17x9 or 17x8 Black Rock type 8 rims?

[The Pumpkinator]

I can't decide between the two, a 9" wide rim would help with even tread wear on a 37x12.50 R17 and yet the bead is still out of the way of rocks, but they don't offer a 1" negative offset in that size.

The 17x8s will offer more bead protection but will balloon the tires quite a bit, however they do offer a 17x8 rim with 3.5" backspacing.

My goal is to have the tires sticking out a little further but not too much where it would be a problem with tire scrub and won't interfere with body sheet metal

This is on a Chevy 8 lug bolt pattern (8x6.5?)

Thoughts?

 

[runamok151]

I voted 8 because I like the tire tucked a little better but I don't think it matters. You shouldn't have any problems w/ even tire wear w/ either wheel size if you use the correct tire pressure. I've had a few sets of 12.5" wide tires on 8" wide rims and they've always had even wear.

 

[The Pumpkinator]

Yeah I'm leaning towards an 8" wide rim as well, mainly because of the offset. However, would a 8" wide rim hold the tire bead better than a 9" wide rim at a lower pressure on the trails?

 

[6.2Blazer]

Yeah I'm leaning towards an 8" wide rim as well, mainly because of the offset. However, would a 8" wide rim hold the tire bead better than a 9" wide rim at a lower pressure on the trails?

Generally a more narrow wheel will hold the bead better. I also would vote for the 16x8 with 3.5" BS. The 8" wide wheel is plenty wide for that tire.

 

[4xcrazy]

I'm running H2 wheels they have a 8.5" width. The tires really don't balloon out as much as I think you think they will, granted it's a half inch wider, but I don't think that's going to be much more of a difference.

They look real nice and nothing funky about them.

 

[Kay86K5]

If you want to for reference, click on my build thread in my signature, there are quite a few pic's of my older brothers K5 (1978 that's blue with a white top...don't remember what pages). He is running 37x12.5x17 MTR's on 17x9 rockcrawlers with 4.25 backspacing (probably closer to 4.5, but whatever). That might give you a good idea of how they will look on your rig. Hope that helps

Also, I know some people always say they don't want to go to a bigger tire, but you never know. And a 17x9 may open up more options later on down the road if you want to go bigger

 

[The Pumpkinator]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Just ordered the rims today, went with x5 17x8 with 3.5" back spacing.

Got a good deal through a local tire shop, unfortunately since from the manufacturer the size I wanted was uncommon, they have to actually build me a set which means they're 2-3 weeks out

What a bad ass build thread Kay86K5, went through all 38 pages! I cant wait to ditch my 33s and half tons for 3/4 ton locked axles and 37s.

 

[chulisohombre]

I've been running 15x8 and 16.5x8 rims with 12.5 inch tires for years with no problems. I don't like the flat sidewall Look on wider rims with close to the same width tires. The thinner rim will put more pressure on the bead to hold it better as well. On my 16.5s I don't go under 15 psi but the extra tire over the lip of the rim does help.

 

[Kay86K5]

What a bad ass build thread Kay86K5, went through all 38 pages! I cant wait to ditch my 33s and half tons for 3/4 ton locked axles and 37s.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I think either way you went you would be happy. I like the fact that you got 3.5 backspacing. That's what my recentered h1's are backspaced to and I think it's about perfect.