Given the huge fender wells on the JK and the ability to expand the clearance even further with a pair of flat tops I've been thinking about 35's without a lift for the specific purpose of keeping a low CG. Lifts give us clearance for larger tires and increased articulation at full compression. Going from the stock 32's to 35's is loss of 1.5 inches in the fender well. I guess the question is then if the stock articulation is acceptable and it will be for me, what mods do you need to make to get that 1.5 inches back. With flat tops and modified backspacing does this move the tires far enough outboard to clear the body under the flat top fenders. I think that the most severe condition will occur when the opposite shock is at full extension while this one is at full compression. This will drive the inside of the tire on the compressed side toward the body and the outside up into the flat top. The smaller the backspacing the better you make one condition the worse you make the other. Anyone have a clue what kind of clearances there are around the stock 32's at full compression?

No I'm not trying to figure this out to save a few bucks on a lift. I think the lower CG on and off road is worth the effort.

 

you need to take into account the tires are going to be wider, on wider, or spaced rims and the arc of suspension travel i think you need a lot more than 11/2 inches, when i moved from 35 1250 to 35 1350 i rub in like 6 spots.
thats the same rims!!! i was pretty suprised.good luck ill be interested to see your ideas completed

 

900 16 military NDT tires are not wider at all and are around 35 inches.

 

zeeksta, you're right, that's in line with the backspacing thing. The further out that wheel gets the more room it takes up in the fender well. Inside the taller it gets the closer it gets to the suspension components, body and frame.

 

Redneck, can you tell me more about those tires. I'm not familiar with them. Do you have a link or something to point me in the direction of learning more about them.

 

Redneck, scratch that request. I don't think those will cut it. I'm not looking to completely take out all aesthetic qualities or off road ability.

 

900 16s are way too stiff for a jeep in my opinion, they have a 63 mph speed limit rating too to my knowledge, they are designed to hold up a 6x6...i looked into a set of michelins xls for my diesel crewcab,