I'm planning on installing the $130 TF leveling kit and 285/75-17's on my 2dr rubi. I've read that a lot of people have rubbing issues with 33's with no lift. I've searched around a bit but I still have some questions.
1) Will 33's rub with 4.5 backspacing with the leveling kit (without spacers)? Will I need spacers?
2) Are spacers safe?
3) How will 33's affect gas mileage?

Thanks!

 

1. If you have wheels with 4.5" backspacing, then no - you do not need wheel spacers. If you're still just running the stock wheels, then yes, you would need them.
2. If you go with a reliable company that uses quality materials, such as Spidertrax, and remember to check the torque on them periodically - then yes, wheel spacers are as safe to run as a wheel with less backspacing.
3. The 33's will not be too bad on the mileage. You might drop 1 mpg at most, I'd guess. (depending on how heavy the tire is, and how your driving habits are)

 

I'm on stock rubi wheels right now but I've ordered Black Rocks with 4.5" backspacing. Thanks for the help!

 

Just got my Jeep and it will be a dd. Prob never will do any hard offroading. i was thinking bout going with a 20 inch wheel with i believe 4.85 backspacing. looking at some Nitto Trail Grapplers. Leaving the suspension stock until my warranty is up. Is this setup okay as far as rubbing issues? Dont want to use spacers. Alos looking at 18s also with Trail Grapplers. Please help!

 

From one new guy to another...

Last week I put 285/75/16s on my JK 2 door. Wheels have 4.5" bs. No lift.
I don't have any rubbing issues on the road, but did experience some this weekend when doing some light off roading.
I have a TF leveling kit that I plan to put back on this weekend. Should give me a little more space to move when offroad, but I'm not expecting miracles. (Plan to move up to Northridge's OME kit/package when funds become available.)

Prior to picking up these wheels, I researched a lot on the forums. Some claimed this size would rub (even on the road), some said otherwise.
I think some of it comes down to what factory suspension package you have.

Graceman,
You didn't mention what size tires? Thats kinda important.
If your concern is just your wheels, I can't imagine 20s not clearing the calipers.

 

I had some rubbing on the air dam/ skid plate jobby. I just cut the plastic along the line with a razor blade and no more rubbing. Just make sure to cut around the plastic rivet. See pic below.

 

I've got the 1.5" TeraFlex Performance Leveling Kit (springs) and 33" BFG ATs. I have MB72 wheels with 4.5" Backspacing. I rubbed on the skid plate mentioned above on reverse turning only so I removed it.
I have no issues on the road, but rub on my back fender flare at the 12:00 position (inside the flare) and 2:00 position when flexing. I am about 1.25" from the pinch seam (that thing scares me). I think I'm going to solve this with Bushwhacker Flatties and trimming the pinch seam (for peace of mind).
To answer your other questions: No spacers here and I get around 16.1 on the gas mileage.

 

I want to run 295/55r20 trail grapplers. Sorry bout that. Still new to posting

 

My Set up:

2010 JK Sport
1.5" TF Leveling kit (Spacers - 2" up front, 1" in the back)
285/70/17 D rating BFG AT KOs
Stock Moab Wheels
PSC Brawler Lite Front Bumper (Just so you know I don't have the air dam)

So far I've only noticed rubbing on my front sway bar at full turns in either direction, but more so when in a full turn to the right.

My MPGs went from an avg of 16 around town down to 12, but there is a lot of construction and traffic jams in my area ( not to mention my auto start on the cold days). On the Hwy I got 19 mpg, so far (short trip).

 

Coal-Cracker, I'm considering running this exact set-up(285/75r16's, rims with 4.5" BS, and TF leveling kit). I'm interested to see what your results are once you've installed the leveling kit. The TF leveling kit advertises that you can run up to a 34" tire so a 33" shouldn't be a problem.