Hello....just purchased my first Jeep ('11 JK). Looking to get some new wheels and tires. My initial thoughs on the wheels are the Mickey Thompson Sidebiters. I've been reading through the Newbie section, and have a question regarding the below...

As Per the Newbie Section:
Q: What back spacing will I need on my wheels in order to clear 12.50 wide tires?A: I would recommend that you do not exceed 4.75" of back spacing and even at that, you may still have some minor rubbing up front at a full turn. Also, I would recommend that you do not go any less than 3.75" as anything less would cause your tires to stick out very far past the fender flares. Any back spacing within this range should work out great.

Does that mean I can get 33"x12" tires with with a set of wheels that have no more than 4.75" backspacing, while keeping the stock suspension and no lift or boost? Will there be rubbing, or must I find a wheel with less back spacing in order to keep the stock suspension?

Thanks and will post pics of the stable over the weekend!

 

I believe you will be able to keep everything stock by getting wheels that have roughly 4.5" of backspacing, so 4.75 should work. The only thing you might need to do is trim your front air dam a little, or just remove it all together. If you remove it, or replace it, be aware of the hood flutter.

I have 33X11.5 with stock 18"wheels(6.25 BS) and wheel spacers (1.5"). So that works out to a wheel with 4.75" of back spacing. I have no rubbing issues what so ever, but I replaced my air dam.

 

Stupid question, but is the Airdam also the "skid plate" that sits underneath th front bumper?

 

Yes, that plastic thing under the front bumper is the air dam. It should never be called a skid plate because it offers zero protection. It does help with the air flow, and several claim to actually see a slight difference in miles per gallon. I haven't noticed a difference myself.

 

You might want to read the first question in the tire and wheel section:

Q: What is the biggest size tire I can fit on my stock Jeep JK Wrangler?
A: The largest tire size that the factory recommends is a 255/75R17 (which comes standard on Rubicon models) or a 32x10.50. However, there are many Jeep JK Wrangler owners who are currently running as big as 285/70R17 or 33x10.50's with little to no rubbing issues.


The one you posted is dealing more with making the width of the tire fit and this one deals more with the diameter of the tire. Of course, the two dimensions need to be considered together.

 

Great point. I glazed over the height and focused on the width.
If you are going to do 33's you may want to consider a small lift. I know I would not be able to get much articulation until my tire hit my fenders, so I have a small lift on order. I like my Sahara fenders, so I don't want to go a different route (ie flat fenders), but if you dont' want a lift you could try some flat fenders or do some trimming to your stock ones and see if that will work for you.

 

I read that as well, but I though that had more do do with someone using stock rims as well....thats why I was confused.

 

My JK would be used for road driving, maybe taking it on the beach a bit but nothing crazy. Also looking at the Bushwacker Flat Fenders. I'm thinking that could help my cause.