Tire/Wheel/Lift Setup
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
Tire/Wheel/Lift Setup
For reference, I currently have a 2007 2-door JK with the stock 17" Rubicon wheels and 32" BFG MTs. I've always wanted 35" and am finally motivated to plunge for it since my 32" MTs are low on tread and advice from another thread suggested I just go for the 35s now. What I'm thinking of doing:
Tires: I want to ditch the MTs and go to ATs because I do a lot more daily driving now, and the offroading I do now is mostly desert/sand type stuff. I want 35" and love BFG so I am considering the BFG AT 315/70/17 (~35").
Wheels: I want to keep the stock Rubicon wheels for now; I like how they look. I know they're 17x7.5". I'd like to go up to 17x9" black wheels at some point down the road but looking to cut costs at this stage, and I know from some posts on this forum that some are running these wheels with 35/12.50/17 tires.
Lift: Obviously I need a lift to clear 35" tires. I'm considering the 2.5" TeraFlex budget boost with shock adapters. I know there are better lifts, but I'm looking for an economical lift that will allow me to ride 35" tires... keeping in mind my Jeep is mostly a DD now with "easy" offroading (compared to what I've seen on this forum lol).
So where the questions come in... is this a reasonable setup? What things should I be aware of or concerned with, that maybe I'm not aware of? Will I need to consider wheel spacers to accommodate using the stock Rubi wheels with such a lift/wheel? (etc)
I've done a lot of reading and research here and think I've made some reasonable choices given my circumstances... but I just want to get some thoughts and feedback from some of the great knowledgeable people here.
Suggestions and advice appreciated! I apologize if you get tired of these threads.
Tires: I want to ditch the MTs and go to ATs because I do a lot more daily driving now, and the offroading I do now is mostly desert/sand type stuff. I want 35" and love BFG so I am considering the BFG AT 315/70/17 (~35").
Wheels: I want to keep the stock Rubicon wheels for now; I like how they look. I know they're 17x7.5". I'd like to go up to 17x9" black wheels at some point down the road but looking to cut costs at this stage, and I know from some posts on this forum that some are running these wheels with 35/12.50/17 tires.
Lift: Obviously I need a lift to clear 35" tires. I'm considering the 2.5" TeraFlex budget boost with shock adapters. I know there are better lifts, but I'm looking for an economical lift that will allow me to ride 35" tires... keeping in mind my Jeep is mostly a DD now with "easy" offroading (compared to what I've seen on this forum lol).
So where the questions come in... is this a reasonable setup? What things should I be aware of or concerned with, that maybe I'm not aware of? Will I need to consider wheel spacers to accommodate using the stock Rubi wheels with such a lift/wheel? (etc)
I've done a lot of reading and research here and think I've made some reasonable choices given my circumstances... but I just want to get some thoughts and feedback from some of the great knowledgeable people here.
Suggestions and advice appreciated! I apologize if you get tired of these threads.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Stock wheels will work, but spacers are required.
I'd recommend the 2.5 Teraflex Coil lift. A little more flex than a budget boost will give you and it also levels out the Jeep. It seems to be the most popular JK lift for good reason.
Tires: The BFG KO's are a good tire, but don't limit yourself just to it. The Duratrac looks awesome, as does the Pro Comp Xtreme AT.
I'd recommend the 2.5 Teraflex Coil lift. A little more flex than a budget boost will give you and it also levels out the Jeep. It seems to be the most popular JK lift for good reason.
Tires: The BFG KO's are a good tire, but don't limit yourself just to it. The Duratrac looks awesome, as does the Pro Comp Xtreme AT.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
If you haven't done so already, browse through the FAQ's. (top of this modified area)
Yes, you will need wheel spacers to run those tires. You will be fine with the stock wheel width, as long as you find a shop that will mount them. (some will not mount on rims that are narrower than the tire mfg's recommended spec)
The TF 2.5 BB is very well reviewed and will fit your needs. Since budget is a main concern, do not go with coils. (coils generally give a lot more lift than is advertised, and with more lift comes more components.) Or do a 2" or leveling kit and chop your flares?
The BFG AT is a great tire. Been around forever and has proven itself. But, it is not one of the more economical choices out there. My suggestion would be to look around at other options before making that decision.
Last suggestion (even though you have already given your viewpoint on it) is that you look at dropping down to a 15 or 16 inch wheel/tire combo. You can generally find the 15" combo for less than the 17" tires alone, which would let you sell the stock rims or keep for backups.
Yes, you will need wheel spacers to run those tires. You will be fine with the stock wheel width, as long as you find a shop that will mount them. (some will not mount on rims that are narrower than the tire mfg's recommended spec)
The TF 2.5 BB is very well reviewed and will fit your needs. Since budget is a main concern, do not go with coils. (coils generally give a lot more lift than is advertised, and with more lift comes more components.) Or do a 2" or leveling kit and chop your flares?
The BFG AT is a great tire. Been around forever and has proven itself. But, it is not one of the more economical choices out there. My suggestion would be to look around at other options before making that decision.
Last suggestion (even though you have already given your viewpoint on it) is that you look at dropping down to a 15 or 16 inch wheel/tire combo. You can generally find the 15" combo for less than the 17" tires alone, which would let you sell the stock rims or keep for backups.