Even though the Jeep Renegade Trailhawks come with almost 1" of lift more than any of the other models, it would be helpful to get a bit more lift to help clear slightly bigger tires. Being that the Renegade uses struts, I'm going to assume that I can install a basic budget boost to accomplish this. Now I just have to figure out if the new Cherokee or any other Jeep made share the same strut or mounts or, figure out what out there does. Sure would be nice to just buy something that already exists rather than having to take a best guess. Anyone out there have any insight on this?
G-Force located in Italy apparently has lifts, wheel spacers, and wheels. Here is a link- http://www.g-force.it/prodotti.asp?CATEGORIA=NEW RENEGADE
I see they have 16x7 wheels that seem to be on a Trailhawk: http://www.g-force.it/PRODOTTI2.ASP?CATEGORIA=NEW RENEGADE&ID=707 If correct, that means their 16" wheel clears the Trailhawk's larger brake caliper's. Wayoflife, what do you think?
Hmmm, are we sure that is a Trailhawk they have? I'll try to take a pic of my front wheels to show you just how little room there is between it and the caliper - it really isn't more than 3/4" and I doubt you could run a smaller wheel unless it has a different profile that allows for it. Of course, the addition of wheel spacers might help things too as even the factory wheels get wider the further out you go from the mounting surface.
I'll try to take this again in the daylight as it's a bit hard to see here but, this is kinda what we're up against. Really, there's very little breathing room up front.
You may be right about the spacers, G-Force shows both a 20mm and a 30mm listed for sale. If you look at their photo there does seem to be more space behind the wheel. But also note the brake caliper in their photo, it does look really close to the rim if you look under the spoke at the 2 o'clock position. Question, I've read many posts from people saying to avoid spacers, that they loosen over time as the aluminum gives way under the bolt head causing them to loosen and wreck the threads and loose the wheel. What has your experience been with Jeepers over on the Wayoflife forum?
When properly installed, high quality wheel spacers that bolt on to your axle and then your wheel bolts on to it will behave no differently than would a wheel with less back spacing. I have used wheel spacers on ALL my Jeeps at one point and time over the last 20 years and have NEVER had a problem with any of them. The key is "proper" installation and a routine check of them just like anything. That being said, I personally would never run a spacer that's less than 1" thick so I would lean more toward the 30mm they sell. Of course, a simple search online will bring up plenty of places that make a 5x110 in 1". I might try talking to Spidertrax to see if they have or can make a set as they are made in the USA and I've used them plenty of times. If the 16" wheels can be used with spacers, that would be optimal as that would open the doors to way more tire options. I just wish there were a way I could know they'd work for sure without buying a set first. Most tire shops won't work with wheel spacers so you couldn't do a quick wheel check with them either.
Ok, time to combine ideas, get Spidertrax or Lugman or someone to make 1" thick 5x110(4.33") to 5x114.3(4.5") wheel adapters then you can buy standard 5x4.5" Jeep Wheels. Have you measured the Renegade Center Bore (Hub Bore) yet? Amazon (Centerbore: 65.1) 4pc - 25mm (1") 5x110 to 5x114.3 (5x4.5) http://www.amazon.com/4pc-5x114-3-Adapters-Spacers-Vehicles/dp/B00HQPGMYK or Lugman USA Life Time Adapter - Build Your Own 5x4.5" (5x114.3mm) It looks like they do custom bolt patterns and custom Center Bore (Hub Bore) http://www.performancewheeladapters.com/lugmanusa-life-time-adapter-build-your-own-5x4-5-5x114-3mm/
Been on the trail all day with our new renegade and just saw this now. Adapters would be a great idea and would definitely give us mor options for sure. Great idea!
