The Baja was one of American Racing’s first aluminum truck wheels. It is a one-piece, 8-hole design.
BHPian ShivC recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
New Wheels : American Racing Baja for our beloved Jimmy.
The itch to add something new for the Jimny came back and stronger than before. This time it was the most difficult one to do – New Wheels (rims) for the Jimny.
Why new wheels ? : The currents wheels though good do not give the 4X4 look IMO and 215’s run better on 7J than on a 5.5J. The little Jimny needs a more rugged old school look.
The challenges :
- We Run BFG’s with 215/75 R15 – impossible to find options in 7J. The world really opens out in 8J. All the Black Rhinos’ Fuel, Method and others actually sell 15” in 8J onwards. The only exception being the 301 in Methods – that too limited in black – the machined one is not to spec.
- Complete lack of availability thanks to the GOI and the BIS certification mandate.
Was very optimistic in finding the right specs – Bolt pattern 5X139.7, Bore 108, Offset from +5 to -10 and finally width 7J. I was in for a terrible shock – this combination is the rarest of rare .
Narrowed it down to American racing AR62 (Satin Black only) and AR 172 – Satin Black and Polished (for some reason this is called the Baja in the international market but called the AR62 for the Indian market) and and Method 301 – Standard Matt Black only – in the options.
The 3 contenders – visual comparison:
There was a time when Wheels India made American Racing both for American Racing and sold them in the Indian Market, along with Fuel in some limited sizes. At that point in time saw the American Racing polished one – AR62 (AR172 in the AR Website) and did not quite jump at it it was with too much bling. Let is pass at that time – January 2024. In hindsight should have picked either the satin black or the polished one but Alloys were still being imported at that point in time so preferred to wait.
Fast forward to the current – looked far and wide and did not like a single option available in India. The market is today full of copies or Repo as they are called with zero certification thus a big safety hazard and a big NO for us. Suddenly the option of American Racing Baja wheels in Satin Black which gave a Bronco 100 look, looked like a dream come true. But where would one find one ??? The Indian market just did not have any left from the limited supply that was given.
Was trying to convince myself that the OEM wheels are great (which they are ) – made by Enkei for Maruti. But the itch was all powerful.
Looked at the option of Import despite the prohibitive costs but kept the decision on hold. Had we not chosen Method the choice was American Racing – which could have been made in India – manufactured in India for American Racing – and imported back to India at a minimum 2X cost.
After dozens of calls to Dealers who might have a set left over and with assistance being provided by some Dealer friends – who also drew a blank – located a set of 5 in a town not too distant from me.
The dealer must be thanking his luck stars that he finally had someone looking for wheels for the Jimny (which must have been lying in a corner buried under new stock) – I for one was certainly thanking mine. With my heart in my mouth I managed to ask him for a discount…which I got (wonders will never cease….) I immediately transferred the money and got the wheels delivered to me the next day morning (had paid the previous day evening) – the dealer must have sensed the urgency of the matter and also when the stars in the universe align everything happens at breakneck speed…so did this.
About American racing and Baja 172 :
American Racing : Founded in 1956 by drag racing forefather and innovator, Romeo Palamides, American Racing quickly became synonymous with performance by offering cutting edge, magnesium aftermarket wheels during America’s formative racing year. Over the years they have become one of the leading brands in the wheels space offering the vintage look that is fast becoming popular again. This is one brand that that has been offering quality-meets-affordability at world class standards.
AR172 – Baja wheels: The Baja was one of American Racing’s first aluminum truck wheels. It is a one-piece, 8-hole design. The Baja is available in two colors: Satin Black and Polished. Satin Black is a matte color, which doesn’t shine and is a “dull” black, while the Polished is a classic chrome. an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine durability and longevity with an aggressive appearance. The looks are subjective of course but the wheel has a classic timeless appearance. Its design is akin to what might have been an aftermarket choice on 4x4s (the “steelies” look) the in the 1990s. American Racing has been making the Baja in some guise for a few decades. The wheel is built out of cast aluminum. The build quality is truly world class and DOT certified. The center caps are included, sporting the beautifully retro American Racing logo adding to the aesthetic appeal. The AR172 Bajas are a standout choice visually.In fact the minute you take tem in your hands you know the build quality is exceptional.
The AR Baja ones we fitted on our Jimny weights 7.58 kilograms and has a load rating of 1,270 kilograms.
Actual Wheel Fitted:
Installation wheel balancing and alignment at Madhus:
\
Wheels on our Jimny – the look – back and side profile:
Side Profile:
Back Profile:
All in all very happy with the way the Jimmy now looks in the wheels department. Looks like a proper 4X4 (read Mini Bronco ) now and certainly feels it too.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
