Looking into a new set of wheels for your Jeep is supposed to be fun and exciting. While it's typically easy to look at new designs, shopping for wheels is tricky because of wheel bolt patterns. These patterns are based on the number of lug nuts your Jeep has and how the lug nuts are placed on the wheel.
Unfortunately, getting wheels with the wrong bolt pattern will leave you with wheels that don't fit. So, it's essential to learn and understand wheel bolt patterns before getting new rims.
How to Tell the Different Bolt Patterns in Jeeps
Jeeps have several different bolt patterns. The bolt pattern on a Jeep is determined by the number of lug nuts and how they're spaced out on a wheel. A wheel bolt pattern is the measurement of lug nuts and the imaginary circle that's formed by the lug nuts. Measuring this circle will give you the bolt pattern.
Using a 2015 Jeep Wrangler as an example, the bolt pattern is 5x5 inches. The wheels have five lug nuts and the diameter of the circle the lug nuts form is five inches. It's possible to use this formula for each wheel type – regardless of how many lug nuts it has.
Keep in mind that the process for measuring bolt patterns for Jeeps changes depending on the lug nuts. Four lug nut bolt patterns require you to measure the distance of the two bolts across from each other. Six-bolt and eight-bolt wheel patterns can also be measured in this way.
However, five-bolt patterns are tricky, which is what is commonly found on Jeeps. To measure a five-bolt pattern you measure from the back of one lug nut to the center of the second lug nut next to it.
Overall, determining wheel bolt patterns for Jeeps starts with counting the lug nuts and then measuring the circle they form.
Best Wheel Upgrades Based on Bolt Patterns
Before upgrading your wheels you need to know the wheel bolt pattern. Without knowing the pattern you won't know what wheels are compatible with your Jeep. Thankfully, Morris 4x4 has wheels for every Jeep bolt pattern.
Typically, Jeeps have wheel bolt patterns of 5x4" or 5x5". Jeeps like the Cherokee XJ also have 5×4.5" wheel patterns. Below are wheel choices based on these options.
Spyderlock Wheels 756 Series
Bolt Pattern: 5x4.5"
Spyderlock Wheels 756 Series is designed to fit as many Jeeps as possible. You'll find them on old Jeep Cherokees and modern Jeep Wranglers or Grand Cherokees. These wheels have a bolt pattern that's compatible with most Jeeps and they're built to last. The aluminum wheel can take a lot of punishment and doesn't rust easily. These 756 Series wheels also have unique bead locks that help with rock climbing and off-roading.
Black Rhino Armory Wheel
Bolt Pattern: 5x5"
Black Rhino is known for making durable Jeep wheels. The Black Rhino Armory Wheel is no exception with an impressive load rating of 2450 for its lightweight design. Weighing only 35 pounds, these wheels make it easy to look stylish without losing performance when you're off-roading. Black Rhino wheels are made from durable aluminum.
Dirty Life Roadkill 9302 Series Wheel
Bolt Pattern: 5x4.5"
The Dirty Life Roadkill 9302 Series Wheel is perfect for off-roading and it fits most Jeeps from older Cherokee XJs to modern Jeep Wranglers. These wheels have thick rim walls and aircraft-grade aluminum which makes them more durable than most wheels available. The 10-spoke design also adds extra support. These wheels are available in a few colors with black being one of the most aggressive-looking options.
Best Replacement Wheel Bolts
Replacement wheel bolts, or lug nuts, aren't always easy to find. Morris 4x4 has plenty of high-quality replacement lug nuts for almost every Jeep.
1. Ridge Wheel Lug Nut Set
https://www.morris4x4center.com/rugged-ridge-wheel-lug-nut-set-20-piece-black-16715-23.html
The Ridge Wheel Lug Nut Set comes with 20 black wheel bolts (lug nuts). These lug nuts are double-coated, which reduces corrosion from the environment. For these lug nuts, the hex head is 19 millimeters and it has a .5"-20 thread. The Ridge Wheel Lug Nut Set also comes with a limited five-year manufacturer's warranty.
2. Gorilla Lug Nut Kit
https://www.morris4x4center.com/gorilla-lug-nut-kit-24-count-21184ht.html
The Gorilla Lug Nut Kit is another great set of replacement bolts for Jeeps. It comes with 24 lug nuts, so you won't have to worry about replacement bolts for a long time. Furthermore, these lug nuts have a .5"-20 thread and a small head. These lug nuts are also durable and made for tuner vehicles that partake in off-roading. Each lug nut is heat-treated and they also have chrome plating for style enhancements.
3. McGard Cone Seat Lug Nut Set
McGard lug nuts are some of the most well-known lug nuts around. What sets these lug nuts apart is their flexibility and compatibility. These lug nuts fit on most Jeeps but also fit on some Broncos, Chevrolet trucks, and even Dodge vehicles. The thread size on these lug nuts is .5"-20 and each lug nut is made with heat-treated steel.
