5-on-4.5 pattern. Any one have any experience painting these rims?

[hps4evr]

ive painted the rims on my truck. not difficult. if you can get the clear coat off then it makes the primer work better. after doing mine i didnt have all the clear or the old paint off but used aq good self etching primer and a good quality wheel paint. all from dupli-color. that was 2 winters ago, still no ships in the paint. turned out great. if you havent bought the rims yet look at Black Rock wheels, i think they have a similar rim to the moabs. bang for the buck, 15" rims and tires seem to be cheaper too.

[Bone206]

I painted my factory 07 JK sahara rims with rustoleum hammered metal black paint overtop of acid etching primer (after I stripped the factory coating with a drill mounted scouring pad). They turned out great and are really holding up well to trail rash, elements, etc. It was easy

[JJonesee]

Just a heads up, there is at least four styles of 03-06 Moab wheels..

Different finishes, and different designs.  I have at least 3 in my possession now.

Machined

 
Painted


Sahara


"lip"