Ok, I am aware that a 3" or 2.5" backspaced wheel causes extra ware on your ball joints and bearings, (as per my search). But has anyone been running 15x10 3" or 2.5" bs rockcrawlers for a couple years now? Any problems so far? I would like to hear from people with 3" and 2.5" b.s. both.
Thanks,
SHaggy

Well I dont use either of those but maybe I can help anyway. I run 15x10 with 3.5 backspacing and 3" spacer. I have checked my bearings and there is no sign of wear. I have had these on since Feb 00 and have had no problems with them. :D

I believe a spacer is virtually the same thing as having a wheel that has a small amount of backspacing as far as wear and tear goes. Sounds like I could get away with a 2.5 for long enough until I put new axles under it or get rid of it to start another project. Cause the deadline for either of those will probably be about 2 years.
Thanks,
Shaggy

Honestly I wouldnt worry about it for a sec. I have alot more stress on my bearings and ball joints then you would. If anything it is a good reason to tear down and check every once in awhile.

It's probably no big deal. Tire size and axle design probably have a greater effect on bearing and ball joint wear than moderate backspacing. A larger axle (with larger bearings) helps mitigate the effects.

That said, I'll just say that I had some 35s on my D30 for a year (back when I had a front D30) and I had to replace the bearings.

That said, I'll just say that I had some 35s on my D30 for a year (back when I had a front D30) and I had to replace the bearings. [/B][/QUOTE]

My front is a D30, and that makes sence, "Smaller bearings, wear out faster". I only drive the Jeep once or twice a month on club trailrides. I could see it lasting the duration. The reason why I am not putting new axles under it right now, is because I have decided when I do a completely hard core project, I'm going to start with a CJ-7 or YJ. So I am making my CJ-5 trail worthy, but saving the really cool stuff for my next Jeep.
Shaggy

Go for it. You'll know the bearings are going loooong before anything ever lets go. They're designed to fail gradually (for safety reasons, I'm sure).

Jake

You will be fine with 3" or 2.5" backspacing, especially if you are only using it as a trail rig. For an everyday driver, I would stick with standard backspacing.

-Matt

I ran 35 in tires with the 3 inch back spaced rock crawlers for about 2 years before I destroyed the poor jeep( some old lady without insurance decided to t bone me). I never had a problem with my ball joints or bearings and this was a daily driver that saw about 60 miles a day. I think you should be ok.

Sounds good guys,
Thanks,
Shaggy

Where is a cheap place that makes low backspacing wheels? I am looking for 3" BS 15x8 or 15x10s too. All I can find are 3.75 BS wheels.

Here is where I am getting mine. http://www.4wheelparts.com/product2.asp?imseqn=534&occlass=TECH&cat=WHE
You can find just the wheels cheaper at other places, but if you get them in combination with tires it is hella cheap. For instance, buying rockcrawlers 15x10 3", and Pro comp Xterrain tires seperately is 1023.60. In the combo deal, they are $881.95. Those tires in a 35x12.5x15 are $747.80 by themselves! Basically the rims are $33.54 a peice.
Super Swamper TSL's are $13 cheaper a tire than the pro craps, and the TSL's are what I'll be putting on. I was just using the Pro crap/rockcrawler as an example, because they don't have the combo price for the TSL/rockcrawler on the website.
Shaggy

I've seen those wheels. Unfortunately I have a 5x4.5 BP and none of those wheels have a backspacing of 3. AR, ARE, and all those other wheel manufacturers are the same way unfortunately. Any other ideas? I figure I may have to get custom wheels done-- expensive.

Check out US Wheel at rockstomper.com custom bs is only $10.
You can get beadlocks on the black wheel with custom bs for I think 160 a wheel.

Originally posted by wrendog
I've seen those wheels. Unfortunately I have a 5x4.5 BP and none of those wheels have a backspacing of 3. AR, ARE, and all those other wheel manufacturers are the same way unfortunately. Any other ideas? I figure I may have to get custom wheels done-- expensive.


Eaton wheels from National Tire and Wheel are like $63 each for 15x8 with 5x4.5 BS. similar to AR 767's but thicker steel.

they do custom backspacing for an extra fee...not sure how much extra.