Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Lug Pattern Question

Skees

Skees

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So I'm currently in the process of looking for tires for my 97 and I'm having a little difficulty finding tires that I'd like for my 16" wheels. So the thought had crossed my mind to look for a new set of wheels and just put some new wheels and tires on. I went and measured my lug spacing and I'm curious if these are still the factory 5x4.5 or not. I took a picture and wanted to post it to get some opinions.

Thanks for any help in advance and apologies for the dirty wheels :LOL: .

IMG_7285.jpeg
 
I believe it would be center of lug to center of lug. If you don't have different axles and/or wheel adapters they would be 5 on 4.5. It should be stamped or molded into the back of the wheel somewhere.
 
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bbaldwin237 said:
I believe it would be center of lug to center of lug. If you don't have different axles and/or wheel adapters they would be 5 on 4.5. It should be stamped or molded into the back of the wheel somewhere.
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I had thought that’s how the measurement was done as well but I did some searching online and this is the “standard” I keep finding:

IMG_7286.jpeg


I’ll get underneath and look at the wheel and see if I can find anything stamped. I’ve had all the wheels off when installing my new shocks (RS5000X) and there weren’t any spacers/adapters but the axles have had some work. My Dad is the one who had all the work done and he has since passed away so I can’t ask him directly, unfortunately.
 
The 16" wheel E rated tire myth was busted. I just replaced the 16" worn radial tires on my wife's WJ with MT tires. It rides better than my TJ. They're not even tires, they're TYRES! Who knew other countries can't spell correctly. :unsure:
TYRES.jpg
 
TheBoogieman said:
The 16" wheel E rated tire myth was busted. I just replaced the 16" worn radial tires on my wife's WJ with MT tires. It rides better than my TJ. They're not even tires, they're TYRES! Who knew other countries can't spell correctly. :unsure:
View attachment 491043
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So you're saying that the E rated tires aren't as much of a big deal that has been made about it? I have a D load rating tire on right now (Goodyear MT/R) but they're very old and well past their life span. I've been trying hard to find either a C or D load rated tire because of everything I've read on here how the E rated tires are basically a nightmare on these trucks...
 
Skees said:
So you're saying that the E rated tires aren't as much of a big deal that has been made about it? I have a D load rating tire on right now (Goodyear MT/R) but they're very old and well past their life span. I've been trying hard to find either a C or D load rated tire because of everything I've read on here how the E rated tires are basically a nightmare on these trucks...
Click to expand...

There are far too many variables in tires to make any determination of how they ride based solely on the load rating.
 
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Skees said:
So you're saying that the E rated tires aren't as much of a big deal that has been made about it? I have a D load rating tire on right now (Goodyear MT/R) but they're very old and well past their life span. I've been trying hard to find either a C or D load rated tire because of everything I've read on here how the E rated tires are basically a nightmare on these trucks...
Click to expand...

Inflation has a much larger effect than load rating .
 
jjvw said:
There are far too many variables in tires to make any determination of how they ride based solely on the load rating.
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So what would your recommendation be? Just get what can be afforded regardless?
 
ColoJeep said:
Inflation has a much larger effect than load rating .
Click to expand...

Well that’s great to know as well 😂. I knew the PSI was important but I didn’t know it was important enough to make the load rating less relevant. Thank you all for this very useful info!

It’s been a struggle finding a tire for this 16” wheel so any good info is greatly appreciated.
 
Skees said:
Well that’s great to know as well 😂. I knew the PSI was important but I didn’t know it was important enough to make the load rating less relevant. Thank you all for this very useful info!

It’s been a struggle finding a tire for this 16” wheel so any good info is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Just for information , I just put Goodyear Duratrac RT on our 04 Taco in a 265 70 R16. Great snow traction and high speed highway manners.
As jjvw said find what works for you. happy hunting !
 
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ColoJeep said:
Just for information , I just put Goodyear Duratrac RT on our 04 Taco in a 265 70 R16. Great snow traction and high speed highway manners.
As jjvw said find what works for you. happy hunting !
Click to expand...

I’ve seen a lot of good stuff about the Cooper STT Pro’s and was leaning that direction but I’ll definitely take a look at the Duratrac as well. I have Goodyears on there right now and they’ve been good, they’re just really old and chewed up. I’m getting a slight “wobble” at certain speeds so I’m sure it’s something to do with balancing but I don’t want to go have these balanced because they definitely need to be replaced.
 
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Skees said:
Also after looking around more on the forum I’m pretty sure they’re 5x5.5 because I do have the large warn hubs so I’m assuming my Dad did the rear conversion as well. Again, apologies for the dirty wheel 😂.

View attachment 491052
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That better photo shows that it is 5 - 5 1/2 , the hub conversion tells the story.
 
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