There is something remarkably stunning about a Jeep that has been freshly fitted with a new set of aftermarket wheels. With a nearly infinite number of custom Jeep wheels to choose from on today's market, locating a set that provides the exact look and feel for which you are striving is seldom more than a few clicks away.
In order to begin your search for the best aftermarket wheels to compliment your Jeep, several numbers and measurements must first be recorded. These figures will serve as a basic template to ensure the proper fitment of any wheels that are purchased. Of these figures, few are as significant as that of your Jeep’s lugnut pattern, or bolt pattern, as it is known by many.
What Is A Lugnut or Wheel Bolt Pattern?
Every Jeep utilizes a specific number of studs and lugnuts to secure its wheels to their corresponding hubs. In doing so, the clamping force that is produced retains these wheels in a safe manner for travel when traversing roads or trails.
The exact layout, or lug bolt pattern, that is utilized for this specific purpose can differ from one Jeep to the next, in several ways. The most outwardly obvious of these differences comes in the number of lugs that are utilized for wheel retention.
The vast majority of Jeeps come outfitted from the factory with 5 or 6 lug wheels, meaning that the total number of bolts or wheel studs utilized within the given stock lug pattern come to a total of 5 or 6, depending upon the exact model.
The next figure of value that is referenced by a given vehicle’s bolt pattern is that of the circle diameter across an imaginary center line, from bolts opposite one another within the pattern. This exact measurement is obtained with the use of a tape measure or ruler, which is used to take stock of the distance from center point to center point of opposing studs within the bolt circle.
The combination of this measurement, as well as the total number of bolts used, are the two dictating factors that are encompassed into your Jeep’s OEM bolt pattern.
For example, the stock bolt pattern of a 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK is 5x5 in. This would indicate the total use of 5 studs, with a diameter of 5 inches between studs opposite one another within the bolt pattern.
5x5 in.= 5 (studs) x 5 in. (diameter between studs)
Additional Figures To Know
There are several additional factors worthy of consideration when determining the correct fitment of aftermarket wheels, outside of that pertaining to your Jeep’s bolt pattern. One such factor is a Jeep’s OEM wheel center bore measurement.
Center Bore
The bore of a wheel is used to ensure proper wheel centralization across the face of a vehicle’s hub, when bolted into place. This not only ensures secure fitment, but assists in minimizing vibration as well.
To obtain your Jeep’s center bore measurement, employ the use of a tape measure or ruler to gauge the total distance across the diameter of the bore itself. Alternatively, this measurement can be acquired by measuring the diameter of the Jeep’s center wheel hub itself. To do so, simply record the diameter measurement across opposing outer flanges of the hub.
This measurement can then be converted into its metric equivalent, as center bore measurements are often designated at a specific millimeter count.
Stud Size
Another figure of value when attempting to discern correct fitment of aftermarket Jeep wheels is that of stud size. Wheel stud size is designated in the form of two numbers, with the first denoting stud diameter, while the second specifies the overall distance between two consecutive threads..
For example, 2018-2020 Jeep JL Wranglers utilize 14mm x 1.50 wheel studs. This would indicate that the studs used are 14 mm in diameter and feature a thread pitch which specifies that all threads are 1.5 mm apart from one another.
Both of these measurements can be taken in a relatively simple fashion with the use of a tape measure or ruler. As in the case of the abovementioned JL Wrangler, some wheel stud diameters carry a metric equivalent. In these cases, the conversion of your previously taken measurements might be deemed necessary.
Wheel Offset
Wheel offset is a value that is of immense importance to those who are in question as to whether or not a particular set of aftermarket wheels will fit within the confines of their Jeep’s stock fender wells. Wheel offset is defined as the distance from a wheel’s mounting surface to the rim’s centerline.
The given wheel offset for a particular rim can be designated as positive, neutral, or negative. Each of these various offsets has its own effect on the way that a wheel lies in relation to the hub on which it is mounted.
- Positive Offset: A wheel that features a positive offset will mount to the hub at a point that is forward of its centerline.
- Neutral Offset: A wheel that features a neutral offset will mount to the hub at a point that falls at its centerline.
- Negative Offset: A wheel that features a negative offset will mount to the hub at a point that falls behind its centerline.
This value is of significance when purchasing aftermarket wheels due to the role it plays when determining correct wheel fitment. If you are currently questioning whether a particular set of wheels will fit within your Jeep’s fender well, it is worth taking stock of their designated offset values, as those featuring a significant negative offset are not likely to be of the best fit.
Backspacing
Similar to wheel offset, backspacing values can be of great assistance when identifying any potential clearance issues that could arise from the purchase of a new aftermarket set of wheels. Backspacing is defined as the distance between a wheel’s mounting face and its inner lip.
This value is denoted in a measure of inches, and can be used to determine whether or not the use of a particular wheel will offer sufficient free space to avoid contact with components such as shocks, springs, and sway bar links.
What Significance Does Lug Pattern Play?
If you do not possess a basic working knowledge of the lug pattern utilized by your particular model of Jeep, significant difficulty is likely to arise when attempting to purchase aftermarket wheels. The information contained within this designation will preface much of what follows when placing such an order.
While many individuals are quick to relay their Jeep’s wheel size, far fewer can actually recite their bolt-pattern without a second thought. This can lead to costly mistakes being made when placing a wheel order, as even ½ inch of a discrepancy between a wheel’s bolt pattern and that of a vehicle’s actual hub is certainly a deal-breaker.
No one wants to eagerly await the arrival of their newly purchased wheels, only to find that improperly spaced bolt holes render them of little use. Although one would think this to be a fluke of an occurrence, this plays out far more often than one would likely think.
By having the bolt pattern, center bore, and stud size measurements of your specific model of Jeep at the ready, you can ensure that no discrepancies in fitment arise when purchasing your next set of wheels.
Lug Pattern Quick Reference
The following table is intended to provide you with quick access to the various lug pattern designations for Jeep models throughout the decades.
Though the information found below is representative of typical stock proportions and measurements, it is always advisable to independently verify the following figures as they pertain to your Jeep, before the purchase of any aftermarket parts.
Measure Twice, Order Once
The old adage of measure twice, cut once is certainly applicable when ordering aftermarket wheels with the intent of taking your Jeep’s customization to the next level. However, in this case, the act of placing your order is a direct substitution for verbiage depicting the irrevocable action of cutting.
Few recognize the grief caused by a lack of foresight, until they are forced to deal with the resulting aftermath themselves. Do not let a failure to adequately understand the value of lugnut pattern dimensions leave you stuck with a set of wheels that fit nothing you own.
By compiling a series of measurements that can be taken in mere minutes, such as those of your Jeep’s lug pattern, wheel stud size, and center bore diameter, a number of headaches can be avoided.
When armed with the knowledge that you have done the necessary footwork to circumvent any unforeseen fitment issues, you can rest easy, knowing that the next piece in your Jeep’s custom transformation will soon arrive at your doorstep.