by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
New year, new you, new wheels. Right?
Well, with the holiday season now squarely in the rearview mirror, many are starting to think about all kinds of modification projects to accomplish during the remaining winter months.
And one of the best, as well as most functional, is swapping out older, heavier Jeep wheels for newer lightweight alloy versions.
Not only are alloy wheels lighter than steel wheels, making them ideal products for those who already have heavier items on their vehicles, but their construction has improved dramatically over the years — allowing for much more durability during off-road excursions.
Additionally, many allow wheels have also slightly changed their offset and backspacing measurements so they work far better with larger tires and suspension lifts.
Plus, with different colors and designs, customizing wheels to match other aspects of a Jeep is much easier.
Of course, there are plenty of aftermarket alloy wheels on the market that perform well, but over the past few years, we’ve found a few that seem to generate more than a ton of interest each season.
So here are our top five alloy wheels for Jeep Wrangler:
Quadratec CJ Retro Wheel
A classic, throwback appearance infused with modern technology. That’s what you get from this top-selling ‘no nonsense’ alloy wheel. Its design harkens back to the old CJ-style wheel from the 1970s and 80s, displaying a simple eight-spoke look with triangular opening cutouts.
However, unlike those wheels of yesteryear, this new CJ Retro design presents the perfect offset and backspacing for those with a suspension lift and wider/larger tires — allowing everything to fit properly under the wheel wells.
Additionally, its lightweight pressure-cast aluminum construction has proved trail durable and weighs about a third less than production steel wheels, all while maintaining DOT and SAEJ2530 standards.
These wheels are available in gloss white or satin black finishes, and have a hub-centric design for excellent durability and ride quality.
Fuel Off-Road Maverick
At first glance, Fuel’s Off-Road Maverick cast aluminum wheel provides an outstanding, aggressive appearance. But look a bit further and it becomes sharply clear the thing backs up its looks with proven trail performance.
Its lightweight design reduces unsprung weight which adds responsive handling and fuel economy, while that high-quality cast aluminum material offers excellent durability over uneven surfaces. Additionally, the Maverick’s eight-spoke design is strategically shaped to handle rock impacts and other debris, while still delivering whisper-smooth on-road drivability.
Finally, machined silver accents around the wheel’s outer edge neatly contrast against the wheel’s black finish for an overall elegant presentation.
Lynx Trail Gunner
This stand-out pressure-cast black aluminum wheel includes an eye-pleasing bullet-hole design with simulated rivets that injects a more aggressive appearance into your Wrangler than stock factory wheels.
But more than that, this wheel is wider than the factory version as well, allowing it to display a beefier stance and comfortably fit larger tires on Wranglers that have also added height from a suspension lift.
From there, the wheel’s hub-centric design enhances strength for added off-road durability, while its slightly heavier weight tamps down excessive noise and vibrations for acceptable daily driving versatility. Then, its satin black coating is engineered to resist corrosion for a long-lasting showroom-fresh appearance.
Quadratec Rubicon Xtreme
Quadratec’s Rubicon Xtreme Wheel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a slightly more aggressive vehicle stance, as well as maintain stable and responsive handling during on and off-road adventures.
This wheel boasts a 4.75-inch backspacing which extends its edge just past the Jeep’s factory fender flare for a more robust appearance.
Additionally, its five-spoke design and pressed aluminum construction make it substantially lighter than steel wheels — helping boost fuel economy, enhance vehicle handling and reduce wear on steering components.
Its thick spokes provide a durable shield against road and trail debris, while black automotive-grade paint helps with corrosion resistance and hub-centric fitment ensures a snug, solid connection.
Method Race Wheels Street Series 305
Method’s Street Series 305 wheel combines an iconic 12-window design alongside a simulated beadlock ring with replaceable lip bolts, for something that simply oozes attitude and durability.
These wheels boast a rugged A356 aluminum construction and T6 heat treatment, but all you really need to know is these things can stand up to whatever trail and road abuse you encounter during any of your daily journeys.
Yet despite superior durability, they remain lightweight thanks to that aluminum design, helping fuel economy and providing extra life to any stressed steering components.
Like most alloy wheels, the Method Street Series 305 wheels are hub-centric for solid fitment and these also include a protective clear coating for added longevity.
Recommended Reading:
How to Remove Ice And Snow From Your Jeep's Soft Top Windows
