Can anyone help me out with this question?

I have new 17 X 9 wheels with 4.5" back spacing - with putting on the Pro Rock Tie Rod, it hits the wheel about 3/4 turn. Is there any way to fix this without wheel spacers?

Thanks for any help.

Doug

 

Adjust your steering stops but you'll lose your turning radius. New offset wheels or spacers. Or new tie rod.

 

That's interesting. Are you 100% certain your wheels are 4.5" of back space? I'd measure one to confirm. If so, then I'd call rock krawler (I believe that is what tie rod you have, but you didn't specifically say that). It says right on their website 17" wheel with 4.5" of back space or less. I'd return it if it doesn't fit. Plus, it's sort of a huge rip off. You can buy the ends for $200 and the 7075 bar for $115. Saves you a good $200 for the exact same thing.

 

Does the wheel have an offset specification as well as a backspacing measurement? We have seen a few wheels that have both and they both differ from each other. When we say a 9" wide wheel with a 4.5" backspacing we are referring to the mounting surface of the wheel being dead center on a 9" wide wheel. Meaning 0 offset from the center line of the wheel.

RK

 

A 9" wide rim with 4.5" of backspacing is a -13mm offset. You have to allow for the .5" flange. A zero offset would be 5" of backspacing. Rim width is measured bead seat to bead seat.

 

Here are the specs to the Raceline wheels I have -

Brand:Raceline Wheels
Manufacturer's Part Number:8937905012
Part Type:Wheels
Product Line:Raceline Wheels Monster Black Wheels
Summit Racing Part Number:RLW-8937905012

Wheel Diameter:17 in.
Wheel Width (in):9.000 in.
Wheel Material:Aluminum
Primary Wheel Color:Black
Wheel Finish:Matte
Manufacturers Wheel Series:Raceline Monster Series
Backspacing (in):4.500 in.
Offset:-12.00mm

 

In the OP's defense, if you just do a quick search on the RK Tie Rod they don't say anything about the offset....

Technical Details

Fits 2007 to 2015 JK Wrangler, Rubicon and Unlimited
2 and 4-door models
Made from 1.625" diameter 7075-T6510 aluminum
Massive offset greasable tie rod ends
Steering stabilizer mounting plate and u-bolts included
Requires minimum of 17" wheels and 4.5" or less backspacing

Rock Krawler Part RK04383 - Off Road Pro Aluminum Tie Rod - Fits 2007 to 2015 JK Wrangler, Rubicon and Unlimited - 4 Wheel Drive

 

From NorthRidge....
Rock Krawler JK Off Road Pro Tie Road - RK04383



Features:

Toughest Tie Rod on the Market
1.75" OD 7075-T651 Aluminum (built to flex)
Turn-Buckle Style Toe Adjustment (Designed for in-vehicle adjustment)
Massive Offset Greasable Steering Joints
Engineered to work with the JK's Ackerman Angle

Includes:

2 - Massive Offset Greasable Tie Rod Ends
1 - 1.75" Aluminum Tie Rod (powder coated)
1 - Steering Stabilizer Mounting Plate (powder coated)
2 - Steering Stabilizer U-bolts

* Requires 17" or Larger Diameter Wheels.
* Requires 4.5" of Backspacing or Less.
* When Using Reid Racing Knuckles (Heavy Clearancing Could be Required).

 

Happy Stitches, did you ever figure out what to do? I have the Rugged Ridge 17x9 wheels and am running into the same issue with the RK pro tie rod. Did you just add another 1/2" of BS?

 

I am also interested- I'm looking at a 17" wheel with the same specs. Teraflex spacers at 1.25" would reduce backspacing to 3.28" on my wheel also with a -12mm offset, and I'm looking to confirm they will fit or if I will need another solution.