Hey I am looking at 285/70/17 or 285/75/17 for my next set of tires. I am leaning more towards 285/70/17 because I read anything bigger than 33 you need to re gear. I have a 2009 JKU with 2.5in lift on stock tires. My question is can you run these tires without spacers? I have been told by a few mechanics that spacers just add more stress on the axles, so I want to avoid them as much as possible. If there is any rubbing what kind of rubbing occur? and is the rubbing a big deal?

 

I am running Nitto Terra Grapplers 285/75/17 on stock Rubi wheels and a RK 2.5" lift. I have rubbed only a few times under full turn without running spacers so for now I'm going without them. If it gets worse or I see it causing tire wear I'll definitely invest in spacers or new wheels.

 

Yep! Nitto Trail Grapplers 285/70/17 gonna rub the inside of your tire on the swaybar. From what I understand spacers will put no more stress than rims with the same backspacing on your axles.

if you can read this, my Jeep is broken....

 

I run 285/70R17 Duratracs on stock Rubi rims. I put 2 washers on the passenger and drivers side steering stops and have no rubbing at all.

 

Bigger heavier, wider tires and moving the tires outward does put more stress on the axles. Things like ball joints and unit bearing will wear faster and the inner C and rear axle flanges are at risk of bending easier. However I would not be concerned running a 33" tire with adapter.
Gearing is a preference. Some don't care about poor performance and the extra stress on the entire powertrain and some want the jeep to perform like it should. If you have a pre 12 with an auto you are already under geared from the factory and larger tires make it that much worse.
Going to a 33" is not that much different then Sahara or Rubi wheels that come in at 32", the difference to look at is the width of the new tire. If you can keep them skinny like the factory you can run them without any adapters.

 

You can, and I did for a little while but it wasn't long before I got spacers. Rub at full lock.

 

Do the washer take away from your turn radius significantly? Is there anywhere on this forum to show how to install the washers.

 

How many miles do you have on your tires? do you see any tear or rub marks on your vehicle?

 

Go up to JK Writeups. Stuck to the top is an Index. Scroll down to the Wheels & Tires area.

 

I haven't noticed the change in turning radius. It's pretty insignificant. Putting the washers on the steering stops is a very quick easy mod. Takes literally 5 minutes. Each wheel has a bolt that contacts a point on the steering knuckles. Turn your wheels to full lock and you'll identify them. Remove this bolt, insert 2 small washers and reinstall the bolt. It will appear that the bolt is welded in place. This is not the case. There is a "stop" nut welded on the bolt.