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Jeep Wrangler Tires and Wheels

226 messages,  Last post on Sep 19, 2011 at 1:38 PM

You are in the Jeep Wrangler Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Jeep Scrambler, Jeep CJ-5, Jeep CJ-7, Tires, Wheels, SUV

Messages Page 3 of 24

#12 of 226 Highway tires for a Wrangler by oldgoat2

Nov 23, 2006 (5:39 pm)

I have a question that is a different twist on tires. I am not interested in off-road capabilities. My daughter has a 2005 Wrangler, and she wanted it for looks - - not off road abilities. Yes, impractical, but daughters have a way of convincing Dad of things. So, it came with 215/75R15 Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires that are pure garbage. They have been prone to hydro-planing since day one, and are now showing serious tread loss after just 11,000 miles. Probably good that they are worn-out, because they need to be replaced, My question, what is a good quality tire to get as a replacement? I am in Houston, so now neither mud nor snow matter. I want a good wet traction tire that also wears well, quiet, and looks 1/2 way appropriate on a Jeep - - maybe go slightly wider than what I have now. Ideas? Tiretrack general top rated tires does not seem to recommend for Jeep. General Grabber UHP, Kumho Road Venture HT, Yokohama Geolander H/T-S GO51???

#13 of 226 Re: Highway tires for a Wrangler [oldgoat2] by mac24

Nov 23, 2006 (6:15 pm)

Replying to: oldgoat2 (Nov 23, 2006 5:39 pm)
Hi, I've replied to you over here in the Jeep Wrangler forum.

#14 of 226 Wheel Backspacing and Maximum Tire Width by tsjay

Nov 14, 2006 (6:00 pm)

Jeepers often want to go to larger tires as they make modifications to their rigs, either for looks, or for enhanced off road capability.
 
Fender well clearance is usually the limiting factor in tire diameter for a Wrangler, and this can be addressed by either adding a body lift, a suspension lift, or both. A body lift raises the body off the frame, thus increasing the size of the wheel opening. A suspension lift raises the frame (and the body along with it, of course) above the axles, making larger wheel openings for the bigger tires. It is not recommended that a body lift of more than one inch be installed on your Jeep.
 
Often, going to larger diameter tires means going to wider tires as well. In some cases, people just want a wider tire, even if they are not going to larger diameter tires. In either case, it is commonly asked. "What is the widest tire that I can put on my Jeep?"
 
This is where wheel backspacing comes into play. For tires of equal width, the backspacing of the wheels being used determines how close to the frame the tire will run. The higher the backspacing, the more the tires are "pulled in" toward the frame, and the lower the backspacing, the further to the outside, away from the frame, the tires will run. The use of tires too wide for the amount of backspacing of the wheels will cause rubbing of the inside sidewalls of the tires on the spring perches in the rear and on the comtrol arms in the front.
 
Most factory wheels that are used on Wranglers have 5.5" of backspacing, which is quite a bit. This much backspacing limits the tires to a maximum width of 10.50" Sometimes, even with 10.50" wide tires, the steering stops must have washers installed on them to prevent tire rub at full turn. That is a very simple thing to do and should not stop a person from going with the 10.50" tires.
 
Backspacing of around 4.0" is good for most tire widths that are commonly used on Jeeps with lifts and larger diameter tires.
 
Take a look at the diagram below. This should clear up the concept of backspacing for you.
 
Please, come to the discussion "Jeep Wrangler," which is the general discussion thread for Jeep Wrangler owners. We have a great time in there talking about our Jeeps and the fun we have with them. We always give new folks a warm welcome. There are over 22,000 posts in there, so SOMEBODY must like it.
  
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
 

#15 of 226 Re: Wheel Backspacing and Maximum Tire Width [tsjay] by diegotexera

Jan 08, 2007 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: tsjay (Nov 14, 2006 6:00 pm)
Thanks for your help Tom! Still not sure about how much backspacing I actually have on the wheels...American Racing lists their offsets in mm so the corresponding width in inches for -38mm = 1.49" which also doesn't make sense, as they do seem to stick out a bit further than that...and I'm not that car dumb. I'll have to investigate this further by removing the 5th one and measuring. But either way, thanks for your help...and I'll begin looking at the other forum you recommend.
 
Thanks,
 
Diego
...wave...

#16 of 226 Re: LT325/60R15 [eastcoastdiver] by diegotexera

Jan 08, 2007 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: eastcoastdiver (Nov 12, 2006 2:29 pm)
hey bud...if you find 325/60-15 tires please let me know. I currently have the bald versions on my 98 sahara and I'm looking to replace them...checked with BFG...DISCONTINUED. Now they only make the Mud TA in that size...and I don't want the Mud TA...
 
QUESTION FOLKS: HOW DOES THE MUD TA COMPARE TO THE ALL TERRAIN IN NOISE, STREET TRACTION AND WET TRACTION?
 
THANKS ALL,
 
Diego
...life is good

#17 of 226 WiIl they fit? by shenandacks

Feb 15, 2007 (5:51 pm)

Sorry if this is a repeat question, I'm new here. I am wondering if I can fit the 32" Goodrich all-terrain tire on my '99 Sahara. My local tire store claims sure no problem but I am questioning their know-how. Please help

#18 of 226 Re: WiIl they fit? [shenandacks] by mac24

Feb 15, 2007 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: shenandacks (Feb 15, 2007 5:51 pm)
What width? Usually 32s are 12.5" (32x12.5x15) in which case you will have a problem. 31x10.5x15 is pretty much the largest that will comfortably fit while still giving full axle movement, though you may (every Jeep is different) have to fit a couple of washers under the steering stops to stop rubbing at full lock.

#19 of 226 Re: WiIl they fit? [mac24] by erickpl

Feb 16, 2007 (6:42 am)

Replying to: mac24 (Feb 15, 2007 8:06 pm)
I thought most 32's were 11.5? My 33's are 12.5.
 
-Paul

#20 of 226 Re: WiIl they fit? [erickpl] by mac24

Feb 16, 2007 (7:08 am)

Replying to: erickpl (Feb 16, 2007 6:42 am)
Yes, you're right (finger trouble!) but the answer is the same. 10.5" really is the limit without changing rims or using spacers.
 
Personally, I prefer a narrower tire generally, and if I was going to a 33" I'd consider a 9.50 or 10.50........... but that's just me.

#21 of 226 Lift, Tires, and Rims by rowland08

Feb 27, 2007 (2:01 pm)

I have a stock 1998 Jeep Wrangler with stock rims and tires. I want to put 33" BF Goodwrench All terrain or Mud on the jeep. My questions are: will they fit on stock rims? What type of lift will i need? and will it still fit into a garage?
 
I was thinking of going with 33x10.5 with 3inch lift. (do i need new rims??)) Either 3inch suspension or Skyjacker 2" Spacer Lift with 1inch body lift.

Messages Page 3 of 24

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