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LT285/70R17, stock rims, no lift, no spacers?

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Old 01-22-2011, 04:10 PM
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Question LT285/70R17, stock rims, no lift, no spacers?

I've about killed the stock GY SRA 255's and its finally time for new rubber. I want to go to 33"s or 285's but I dont have money for spacers or a lift right now. Does anyone know if I can run a 285/70R17 on the stock alloys with no lift or backspacing? The bumper and front skid have been replaced already with a Smittybuilt so my concern is probably more the fenders. Not sure though. I plan on getting a 2"-2.5" lift, spacers and quick discos within a year of getting tires so if I do rub, I will have to get by. If it does rub, what is the first mod I should get, spacers or lift?

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Old 01-22-2011, 04:16 PM
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I ran 285/75/16's for a month or so on stock 16x7's with no problems, I opted for new wheels b/c 7" was a bit narrow for the tire and I got a great deal on the 7069's.
Old 01-22-2011, 04:35 PM
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You will have some rubbing on the front sway bar end links with 11.5" tires at full lock that can be fixed with a couple of washers on each of the steering stops.
Old 01-22-2011, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by cppower
You will have some rubbing on the front sway bar end links with 11.5" tires at full lock that can be fixed with a couple of washers on each of the steering stops.
Plus 1 on this...worse the more shoulder knobs the tires have. On my unlimited with 285/70/17 Duratracs I had to run 4 washers on each time before it stopped rubbing. For me, this wanst a workable solution as I had trouble pulling in and out of parking spaces with the limited turning radius.

I know the pain of a tight wallet. I recommend going to the spidertrax website and watch thier outlet tab. They occassionaly have blemished spacers...no functional issues but some discoloring or a scratch here or there - full warranty. You can get a set of four for about $160 shipped.
Old 01-22-2011, 05:14 PM
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I just put 285/70/17 BFG km2's on about a week ago and I get slight rubbing like others have mentioned at full lock. I did find 2 spacers here on the forum for $50 a few days ago so they should take care of the rubbing.
Old 01-22-2011, 05:25 PM
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You can get new wheel spacers for about $60 per pair. I got a set of 4 from Sierra for about $100.
Old 01-23-2011, 03:51 PM
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Thanks for the input guys. I think im gonna try and get some spacers before I get tires. Im thinking at least an 1" backspacing... think thats enough? Also im still torn, do I just get a leveling kit, budget boost, or save for a lift with springs and shocks? There is just so much I want to do but I want performance on a budget. I need to have money left for a winch and lights. Got big plans for her 5yrs from now when she is payed off, but for now its still my daily driver.
Old 04-28-2011, 05:47 PM
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Default Here's my 33s - No Lift & No Spacers

Guys, I'm struggling with the 'puter tonite with all the storms - so hope you see the pictures. Will try to get some better side-shots later & post them. They just went on today and only drove a mile or two to 'get the feel of 'em'.

When she goes off road, then I'll have a better idea of their handling as well as more shots & thoughts for you to see-n-read.
Attachment 154890

Attachment 154891

Last edited by KY HILTOPR; 04-28-2011 at 05:50 PM.
Old 04-28-2011, 06:03 PM
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If you have a plan for what you eventually want to run for lift and tires, then what you can do is pick up a set of Rubicon take-off tires and wheels from someone for significantly cheaper than a set of 285/70/17's will be. That way, you'll have new rubber while you get the savings up for what you eventually want, without having to buy it twice.
Old 04-28-2011, 06:15 PM
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Thank you, Merlin - couldn't have said it better.

Just in case one is interested, my new tires (above Merlin's post), are Duratracks 285.70R on 17x8 - and all of them replaced my Stock Rubi's. As of 4 hours ago, they' begin their new life by 'sitting in the garage & trying to get all dusty' ! .

They have 200 miles on them - so, they're Very New!


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