I was almost certain that something like this thread had been covered before but I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I apologize if this has been covered and you can post links to other threads that may help if you'd like.

So, the question is, for a Stock suspension (ride height) 08 Wrangler Unlimited X what is the largest tire size that can be fit? As I understand, our wheel wells are fairly large and accommodating, but its really the tire width that is a problem.

Then there is talk of backspacing, which I assume means adding a wheel spacer to the hub at the expense of putting more stress on wheel studs. I prefer not to have to add backspacing, so the question is can something like a 32" or even a more narrow 33" fit on stock suspension. If the answer is no, you need backspacing, are there options for 16" black steelies that are pretty cheap and have the right offset so that it already compensates for the backspacing?

Thank you for your help and responses and happy off-roading

 

33's with some back space are the largest without other mods.

For example, I run 33's with wheels that have 4.5 inches backspace.

Some folks still have some rubbing at full stuff with 33's but I don't seem to. Though I also have an X and no disconnects.

If you are willing to trim fenders and some pinch seem areas, I understand you might fit 35's.

lastly - keep in mind that true size is part of teh spec -not just the stated size. You could find 3 different tires with the same sidewall size but with perhaps a 1/2 inch in actual difference in diameter.

 

Ok this is what i can tell you. you can put 32" tire on a stock jk (if you went with 17" wheels from the factory then the tires are pretty much 32" anyways).If you have 16" wheels from the factory then you will want to upgrade the stock shocks if you go to 32" tires.The stock shocks for 16" stock wheel Jeeps are weak compared to the optional 17" stock wheels and tire shocks.Which you could probable find the better stock shocks for someone on the forum. Now backspacing is the distance from the edge of the rim to the mounting surface of the rim which touches your rotor when you mount them.your offset decides your backspacing.
if you go with wider tires lets say 12.5 you would want to go with between 4.25 and 4.72" of backspacing.you can finds charts on what offset will be what backspacing,and if you question the math of these just remember a rim is an inch wider than what the advertised size is. a 17X8" would actully be 9" wide there for a 17X8 rim with 0 offset has a backspacing of 4.5 inches.

I'm pretty sure with 4.5 backspacing you could put a 33x12.5 tire on a stock jeep. not sure but i don't see why you couldn't go with 33x10 tire on stock backspacing.
but if i am wrong on this someone please correct me.


also check here good info for what you are looking for https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...74&postcount=3

 

Think about it for a moment though. If you're running factory spec'd wheels (6.25" BS) with 1.5" spacer, you really aren't introducing any more stress to the lugs than if you were running wheels with 4.75" BS. You've got an extra 5 lugs per wheel so there is some added potential for failure, but it won't be from stress to the original lugs.

I would agree that moving the tire out with different wheel backspacing is better, but don't see any reason why spacers couldn't be as safe (granted you are introducing another variable to the equation). The spacer is plenty strong enough if installed properly.

I'd be more worried with wheels that weren't of decent quality. I keep hearing comments about wheels with casting cracks or voids.

 

When I had mentioned spacers I was talking about the simple slip on type, not the hub type that has its own studs. If you use just a slip on spacer you are moving the force exerted on the studs further out and as we know, just like a lever, that increases the torque applied upon it when you go over unjulations in the road... plus you have less stud to thread your lugs onto. I agree with you if you are talking about the hub type spacers with their own studs but they are very expensive, and I would rather try and find a cheap set of steel wheels with the right off-set and back spacing for the money then get some spacers particularly because it allows me the ability to cost effectively switch between my off-road and steet tires at will, and I plan on doing light off-roading on the stock suspension. So far my plans don't really include anything that should crack a steel wheel... or at least I'd hope I don't doing anything wild enough to crack a wheel.

 

I've found a wheel that is 16x8, 5x5" bolt pattern, has 5" backspacing with a 12mm offset. Do you think a 33x10" tire would fit on that without rubbing or would I need to go with a 32x10 or something even narrower like 32x9 because the wheel is 8" not 9"?

Also, I have 17" wheels from the factory if that means anything regarding my factory shocks adequacy.

 

I definitely wouldn't use just a slip-on spacer. Less threads into the lug nut would be nuts.

I'd be more inclined to trust a steel wheel. I was referring to some of the really inexpensive aluminum wheels out there.

I'm considering the mopar 17x7.5 steel wheel & spidertrax spacers for 35s I like the look of the wheels on the J8 Sarge. Too bad they're 5x5.5" bolt pattern. You can get those from online jeep dealer for about $80ea delivered.

I believe most of the problems with larger diameter wheels is that they start getting wider as well.

If you're looking to run 33x10.5 on the 16x8 with 5" BS, you should be fine.

 

Sweet, thanks for all your help

 

Yeah, I'll have to agree to not use slip on spacers. Less thread equals lug nut failure.