AEV, Duratrac, Backspacing, and Parking Garages
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JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
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From: Springfield, VA
AEV, Duratrac, Backspacing, and Parking Garages
I don't own a jeep yet because I can't find a new Rubicon Unlimited in my area with auto/4.10/hardtop. I'll likely place an order if I can't find the right one this week. Still I want to order a lift, tires, and wheels so that I can install them the same day.
I have two questions:
- 2014 JKUR
- AEV 3.5 SC
- Duratrac 315/70/17
I have two questions:
- How tall will this truck be (unloaded, stock bumbers)? (Parking garage at work only has 6'8" of vertical clearance)
- When choosing between popular backspacing what is the tradeoff in steering feel? (I understand backspacing/fitment just not JK steering geometry)
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 1
From: Fort Wainwright, AK
With that setup you will need either aftermarket wheels with 4.5 inch backspace or 1.5 inch wheel spacers (with stock wheels) to clear the tires for steering. As far as height goes add about 4.5 to 5 inches to stock height.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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We typically have something similar to that in the shop, not today unfortunately.
Closest we have today is our shop Jeep Bruce Banner. It has a 2.5" AEV with 35" Nitto Trail Grapplers, a little shorter lift with a little taller tire. It is just under 6'4" at the highest point. We will be doing a 3.5" AEV on Thursday so I will grab some measurements
Closest we have today is our shop Jeep Bruce Banner. It has a 2.5" AEV with 35" Nitto Trail Grapplers, a little shorter lift with a little taller tire. It is just under 6'4" at the highest point. We will be doing a 3.5" AEV on Thursday so I will grab some measurements
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Florida
I have 4" Rancho Sport Lift on 2010 Unlimited Sahara with 315/70R17 Duratracs. Height without Yakima rails and tower receivers is 6' - 4 1/2". I have E-Autogrille bumpers and Q9500i winch. I keep waiting for the front to droop but after 3 months, it hasn't budged. 
You want as much backspacing as your rig allows. The closer to center over the ball joints you get your tire the better for both steering, stability and wear. That said, I went with M\T Classic III 17x9 with 4.5" back spacing. Works good for our size Duratracs. Just hang on tight to the wheel when off-roading. Tires that far out from the pivot points can jerk you around. More back spacing and you chance rubbing unless you limit turning radius.
You want as much backspacing as your rig allows. The closer to center over the ball joints you get your tire the better for both steering, stability and wear. That said, I went with M\T Classic III 17x9 with 4.5" back spacing. Works good for our size Duratracs. Just hang on tight to the wheel when off-roading. Tires that far out from the pivot points can jerk you around. More back spacing and you chance rubbing unless you limit turning radius.
Last edited by Sahara Lee; Oct 2, 2013 at 05:38 PM.
