I've about killed the stock GY SRA 255's and its finally time for new rubber. I want to go to 33"s or 285's but I dont have money for spacers or a lift right now. Does anyone know if I can run a 285/70R17 on the stock alloys with no lift or backspacing? The bumper and front skid have been replaced already with a Smittybuilt so my concern is probably more the fenders. Not sure though. I plan on getting a 2"-2.5" lift, spacers and quick discos within a year of getting tires so if I do rub, I will have to get by. If it does rub, what is the first mod I should get, spacers or lift?

Cheers

 

I ran 285/75/16's for a month or so on stock 16x7's with no problems, I opted for new wheels b/c 7" was a bit narrow for the tire and I got a great deal on the 7069's.

 

You will have some rubbing on the front sway bar end links with 11.5" tires at full lock that can be fixed with a couple of washers on each of the steering stops.

 

Plus 1 on this...worse the more shoulder knobs the tires have. On my unlimited with 285/70/17 Duratracs I had to run 4 washers on each time before it stopped rubbing. For me, this wanst a workable solution as I had trouble pulling in and out of parking spaces with the limited turning radius.

I know the pain of a tight wallet. I recommend going to the spidertrax website and watch thier outlet tab. They occassionaly have blemished spacers...no functional issues but some discoloring or a scratch here or there - full warranty. You can get a set of four for about $160 shipped.

 

I just put 285/70/17 BFG km2's on about a week ago and I get slight rubbing like others have mentioned at full lock. I did find 2 spacers here on the forum for $50 a few days ago so they should take care of the rubbing.

 

You can get new wheel spacers for about $60 per pair. I got a set of 4 from Sierra for about $100.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think im gonna try and get some spacers before I get tires. Im thinking at least an 1" backspacing... think thats enough? Also im still torn, do I just get a leveling kit, budget boost, or save for a lift with springs and shocks? There is just so much I want to do but I want performance on a budget. I need to have money left for a winch and lights. Got big plans for her 5yrs from now when she is payed off, but for now its still my daily driver.

 

Guys, I'm struggling with the 'puter tonite with all the storms - so hope you see the pictures. Will try to get some better side-shots later & post them. They just went on today and only drove a mile or two to 'get the feel of 'em'.

When she goes off road, then I'll have a better idea of their handling as well as more shots & thoughts for you to see-n-read.
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If you have a plan for what you eventually want to run for lift and tires, then what you can do is pick up a set of Rubicon take-off tires and wheels from someone for significantly cheaper than a set of 285/70/17's will be. That way, you'll have new rubber while you get the savings up for what you eventually want, without having to buy it twice.

 

Thank you, Merlin - couldn't have said it better.

Just in case one is interested, my new tires (above Merlin's post), are Duratracks 285.70R on 17x8 - and all of them replaced my Stock Rubi's. As of 4 hours ago, they' begin their new life by 'sitting in the garage & trying to get all dusty' ! .

They have 200 miles on them - so, they're Very New!