What Wheels Interchange With Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a durable off-road vehicle yet comfortable enough for daily use. Adventurous owners might already know about the Grand Cherokee's interchangeable wheel capability, but what types of wheels are compatible with your vehicle? Our curiosity is also piqued, so we've searched to find all of the interchangeable wheel options for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Anything with a 5 on 4.5 bolt circle would work since Jeep rims are an affordable alternative for racers. The 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee has a 5x4.5 inches bolt pattern, later modified to 5x5 inches on recent models. Additionally, you can select from these wheel options -all are compatible with Grand Cherokee:

  • Jeep Wranglers  (15-16 inches)
  • Jeep Wranglers  (17-18 inches)
  • Jeep Liberty
  • Ford (specific year models only): Rangers/ Mustangs/ Escapes
  • Mazda
  • Jeep Gladiator (17-18 inches): typically used on Wranglers but will also fit Grand Cherokee
  • Wagoneer
  • Lincoln
  • Mercury
  • Chrysler RT: highly recommended to stay true to the factory's original tire size

Now that you know the wheels that are compatible or interchangeable with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, let's tackle some of the other questions you have in mind. Read on through to find out what tire will work best for your Jeep Grand Cherokee and other considerations regarding wheel interchange. 

Jeep Cherokee displayed at a car show, What Wheels Interchange With Jeep Grand Cherokee?

What Wheels Are Interchangeable With The Jeep Grand Cherokee

First off, consider the size and pattern. Almost all the Jeep Grand Cherokee models have 17-inch wheels. The latest models feature 18-inch and 20-inch sizes, optional. 

Manufacturers rarely change their Jeeps' wheel sizes; if they do, it usually lasts for an extended period. Ask around if there's anyone interested in selling their old tires; if you found one and the numbers match, go for it!

An awesome white Jeep Cherokee displayed at a car show

Although we highly suggest you buy new ones, for safety purposes as well, nothing beats a new set of tires. Still in doubt? Seek out a car expert's advice.

Compatible Wrangler Series' Wheels

The JK and JL wrangler series use 17-inch tires. In contrast, The YJ and TJ Wrangler have 15-16 inch tires. Usually, the older and latest versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee's wheel size match the wrangler series.

However, the stock wheels will be ideal for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. If the numbers match after your initial assessment, you may now proceed with replacing your tires.

Are Jeep and Ford Wheels Interchangeable?

A silver colored Jeep Cherokee displayed at a car show

The sudden popularity of SUVs in the 1990s paved the way for the production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford SUVs. Jeep made the Grand Cherokee compete with Ford's fast-selling vehicles. Just like their birth origin as rivals, this continued with their wheels. As a result, no, they are not compatible.

The locking hubs are different. The sizes of the hubs separate the wheels from each other. However, the wheels of older Jeep models can be interchanged with the Ford wheels but are subject to some modifications.

The compatibility between these two cars' wheels depends on the manufacturing years. For example, the 1997's Jeep Wrangler rim will be compatible with 1993's Ford cars. On the other hand, this compatibility is different for the front tires. But the 1982 Jeep Wrangler tires will match both the front and rear tires of 1974-1982 Ford cars.

The owners should be careful about the offset and backspace too. These two play vital roles while changing wheels. So, it won't be a wise idea to interchange Jeep and Ford wheels. 

What Rims Match Jeep Grand Cherokee?

You may be wondering, are there any other jeeps that have matching rims with the Jeep Grand Cherokee? We have great news for you! Here are some of the many Jeeps with interchangeable rims that perfectly fit the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
  • Comanche MJ
  • Cherokee XJ
  • Wagoneer XJ
  • Wrangler

What Has The Same Bolt Pattern As Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Jeep Grand Cherokee display at a Chrysler dealership

Bolt pattern refers to the number of holes for the bolt and the diameter of the bolt circles. Different series of Jeep Grand Cherokee features different bolt patterns. Usually, all Jeep models have four or five-lug rims that hold the wheel in its place.

However, you'll notice there might be some differences in the stud sizes. While most Jeeps have five lugs, different models have different spacing between the lugs. You have to keep in mind the sizes and measurements of the parts you're planning to replace. To determine what vehicle has the same bolt pattern as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, let's first learn how to measure it.

For reference, the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and the 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ  have the same bolt pattern which is 5 lugs by 5 inches (or 127 millimeters) medium offset. You might want to consider TJ, CJ, JK, JL, and YJ models as they have similarities with the Grand Cherokee.

What Size of Tires Can I Fit on My Jeep?

Check the rim size on your existing tires, placed on the right side of the symbol "R." There are three sizes: 17, 18, and 20 inches. If your tire has a 17-inch rim, you will most likely need the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee tires size 245-70-17. Listed below are possible matches for your Grand Cherokee:

  • 265/60R18
  • 265/50R20
  • 295/45R20

Another popular choice among Jeep owners is the 32 to 35-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. Although, these wheels may require lifting your vehicle to have them fit as these are focused on off-road usage. It is also worth noting that Cooper tires and wheels work for this Jeep model.

Can You Put Bigger Tires On Jeep Grand Cherokee Without a Lift?

There are two reasons why people consider lifting to put in bigger tires:

  1. First, simply wanting to elevate their Jeep's look and give it a dashing appearance.
  2. Second, a focus on improving its off-road capabilities. The additional height enhances the Jeep Grand Cherokee's overall performance. The lift upgrades its articulation, ground clearance, and approach angle.

According to Jeep experts, you can add up to 33" of tires with or without a lift—the primary concern in this situation is the rubbing issue.

Now, let's say you plan on lifting your Grand Cherokee. For a cost reference, a mere 1-2 inches lift will already cost you a whopping $1,000-$10,000 worth of expenses. The Grand Cherokee is already a beast on its own, so it will still perform well with or without lift. 

What Other Vehicles will Jeep Wheels Fit?

View of a 2015 Jeep Cherokee, a popular SUV in the United States

The shape and measurements of Jeeps and other vehicles are entirely different, thus making it difficult to find a match for Grand Cherokee. Starting with the bolt patterns, we can conclude that this is impossible. However, you can still try; there might not be any progress.

Experts don’t recommend using jeep wheels on other vehicles.  If the measurements don't match, your attempt will fail. And if you do manage to make it fit, the probability of severe accidents occurring is high. The only possible Jeep wheels will work, and vice versa, are older Jeep models, such as Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury.

What Is The Wheel Drive System Of Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is part of the crossover SUV segment that has been in production since 1993. It includes two, four-wheel-drive systems: Command Trac and Quadra-Trac I, II, and III.

  • Command Trac is a low-range gear, two-speed transfer system equipped with automatic torque converter lockup for an automatic transmission with an electronic range selector (ERS) or manual range selector (MSR) or without ERS/MSR.
  • Quadra-Trac I is a low-range gear, four-speed transfer system with an electronic locking differential.
  • Quadra-Trac II is a low-range gear, four-speed transfer system with an electronic locking differential.
  • Quadra-Trac III is a low-range gear, four-speed transfer system with an electronic locking differential and an electronically controlled part-time transfer case. The transfer case also has four driver-selectable modes: 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low, and Neutral.

A five-speed automatic transmission completes the drivetrain of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This transmission has electronic shift controls which manage the shifting of gears. Its engine has speed sensing capability to determine whenever the gear shifts to complement the electronic shift controls.

Conclusion 

Jeep Cherokee displayed at a car show

We can't deny that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a reliable SUV, but parts' maintenance and replacement can be pretty costly. Since not everyone has the financial capability to buy directly from the factory or change wheels regularly, having the option to interchange it with cheaper but quality alternatives makes owning a big vehicle worth it. 

We have tried to explain several factors that one must consider interchanging wheels with Jeep Grand Cherokee. The car's model, wheel size, rim size, and bolt pattern are the essential details. Additionally, here are some other helpful articles for you to read.

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