Wheel width for 33x12.50?

[dangeranger88]

Hi guys, I couldn't find anything about the proper wheel width for this size tire. I currently have the 3" PA body lift and need to get a new set of rims before i get my new tires...but I'm not sure what width to get? Would an 8" do? or would a 10" be better? Thanks for your input!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the general rule of thumb is to keep tire and wheel widths within 3" of each other. so for a 12" tire you'd want at least a 9" rim (failing that, id go 10").

 

[RobinHood]

l have 33x12.50's on a 15x8 rim. l have had this combo on many vehicles without any problems... (rangers, jeeps, broncos)
You will be fine running a 12.5 tire on a 8" wide rim.

 

[dangeranger88]

thanks for replies guys. I think I'll go with 8s since they are easier to find it seems. But, does anyone have any pics of a 10" with 33s? vs. an 8 maybe?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ive seen 12" wide tires on 8" wide rims cause wear problems many times before. i would still suggest finding a 9 or 10" rim. they arent any harder to find than 8"...but its ultimatly up to you.

 

[4x4junkie]

No wear problems here (33x12.50s on my Ranger, 35x12.50s on my BII, both on 15x8s)

I've always gotten at least 25,000 miles or better before reaching the halfway point on tread depth (I also rotate them about every 7000 miles or so).

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I'm on the 8" width bandwagon aswell. No wear problems here either both with my 35x12.50 MT's and my 36X12.50 TSL SX's with regular tire rotations, plus they are easier on the wheel bearings. 15x8 with 3.75" backspacing. If you air down regularly while wheeling the 8's will hold a bead better at low psi.

 

[LittleHorse]

if you look around on the internet a little bit you should be able to find the specs of the tire, and it will tell you the recommended rim width range. As long as you're in that width, you should be fine. 8" is probably the absolute minimum for most 12.50 tires. That's why I plan on going with a 32x11.50, they're usually ok down to 7.5 so an 8" rim should present no problems.

It will also tell you the "Measuring Rim Width", which is the size of the rim they mount the tire on to take their measurements for section width, diameter, etc. This would be the ideal rim width.

 

[JohnnyO]

A 10" will handle a little better on the road but the front wheel bearings on your '99 will be happier with 8". If you off-road and need to air down you will be better with an 8". Either will be fine. Look for a 15x8 with 3.75" backspace (common), if you get a 15x10 look for 4.0" to 4.25" backspace and no more than 4.5".

 

[dangeranger88]

Ok, so I am eyeing these rims:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=39855865TB&wheelMake=ATX&wheelModel=Chamber&wheelFinish=Black+w/Teflon+Coating&showRear=no&autoMake=Ford&autoModel=Ranger+4wd+XLT&autoYear=1999&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Brand

It says the backspacing is 3.70''. Would this be a huge difference? Does it mean the wheels sit in more?

Most of the wheels on this damn website do not say what the backspacing is on them. It is making wheel shopping very difficult :-(

 

[LittleHorse]

Ok, so I am eyeing these rims:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=39855865TB&wheelMake=ATX&wheelModel=Chamber&wheelFinish=Black+w/Teflon+Coating&showRear=no&autoMake=Ford&autoModel=Ranger+4wd+XLT&autoYear=1999&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Brand

It says the backspacing is 3.70''. Would this be a huge difference? Does it mean the wheels sit in more?

Most of the wheels on this damn website do not say what the backspacing is on them. It is making wheel shopping very difficult :-(

3.70 should be close enough to 3.75 to not make a difference. It's 1/20th of an inch...

If it doesn't list backspacing, check the offset. You can calculate the backspacing based on the wheel width and offset.

 

[dangeranger88]

Alright, thanks, how about 3 5/8"? I really am a n00b when it comes to buying wheels. I'm checkin out these mickey thompsons that i really like that have 3 5/8. Does this mean that they would stick out a smidgun further?

 

[LittleHorse]

yes, less backspacing means they'll stick out further.

3-5/8" is still only 1/8" different than 3.75.

 

[dangeranger88]

thanks again. mickey thompson's on the way