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Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee 1984-2004: Customizing Rims

Do you want to upgrade the rims on your Jeep Cherokee? Whether you are going for style or serious off-road utility, there are a ton of options available.

By Brett Foote - September 16, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee (1984-2004).

Modifying the wheels on your Jeep Cherokee is one of the quickest and easiest ways to add some serious visual appeal. Changing the appearance of your rims can give your Cherokee a look that will set it apart from the thousands of others on the road. There are a few ways you can accomplish this without spending thousands of dollars on a new set of rims, and potentially tires as well. But with so many options available, where do you start? This guide will give you all the info you need to know on rim upgrades.

Rim Upgrades

If you want to upgrade the look of your wheels, you can do so without breaking the bank. Three of the most popular options are purchasing and upgrading lug nuts, painting the wheels, or powder-coating the wheels. These options all have their pros and cons, but all three can give your Cherokee a look that makes it stand apart from the crowd.

Figure 1. Cherokee with black rims.

Lug Nuts

DIY Cost – $15-$50

Professional Cost – $80-$200

Skill Level – Easy; very simple to complete and requires no special tools.

Lug nuts are bolts that hold your wheels onto the wheel hub. Instead of going with a set of plain stock lug nuts, you have a ton of options available to upgrade the look of your wheels. You can purchase them chrome plated or finished in an array of colors that can either match or provide a contrasting look to your Cherokee's paint scheme. Lug nuts are an easy way to add a nice upgrade to your wheels without spending a lot of dough. Recommended for drivers who want a simple and least expensive modification.

Painting Wheels

DIY Cost – $10-$30

Professional Cost – $200+

Skill Level – Moderate; requires little skill, but a good bit of time to prep properly.

Painting your existing wheels is an inexpensive way to give an old or worn looking set of rims new life. In the old days, people used to just use regular spray paint, but now wheel paint is available in spray cans as well. If you decide to paint your wheels, plan on spending a little time prepping them to ensure a long lasting finish. Recommended for drivers who want an inexpensive way to modify their worn rims.

Powder-Coating

DIY Cost – $250

Professional Cost – $400

Skill Level – Difficult; requires special equipment and expertise.

Much like painting, powder-coating simply involves spraying a new color on. But powder-coating goes a little further by using a chemical process to apply color. First, it applies an abrasive treatment to the wheel, followed by an ion charge. Several coats of paint are then applied, resulting in a much tougher and more durable finish than simple paint. Powder-coating is more expensive and involved than paint, but doesn't chip or crack as easily and lasts much longer. Recommended for drivers who don't mind wasting a little more for more durable results.

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