Next weekend the fam and I are heading out to the OBX for a weeks vacation. Finally was able to talk the wifey into taking the jeep (bout 8-9 hrs dr). I am currently running a tereflex 3” lift and 35” km2 tires. I am going to be loading down the back of the jeep and might even have to put on hitch hauler/bumper buddy. I was wondering what the concensus on the rear tires rubbing on the rubicon rails. I haven’t modified the rails or the pinch seam. I just recently had back surgery and am not allowed to lift anything heavy so if i can avoid taking off the rails and trimming them that would be great. When i stick a ruler up against the tire i have exactly 1” of room....is that enough or will the tire rub when all weighed down?

 

It will be close!!! I understand about the bad back thing,, (me too) but if you have time or can bribe one of you're handy buddies into helping you might just want to trim them....
It's easy to do, you really don't have to lift much, and if you are careful, you wont have to remove the rails!!....
Take the end cap out, and with a saws all, trim about an inch off the tubes and even up the pinch weld and replace the end cap... touch up the paint with a spray bomb and done!!!
But at the worst, if you don't want to do it,,, you'll just end up rubbing on the end caps and have to put up with the noise of it rubbing.... sounds like hell, but really won't hurt much (for a while)...But on a week long outing??? If it were me, I would bribe a buddy to come over and just do it......
Good luck and have fun at OBX!!!!!

 

If only I thought I had the skill/steady hand to cut the rails while on the jeep. Just my luck--right into the tire--the fender--and the body of the jeep......that's the kinda luck I have. Then my wife would get her wish and we wouldn't be takin the jeep on vacation..........I refuse to let her win this one !!!

 

As mentioned, as the suspension compresses it also moves back. We take my rubicon on distance trips loaded with gear inside, hitch trailer, and sometimes the LoD trail rack all loaded. You will be fine.

 

I cut mine with a sawzall and I removed the bolts on each side and trimmed the pinch seam. It took about 45 minutes total from start to finish.

Here are some pictures with my 37" Nitto Mud Grapplers.

Chido

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink



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X2. I'm running a similar setup. No problems. As the suspension compresses you get more clearance. BTW, Armor All on your mudders is a Jeep Foul.

 

I Know...I know...I know. The jeep got a "surprise" detailing while I was at work.


Thanks for info though guys--gonna roll with it the way it is this trip!

 

I hacked mine with the tire shop guys sawzall when he mounted my 37's. Took about 2mins per side.