Hello everyone, first post here. Just received my 08 sahara unlimited and ready to start the mods. First question is with a 2.5 lift, will 33x12.50 tires with 18x9 wheels with 5" of backspacing rub? If so what is the best backspacing for running this setup? Our options are definately limited with the 5x5 bolt pattern. thanks

 

Some run the 33's with no lift. You may want a 4.5 backspace with a 12.5 wide tire.

 

I did just did mine with the TF 2.5" BB, wheels that have 5.33" of backspacing, and I put on 305/70/17's (34 x 12.5's) with no wheel spacers needed. At a full turn, I rubbed on the air dam a bit, so we trimmed off about 1/2" on each side, and no more rub. I would think that with even less backspacing (5"), you would be even better off. I haven't done any major to extreme articulation, but so far no rubbing anywhere.

 

I agree with IndianaJK, if you can get your hands on 4.5" of BS, I think you'll be much happier.

 

would a half inch really make that much difference? the wheels I'm thinking of ordering have 5" backspace and are 9" wide.

 

Surprisingly, yes, it can but if 5" is all that is available, I'm sure you could always add a washer or two to your steer stops if necessary.

 

For inboard side rub, the width of the rim makes no difference for a given backspacing, as the BS is what spaces the inboard side of the rim from the well side components, etc.

There is typically an enormous difference between street/fire road type articulation/turn related rub, and actual off road articulation/turn type rub...so if there is "some" rub on the road, there will be "more" rub off road.