Sign In Join 



Jeep Wrangler Tires and Wheels

198 messages,  Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 8:59 AM

You are in the Jeep Wrangler Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

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 21
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
...
21
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#14 of 198
Wheel Backspacing and Maximum Tire Width by tsjay
Nov 14, 2006 (5:00 pm)
Reply
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 198
Re: Wheel Backspacing and Maximum Tire Width [tsjay] by diegotexera
Jan 08, 2007 (6:05 pm)
Reply

Replying to: tsjay (Nov 14, 2006 5:00 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 198
Re: LT325/60R15 [eastcoastdiver] by diegotexera
Jan 08, 2007 (6:11 pm)
Reply

Replying to: eastcoastdiver (Nov 12, 2006 1:29 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 198
WiIl they fit? by shenandacks
Feb 15, 2007 (4:51 pm)
Reply
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 198
Re: WiIl they fit? [shenandacks] by mac24
Feb 15, 2007 (7:06 pm)
Reply

Replying to: shenandacks (Feb 15, 2007 4:51 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 198
Re: WiIl they fit? [mac24] by erickpl
Feb 16, 2007 (5:42 am)
Reply

Replying to: mac24 (Feb 15, 2007 7:06 pm)

I thought most 32's were 11.5? My 33's are 12.5.
 
-Paul
#20 of 198
Re: WiIl they fit? [erickpl] by mac24
Feb 16, 2007 (6:08 am)
Reply

Replying to: erickpl (Feb 16, 2007 5:42 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 198
Lift, Tires, and Rims by rowland08
Feb 27, 2007 (1:01 pm)
Reply
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.
#22 of 198
Re: Lift, Tires, and Rims [rowland08] by erickpl
Feb 28, 2007 (7:42 am)
Reply

Replying to: rowland08 (Feb 27, 2007 1:01 pm)

I have 33's on my TJ - 1997. They will fit on stock wheels. Most stock wheels from 1998 are 8" wide, but the pizza cutters on the SE's are 7". Which do you have? I have Canyons.
 
33x10.5's will fit just fine on stock wheels (mine are the 33x12.5" variety). You will need about 3" of total lift to make it happen, so your lift options are good (I like that you are avoiding bigger than 1" on BL).
 
I, along with mac24 and tsjay, run the OME suspension system, which gives ~2.5-3" of lift (I got 3.25), that with the 1" BL looks and rides great, both on and offroad. However, the OME is a bit pricier, but I firmly believe you get what you pay for. I've heard mixed reviews about Skyjacker. Rubicon Express or OME are the only ones I'd consider for a short arm suspension lift. Long arm is another story and a lot more C-Notes.
 
Here's my 97 with the lift, tires, and wheels.
 

 
The size is a great compromise for offroad ability and onroad comfort (and being fairly easy to still get in).
 
-Paul
#23 of 198
Overall height by rowland08
Feb 28, 2007 (5:12 pm)
Reply
That looks great. thanks for the tips. Thats how i want mine to look like. After i get the lift and tires, i want to add the front and rear bumpers and warn winch. However will yours fit into a garage or do you know the height clearance on your jeep. i need to have mine still fit into the garage so i need some measurements before i invest the money. thanks

Messages Page 3 of 21
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
...
21
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement