Does anyone know if its necessary to put the 1.5" spider trax spacers on stock wheels in order to lift a JKU 4"? I was told its a must for clearance?

 

Just for the lift, no. If you plan on upgrading to larger tires with the lift then yes. 35's or larger and you will need the addtional backspacing to keep from rubbing.

Are you planning on larger tires w/ the lift?

 

yeah, I'd like to someday get 35's but in the mean time I'm just going to run the stock Rubicon tires on Mountain edition wheels (dark grey). Why do you ask?

 

the issue is really centered around the Wheels and your lower control arms. I am running AEV wheels. When I put Rock Krowler lower control arms on I rubbed (They are straight, with no bend like the OEM) Once I changed to TeraFlex lower arms the Rub was gone.

 

Probably because 4" is a LOT of lift for a JK. 35's can fit on a JK with a 2.5" lift, or even with no lift if you cut the stock fenders (or run flat fenders).

 

Also if you think you may need them and end up not using them there are always a bunch of guys that will buy them from you for just a few bucks less than you paid for them...cheep insurance if you think you might end up needing them.

 

What he said....

 

The spacers are needed to increase the backspacing on the wheels and push the tires out. You need this due to the taller and wider tires rubbing on suspension parts like the sway bar and not bescuse of the lift. Many pair a lift with bigger tires so that might be where the misunderstand about needing the spacers just for the lift.

You can run the stock tires and wheel without spacers and the 4" lift, but you are going to have some serious tire envy with all that space. Your stock tires are going to look tiny.

Hope this helps clear it up.

 

I really appreciate the feedback! I'm also not thrilled about the idea of "tiny" tires and it was one of my bigger fears really. I just don't have then funds on hand right now to buy the 35" tires unfortunately. I'll keep browsing on here for a good deal tho! If anyone needs 10 rims and tires.. haha.. i have the 5 stock MOAB rims (silver) with the standard tires on them and TPMS 17k, and 5 mountain edition rims (dark grey) with the rubicon tires, 11k, on them that I'd be glad to get rid of for some rims and 35's. OR i'd keep the mountain edition rims but sell the rubicon tires and stock rims and tires as well?

Again, thanks for all your guys help. I put the 1.5" spacers on, and really it doesn't look much different as of now