km2 question...
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Hanging Rock--Roanoke County--Virginia
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,750
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From: WV relocated 2 Dyess AFB, TX
Backspacing is not a factor in that size! Either one will be fine. I have a 5.75 inch back spacing and I think its the tightest one without having wheel spacers on this board. I couldnt find anyone with anything greater then 5 inches. So you are good to go 
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 286
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From: Madison, Wisconsin
16x8 with 5" backspacing clears all around with a 12.50 wide tire. The 4.5" backspacing pushes the tire out that extra 1/2" causing a clearance issue with the fender flares when flexing offroad. The 16" wheel vs the 17 for sidewall. On a 33 your more than fine When you go up to a 35 you get more sidewall and a little more flex on the road. But, nothing to be concerned with. If you were talking the difference in a 16" and an 18" than that would be a different story. I'd go with the 16's. The wheels are cheaper. The tires are cheaper. And every tire store is bound to have one if you get caught in a jam. Also most of the 16's are going to have a thicker sidewall than the 17's ... the thicker sidewall will help with the road ride. (and stronger for wheeling) Just another reason why I don't think there is a comparable ride difference in a 16 vs 17. The only good reason in my opinion for going 17 is to keep the stock wheel. I sold mine and made more than enough for new wheels and helped pay for the tires.
The 285 does have a 11" wide section width. I was just trying to tell you guys that the tread width is kinda narrow compared to other tires the same size. I don't know about you guys... but I like a wider foot print for the wheeling I do.
The 285 does have a 11" wide section width. I was just trying to tell you guys that the tread width is kinda narrow compared to other tires the same size. I don't know about you guys... but I like a wider foot print for the wheeling I do.
The 285 KM2's on a 17 by 9 rim have a section with of 11.7. My THEORY here is the slightly smaller width (11.7 vs 12 or so) PLUS a rim with a 4.75" backspacing and a 2" lift should NOT require an additional wheel spacers, thus maximizing your tire options and saving cash from wheel spacers. I also prefer a slightly more narrow foot print and these will be my year round tires and narrow is better in snow.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Roanoke, Va
exactly, and my plan is the RE 2 inch BB with the 285 70 r 17's and be done for a while. Its funny becasue i want the same rims the 8179's. I thought about the OME kit but it actualy yeilds 3 inches plus some times and you need tracbars, plus if your a 2 door like me you have to have lower control amrs and front sawy bar links . i jsut want exactly 2 inches. Thats all a rubi needs to run these tires. Ill let the lockers do the rest
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 286
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From: Madison, Wisconsin
exactly, and my plan is the RE 2 inch BB with the 285 70 r 17's and be done for a while. Its funny becasue i want the same rims the 8179's. I thought about the OME kit but it actualy yeilds 3 inches plus some times and you need tracbars, plus if your a 2 door like me you have to have lower control amrs and front sawy bar links . i jsut want exactly 2 inches. Thats all a rubi needs to run these tires. Ill let the lockers do the rest
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,267
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From: Thunder Bay, Ontario
I checked out the KM2, very kewl looking tire, but around here the bush workers and plow truck operators suggested the ProComp Xtreme M/Ts especially in the snow.
So I have the Xtreme M/Ts and I am very happy with them. I was gonna go with the 305/75R-16 and opted for the 315/75R 16 instead... There is no noticeable difference on the highway with the taller sidewall of the 16 on the highway..
So I have the Xtreme M/Ts and I am very happy with them. I was gonna go with the 305/75R-16 and opted for the 315/75R 16 instead... There is no noticeable difference on the highway with the taller sidewall of the 16 on the highway..
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland, TN
I've also been thinking about getting some KM2's. But after browsing through several threads looking at pics, I've started thinking about getting some Hankook Dynapros RT03's instead. Anyone have any thoughts about the Dynapros? Pros/cons? 
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 122
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From: Lovingston, VA
I went with the 8179's with 5 inches of back spacing on 16 X 10 wheels. Only differnce in what I have and what you are looking at is I went with 35's. Great tire!!! Have not found anything it couldn't handle. rocks, mud, snow, pavement or rain. I love mine.