msujedi
Well-Known Member
The main thing you need to do is remove the plastic pieces that bridge the gap between your front bumper and fender flares. 33s & 35s will rub those when you turn. There are 6 or so screws per piece ... pretty easy to see and remove. Although I seem to recall that there was an extra one on the passenger side was a little bit tricky to spot.But I am guessing to run 35’s you need more than the Rubi fenders, right? I would need a lift as well?
i am eventually gonna do the lift (maybe 3-4 months from now) but I hate how the jeep tires look stock so wanna do something about it now. Lol
I agree & disagree with @scrape . Taller tires pushed out wider than your fender flares are likely to rub the outer edge of your fender flares at full articulation. But, taller tires tucked under are likely to rub at full turn. Both should be avoided.
@TroyBoy posted the stock Rubicon wheel specs.
The outer width of the wheel is 8 3/4" (7.5" inner).
The backspace is 6 1/8" (measured with a laser tool too)
6 1/8" - (8 3/4" / 2) = 1 3/4" or 44.45mm offset
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...and-backspace-of-stock-jl-rubicon-wheel.3992/
When I bought my wheels, I used the Mopar beadlock specs as a rule of thumb. It has about 1.7" less back spacing to reduce the chance of internal rub. As long as the tire you buy isn't super wide, it probably won't rub the outer edge of the fender flare during articulation either.
The Mopar beadlock wheel has ... Backspacing of 4.4" and (+12mm offset).
https://moparonlineparts.com/jeep-wrangler-wheel-beadlock-capable-p-8191.html
Since the Mopar wheel has about 1.7" less backspacing than stock, I would think you could get away with keeping stock wheels with a 1.5" spacer. That would position the stock wheels like the Mopar wheels are positioned.
While +44mm to -18mm seems like a huge difference, it is only about 2.4 inches farther out which isn't too crazy. Every 24mm is about 1". Some people like the tire to be a little wider than the fender flares.
The cons are ...
Even if your tires are just a little wider than your fender flares, they will throw a lot more road crap up on the side of your Jeep ... mud flaps can help.
Tires wider than fender flares are illegal in some states. Things to consider.
This chart shows backspacing along the top, wheel width along the left, and offsets in the middle. Happy shopping!
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