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Anyone running 35" terra grapplers on 18" sahara rims?

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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 12:26 PM
  #1  
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Default Anyone running 35" terra grapplers on 18" sahara rims?

I'm thinking of running 35" terra grapplers on my stock 18" Sahara rims after i get my 2.5 BB on but i can't find the right size online to fit them. Anyone running that set up now?

Info and pics would be awesome! Thanks.

Last edited by Mreroe; Oct 26, 2010 at 12:28 PM.
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 01:18 PM
  #2  
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325/65R18's technically 35x13.00R18. They recommend at least a 9" wide rim. Will have to get wheel spacers with these babies!

295/70R18 technically a 34.5x11.8R18 tire. They recommend at least a 7.5wide rim which would work better for the stock rims. You maybe able to run without spacers.
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 02:05 PM
  #3  
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I tried to do this for a while when planning my lift. I actually really liked the look of the factory sahara rims. I was working with Discount Tire and they actually got a set of the terra grapplers into their store and allowed me to do a test fit. My Observations were as follows:

  1. Interference between tire and air dam. Not major but worth mentioning.
  2. Interference between tire and front sway bar. Major problem.

There are basically two solutions to the problem.

  1. Add spacers. At $100/pair (min), if you plan on doing the spare, you'll need 5 but will have to buy 6. That will run you $300 new. They will need to be 1.5" minimum to clear the front sway bar. The problem with this solution is that the spacers are considered a bad solution to many. Supposedly they have to be checked regularly (approx 1k miles) to ensure they have not loosened. Although they are cheaper than an set of 5 rims, the price of the 18" tires will overcome that difference, especially if you are considering having your rig long enough to replace them with another set years down the road.
  2. Change the rims. The new rims will need at least 4.5" backspacing to clear the front sway bar. There are numerous rims out there that meet this criteria and some look really sweet. You can replace your 18" sahara rims with 18" aftermarket, but the rims and the tires will cost you more. I went with 17" myself and paid less for the tires. I bought my wheels and tires at Discount Tire because their quality, service, and warranty are top notch. My only regret was not paying a bit more for the 4.5" back spacing (mine have 4.25" and they still rub slightly at the limits of the turning radius). My rig is also a DD so I changed my choice from Nitto Terra Grapplers to BFG All-Terrain T/A KO's in 315/70R17 (34.4" x 12.4). The wheels are MB Racing Chaos in 17x8.5. i felt This combination would give me the best combination for road/highway/off-road use.
Like I said, I tried and tried to get some 35's on my sahara rims, but I didn't want to mess with the spacers though. So, I coughed up the dough for the rims. It seemed like the best alternative for long-term maintenance and cost. Overall I am very, very happy with my setup. Once I adjust the steering gearbox stops I'll eliminate the mild rubbing of the tire against the front sway bar.

Hope this helps, bro. Here's an image of mine pre-and-post-lift, tires and wheels. Good luck in your choice. Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

Click image for larger version

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ID:	98319Click image for larger version

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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 02:15 PM
  #4  
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Originally Posted by TripleJeep_99
325/65R18's technically 35x13.00R18. They recommend at least a 9" wide rim. Will have to get wheel spacers with these babies!

295/70R18 technically a 34.5x11.8R18 tire. They recommend at least a 7.5wide rim which would work better for the stock rims. You maybe able to run without spacers.
Yea I think the 34.5 will be exactly what want. They just couldn't find a compatible size at the shop I checked with. Thanks for the info.
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 02:21 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by Hook-Em
I tried to do this for a while when planning my lift. I actually really liked the look of the factory sahara rims. I was working with Discount Tire and they actually got a set of the terra grapplers into their store and allowed me to do a test fit. My Observations were as follows:

  1. Interference between tire and air dam. Not major but worth mentioning.
  2. Interference between tire and front sway bar. Major problem.

There are basically two solutions to the problem.

  1. Add spacers. At $100/pair (min), if you plan on doing the spare, you'll need 5 but will have to buy 6. That will run you $300 new. They will need to be 1.5" minimum to clear the front sway bar. The problem with this solution is that the spacers are considered a bad solution to many. Supposedly they have to be checked regularly (approx 1k miles) to ensure they have not loosened. Although they are cheaper than an set of 5 rims, the price of the 18" tires will overcome that difference, especially if you are considering having your rig long enough to replace them with another set years down the road.
  2. Change the rims. The new rims will need at least 4.5" backspacing to clear the front sway bar. There are numerous rims out there that meet this criteria and some look really sweet. You can replace your 18" sahara rims with 18" aftermarket, but the rims and the tires will cost you more. I went with 17" myself and paid less for the tires. I bought my wheels and tires at Discount Tire because their quality, service, and warranty are top notch. My only regret was not paying a bit more for the 4.5" back spacing (mine have 4.25" and they still rub slightly at the limits of the turning radius). My rig is also a DD so I changed my choice from Nitto Terra Grapplers to BFG All-Terrain T/A KO's in 315/70R17 (34.4" x 12.4). The wheels are MB Racing Chaos in 17x8.5. i felt This combination would give me the best combination for road/highway/off-road use.
Like I said, I tried and tried to get some 35's on my sahara rims, but I didn't want to mess with the spacers though. So, I coughed up the dough for the rims. It seemed like the best alternative for long-term maintenance and cost. Overall I am very, very happy with my setup. Once I adjust the steering gearbox stops I'll eliminate the mild rubbing of the tire against the front sway bar.

Hope this helps, bro. Here's an image of mine pre-and-post-lift, tires and wheels. Good luck in your choice. Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

Attachment 98319Attachment 98318
I think i am going with the spacers for now because i really like the look of the stock wheels. Is that with the 4" lift or the 2.5"? But that's the exact stance I'm looking for. Nice looking rig.
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Old Oct 26, 2010 | 02:38 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by Mreroe
I think i am going with the spacers for now because i really like the look of the stock wheels. Is that with the 4" lift or the 2.5"? But that's the exact stance I'm looking for. Nice looking rig.
Thanks for the props. Mine has a Rancho 4" Sport Lift. I haven't wheeled it yet but it is absolutely phenomenal on the road. I was worried it would be too much, but it is perfect!

Just keep an eye on those spacers and post up some pics when your done. Those terra grapplers are gonna look sweet on your rig. If I didn't have to drive so far everyday, those would be on my rig too.
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Old Jul 6, 2011 | 08:30 AM
  #7  
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I know this is an old thread.. but wondering if you wound up going with the TG's on your stock 18's? I'm facing the same dilemma. I want to save money by keeping the stock rims.. but I don't want to touch spacers.

Would enjoy seeing some pics if you have any.
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