I have finally narrowed my tire size to either a 33x12.5R17 or a 305/70R17....

I was going to buy some Black Rock Viper 900 series tires in black. The tires have a 4.5" backspacing and are 8" wide. Do I need a wider wheel for the wider tires? What would be any negative side effects of staying with the 8" rim?

Or... should I go with a 9" wheel like the DC Torque?

 

I currently run a Maxxis Bighorn 305/70R17 and the manufacturer " suggests" a 9" rim.

I previously ran 33x12.5 and 37x12.5 tires on an 8" rim with my YJ and had zero issues.

The only negative I can come up with would be if you had a warranty claim and they found out you weren't running the proper rim width.

 

How tall are your tires, on the jeep? (I am looking for tires that are actually 32-33" when mounted...

 

With 28,000 miles on the tires and around 28psi In them (44lbs suggested), they measure 32.75 inches.

 

Im running 305/70/R17 KM2's on a 2.5 lift. They measure 33.5 form the ground to the top of the tire w 32psi on a 9in. rim w 4.5 BS. BFG's website shows the diameter at 33.9. Here's a couple of pics.

 

Another "true" 33in tire is the Nitto Trail Grappler in 295/70/R17. I was dead set on these until BFG offered the 305 tire size on the KM2. They're a great looking tire.

 

They will be fine on a 8" wheel. I run 35x12.50's on a 7.5" wheel with no problem. The main thing you need to do is be sure you run the correct air pressure to get a flat contact patch with the road so they will wear evenly

 

Thanks for the pics and information, looks great!!

 

Thanks for the measurement Sahara!!

 

I ordered the Black Rock Viper 900 series wheels in black today...