Winter Rims...

Metaxa · Jul 28, 2013

Need to check with my captive experts here...

I've come across a full set of superficially beat up 2002 Liberty rims...16" alloys.
They are badly curb rashed but spin true and are not cracked or suffering elongated bolts holes, etc.

Now my research tells me that both the 02 Liberty and my Patriot share 5x4.5 bolt pattern, front and rear center bore of 71.5 and differ only in offset range.

Liberty is 20-40 while the Patriot is 34-42.

Will these rims fit?

I'm not aware enough of what offset ranges mean, please help.

PS: these will be free...if that matters at all.

the_jeep_now · Jul 28, 2013

I fitted 16" steelies from Liberty with no issues. I also bought a set of alloys from Renegade but they wouldn't clear front calipers. A picture would help to determine which ones you're talking about.

I'd say if they are free, get them and test fit them. You have nothing to loose.

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the_jeep_now · Jul 28, 2013

Here is the visual.

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Sandstone · Jul 28, 2013

I think it comes down to how the spokes curve outward from the hub (which isn't really so much to do with backspacing/offset). I've seen it referred to by custom wheel fitters as "x-factor" or something like that.

In the pics T_J_N posted, you can see the steel rims curve outward and away from the caliper much more, where the alloys are more "flat".

I googled 2002 Jeep liberty alloy rims and from what I saw most of them seemed fairly flat, but I would probably test fit them since they're free.

Best of luck, hope this helps.

Metaxa · Jul 28, 2013

Thanks guys...I'll grab one and do a test fit sometime today.

We only need winter tires for maybe two months a year around here but owning a mounted set sure prolongs the life of your "summer" set.

I'll report back...

Metaxa · Jul 28, 2013

Well, the "X" Factor came into play.
The Liberty rims tighten right up to the calipers.
The diameter is fine, its the flatness of the spoke that binds against the outer part of the caliper.
Just like TJN's photo above and as Sandstone predicted or spoke about.

So I need to space them out a twitch I guess.
Is that easy to do? Bolt pattern, etc are all OK, is just the binding at the caliper.
Remember I will be switching back and forth so will a spacer work with both rims or would I have to remove it for three seasons?

While the wheel was off...I know some of you think I drink Fluid Film for a living but I want to show you what my hubs look like....two winters and a summer and a half with 60,000 km on the odometer and twice we have squirted a little bit of FF into the hubs.

Look at yours next time you have a wheel off and tell me a $10 rattle can of Fluid film might not be a good investment.

the_jeep_now · Jul 28, 2013

The spacers will work with both sets of rims. Just remember to get the hubcentric ones. AIC, MrJeepr and others who use them can provide links to ones they got to save you time.

Sandstone · Jul 28, 2013

Just curious, how much is a twitch?

I know this is unorthodox and may not be workable, but if it's only 1/16 - 1/8" I might be tempted to fab (or have fabbed) cheapie spacers out of steel or aluminum plate if there's enough length on the lugs to allow it, since it's only being used for 2 months of the year and the cost for those other spacers is what, like $150 for all 4 wheels?

BTW, those hubs look great. I wish mine were like that.

Winter Rims...

Metaxa

the_jeep_now

the_jeep_now

Sandstone

Metaxa

Metaxa

the_jeep_now

Sandstone

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