who is running 35's with out a lift?
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Fort Bragg, NC
Ran my 35" BFG All terrains on 15" pro comp steelies for a week until the 2.5" lift came in. As you can see in the picture my fenders were stuffed pretty bad...if I took a speed bump going anything faster than 1mph I would rub the fenders like crazy to the point of ripping them off. Couldn't even think of driving anything other than smooth pavement. I wouldn't recommend going lift-less to anyone without trimming your fenders or getting aftermarket flat ones. Heck, even with my lift I still rub when wheeling the big stuff. I say go 6" of lift just to be safe. 
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 107
From: missoula,mt
Even with flat fenders I think you are going to need at least a little lift with 35's if you venture off road. I have a 1.5" Rock Krawler lift with 35's and Bushwackers and even with 2" bumpstops I am at about the limit in the back and getting close in the front.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
35's and no lift, you will rub. Put passengers in the vehicle and the slightest of bumps, you'll rub. Off camber driveways, parking lots, etc., you'll rub. A buddy of mine tried the flat fender approach and he rubbed when off road. I installed my 35's and ran them for a week with no lift and rubbed every where I went, and that was just on road. I didn't even think of going off road.
As for needing a lift to clear? I say more than a leveling kit as the rear rubs just as quick and easy with nothing done. A BB lift will be just enough until you get some good articulation going. You could put larger bump stops in to try to prevent rubbing, but your stock suspension would be useless at that point. And, if you do a true lift, you don't need 6". You do 6" on a jk and you'll be doing a lot more than a lift. Start thinking drive shaft swaps, upper & lower CA's, possibly a long arm, etc. 3" is plenty. Many get away with 2.5".
As for needing a lift to clear? I say more than a leveling kit as the rear rubs just as quick and easy with nothing done. A BB lift will be just enough until you get some good articulation going. You could put larger bump stops in to try to prevent rubbing, but your stock suspension would be useless at that point. And, if you do a true lift, you don't need 6". You do 6" on a jk and you'll be doing a lot more than a lift. Start thinking drive shaft swaps, upper & lower CA's, possibly a long arm, etc. 3" is plenty. Many get away with 2.5".
