Jeep M-38 (1950) Wheel Fitment
Jeep M-38 (1950): 5x139.7 bolt pattern, 108mm center bore, OE 16x4.5J ET12. Forged wheel fitment specs from ANKUSI.
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Wheel Size & Offset at a Glance
| Configuration | Wheel Size & Offset |
|---|---|
| Flush Fitment | 16x6J at ET0 offset |
How to Read Wheel Offset & Measurements
Use these two references before ordering: the left diagram shows where each spec (PCD, center bore, offset, width and diameter) is measured on the wheel; the right diagram shows how positive, zero and negative offset shift the wheel face relative to the hub centerline.
ANKUSI Engineering Expert Advice
A sedan's wheel spec is a balance point the factory tuned between ride comfort, steering feel, and everyday durability. Forging lets us hold that same structural margin while cutting rotational mass, which is where most of the real-world benefit — quicker steering response, marginally better ride — actually comes from.
The Jeep M-38 ships from the factory on a 5x139.7 bolt pattern with a 108mm center bore and a 16x4.5J ET12 wheel. Our flush reference for the Jeep M-38 is 16x6J ET0.; our maximum aggressive reference is 16x7J ET-12. — beyond that, expect clearance issues against the fender liner without further modification.
Jeep M-38 OE Wheel Specs
The Jeep M-38 ships from the factory on 5x139.7 bolt pattern wheels with a 108mm center bore. The stock wheel size is 16x4.5J ET12, offering a balanced ride that suits most owners without any rubbing or clearance concerns.
Why the factory spec works for most owners:
- Balances ride comfort with steering response and highway efficiency.
- Wide tire and wheel availability at the factory diameter keeps replacement costs low.
- Lower unsprung weight than larger aftermarket wheels helps ride quality and acceleration.
- Guaranteed clearance against brake calipers and suspension components.
Flush Fitment
For a flush look without any body modification, most Jeep M-38 owners run 16x6J ET0. This setup tucks the wheel face closer to the fender lip while staying within safe load and clearance limits.
Maximum Aggressive Fitment
Owners chasing a more aggressive stance push to 16x7J ET-12. Chassis: Military restoration. Wheels: Non-directional tread tires. Clearance should be verified before ordering, especially on lowered cars.
5-Tier Configuration Options
A – Factory-Style: 16x4.5J ET12
Recommended setup: Factory-matched forged replacement
Economy impact: None
Best for: Daily drivers, warranty-conscious owners
Appearance 5/10 | Comfort 10/10 | Install difficulty ★☆☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$ (OE replacement)
B – Comfortable Upgrade: 16x5.5J ET6
Recommended setup: Direct bolt-on, factory suspension
Economy impact: Minimal
Best for: Owners who want a mild upgrade with no compromise
Appearance 6/10 | Comfort 9/10 | Install difficulty ★☆☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$ - $$$
C – Balanced / Flush Fit: 16x6J ET0
Recommended setup: Flush forged wheels, stock or mild lowering
Economy impact: Slight increase
Best for: Enthusiasts wanting a flush look daily
Appearance 8/10 | Comfort 7/10 | Install difficulty ★★☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$$
D – Aggressive: 16x6.5J ET-6
Recommended setup: Wider forged wheels, coilovers or lowering springs
Economy impact: Noticeable increase
Best for: Show-and-drive builds
Appearance 9/10 | Comfort 5/10 | Install difficulty ★★★☆
Estimated cost range: $$$$
E – Max Aggressive: 16x7J ET-12
Recommended setup: Chassis: Military restoration. Wheels: Non-directional tread tires.
Economy impact: Significant increase
Best for: Show builds, weekend cars
Appearance 10/10 | Comfort 3/10 | Install difficulty ★★★★
Estimated cost range: $$$$$
Performance Comparison Matrix
| Wheel Spec | Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | Tier D | Tier E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Spec | 16x4.5J ET12 | 16x5.5J ET6 | 16x6J ET0 | 16x6.5J ET-6 | 16x7J ET-12 |
| Economy Impact | None | Minimal | Slight increase | Noticeable increase | Significant increase |
| Appearance | 5/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Comfort | 10/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| Install Difficulty | ★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★★★☆ | ★★★★ |
| Cost Range | $$ (OE replacement) | $$ - $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ |
| Best For | Daily drivers, warranty-conscious owners | Owners who want a mild upgrade with no compromise | Enthusiasts wanting a flush look daily | Show-and-drive builds | Show builds, weekend cars |
Real-World Reference Cases
The following builds are compiled from typical ANKUSI customer configurations for this platform and are illustrative, not individually verified real-world builds.
Case 1: Daily Driver (Factory-Style)
Profile: Commuter prioritizing comfort and reliability.
Setup: 16x4.5J ET12 forged wheels, factory suspension.
Cost: $$ (OE replacement)
Outcome: No clearance issues, factory ride quality retained.
Case 2: Balanced Enthusiast (Balanced / Flush Fit)
Profile: Weekend driver wanting a flush stance without sacrificing daily usability.
Setup: 16x6J ET0 forged wheels, mild lowering springs.
Cost: $$$
Outcome: Flush fitment with acceptable ride comfort for daily use.
Case 3: Show Build (Max Aggressive)
Profile: Show-and-shine build prioritizing stance over comfort.
Setup: 16x7J ET-12 forged wheels. Chassis: Military restoration. Wheels: Non-directional tread tires.
Cost: $$$$$
Outcome: Maximum aggressive stance; clearance verified case-by-case.
Decision Guide
Offset & Backspacing Reference
Backspacing is calculated as: wheel width (in) / 2 + offset (mm) / 25.4 + 0.5.
- OE 16x4.5J ET12: backspacing ≈ 3.22"
- Flush 16x6J ET0: backspacing ≈ 3.5"
- Max 16x7J ET-12: backspacing ≈ 3.53"
Use our offset & backspacing calculator to fine-tune your fitment, or contact ANKUSI for a custom forged wheel quote for your Jeep M-38.