Cragar Soft 8's

[JETLIFE]

I have been running my stock chrome-clad wheels in the winter with my RK lift, and 255/75/17 M/T's

I'm thinking about picking up some Cragars, But I have read that people are having to "shim the front" to clear the caliper. The wheels I was looking at are 17x8 w/ 4.5 BS. So do I need to run a small spacer in the front? Maybe a 1/4"?

Also, I know that the RK kit has had problems with the forks slipping off the factory shocks. People are saying that the Bilsteins or OME's will correct that, Now, I never had a problem on my stock shocks, But I have since upgraded to a full set of Rancho RSX's, Will this be better with that kit?

Acid, I know you have tons of knowledge on this lift! What do you think?

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/cleandurango/Jeep/DSC01246_47_48_49_50.jpg

[blackpepper]

Here's a thread that sorta died off.... hope it helps b/c I too like the look of the cragar 8's and was curious about fitment... even for a stock setup.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=496256&highlight=cragar+soft

[Scottina06]

shew....not gonna lie....thats one of the ugliest wheels i've ever seen....LOL! JMHO

[JETLIFE]

They're not supossed to be "pretty"
rocks and mud will eat up my chromes in a matter of minutes.
And why spend 200+ a wheel to ruin em. Those cragars cost 200 for a whole set.
If you knew what Canadian winters were like, you'd understand! Lol

[Megatron]

I like em Joel. I would buy them (despite I have no background in offroading, the price is amazing).

I like the look of them also. Rugged!

[Scottina06]

They're not supossed to be "pretty"
rocks and mud will eat up my chromes in a matter of minutes.
And why spend 200+ a wheel to ruin em. Those cragars cost 200 for a whole set.
If you knew what Canadian winters were like, you'd understand! Lol

gotcha,,,,I figured they were expensive. $200 is dirt cheap:thumbsup:

[Megatron]

A few questions. I would like these for "winter tires"

Sorry guys, I need some clarifications after reading that link ryan gave from JU.
- Will I need a lift?
- What is this backspacing they speak of?

Thanks guys.

[JETLIFE]

gotcha,,,,I figured they were expensive. $200 is dirt cheap:thumbsup: Ya man, They're just steel wheels.
I personally think they're gonna look like shit on my WK cause of all the chrome, But I love how they look on Laredos!

If that wheel was any manlier it would have a beard! lol

A few questions. I would like these for "winter tires"

Sorry guys, I need some clarifications after reading that link ryan gave from JU.
- Will I need a lift?
- What is this backspacing they speak of?

Thanks guys.


backspacing is how far in or out they will stick, In this case they will stick out a little to give me clearance for larger tires (32")

Last year I was running wheel spacers so I could use my stock wheels.

you wont need a lift to run the Cragars, But they will stick out farther than your current wheels. You just need the right size tire and they will fit fine.

[Megatron]

Thanks moneen. Appreciate it. (+rep for your speedy response)

This will be under my winter list. LOL. (i have to remember one mod at a time)

[AcidCold]

With 4.5'' of backspacing (6.25 stock wheel) should not give you any problems at all, i don't know why anyone would shim them. The reason RK forks slip off the stock strut is because they don't have a collar like OME and Bilstein, it works as a stop. Make sure you have grade 8 bolts on those forks thought, they had a "problem" with there supplier that was giving out grade 3 or 5 bols which were bracking.

There are a few guys running those cragers on JU but can't remember who it was, i know it was a blue WK and the guy was from Arizona.

---------- Post added at 07:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:53 PM ----------

Almost forgot, if by any chance people are shimming there cragers it might have something to do with the 05-06 to 07+ caliper change?

[JETLIFE]

Thanks moneen. Appreciate it. (+rep for your speedy response)

This will be under my winter list. LOL. (i have to remember one mod at a time)

No problem dude, I hope what I said was accurate! Lol. Looks about right!

[Megatron]

No problem dude, I hope what I said was accurate! Lol. Looks about right!

So to make it simple, I will just need to buy wheels and tires right? Nothing else?

[JETLIFE]

With 4.5'' of backspacing (6.25 stock wheel) should not give you any problems at all, i don't know why anyone would shim them. The reason RK forks slip off the stock strut is because they don't have a collar like OME and Bilstein, it works as a stop. Make sure you have grade 8 bolts on those forks thought, they had a "problem" with there supplier that was giving out grade 3 or 5 bols which were bracking.

There are a few guys running those cragers on JU but can't remember who it was, i know it was a blue WK and the guy was from Arizona.

---------- Post added at 07:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:53 PM ----------

Almost forgot, if by any chance people are shimming there cragers it might have something to do with the 05-06 to 07+ caliper change?

Ya i replaced all the bolts and sent them a couple PM's. I had the kit in all winter, loved it! and that was on factory shocks, can't wait for this winter!

Ya maybe you're right about the caliper change, I hope I don't have to shim a wheel, I guess i'll find out. I think i'm gonna get 'em!

So to make it simple, I will just need to buy wheels and tires right? Nothing else?

Wellll... You could just do that, But IMO it's gonna look funny, What I would do is, hold off until you can put out another few hundred and buy a small lift.
Then you can buy a larger tire, I think if you get wheels and tires and decide after to get a lift, you'll be pissed cause you could have gone bigger. just my .02

[Hemi05WK]

Joel..

why not try a 'cheap set' of Commander wheels like I had on my WJ? or basic Laredo wheels...

[Marlon_JB2]

A 'cheap set' of Commander wheels can be found? Where?

[Hemi05WK]

I've had several... The original ones on my WJ lift were 35.00 each, and the chrome one;s I gave it away with I paid 45.00 each... Craigs list is full of desperate people

[Megatron]

what do you guys recommend for these wheels.

245/75/17 or 255/65/17, since i dont plan on lifting it.

Or do you have some good tire recommendations also?

---------- Post added at 06:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:29 PM ----------

edit edit

[NHWK05]

You can get 17" cragars, they still dont clear the calipers?

[Megatron]

i kinda like the last link.. (yes im biting off your idea..) good price though, $300 ?

Then I can powdercoat the stock wheels or do vice versa.

(ill edit the links for security reasons LOL)