What is the largest tire that will fit on a stock LJ rubicon?

[grahamfitter]

I might be acquiring one if the price is right and if so, the tires will need replacing on day one. I'd like to install the largest diameter BFG AT that will fit the stock vehicle without sticking out of the wheel wells. Unfortunately I haven't been able to work out what size that is!

The OEM tire on an LJ Rubicon is 245/75R16 Goodyear MTR (31" ish). I saw another vehicle for sale with 265/75R16 Toyo MT (32" ish) so I assume that size fits OK but I'd like to confirm that. I doubt anything bigger will fit and 32" would be ideal.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Graham

 

[86cj]

I might be acquiring one if the price is right and if so, the tires will need replacing on day one

X's 2.........
I took the 30" tires off at 36 miles and used a BB with 33x10.50 BFG AT's. A great combo actually, it came with a 2" rear bumpstop extension and a 1.5" front and did not rub.


Anything wider than 10.50 on stock wheels is going to get close to rubbing on the rear spring bucket as the axle flexes, some people are OK with 11.50. If the 265's rub the fenders it is easy to reach in to the spring and pull down the rubber bumpstop and unbolt the bumpstop without any real mechanical effort. You could use the JKS adjustable bumpstop kit and just install what you need to get by.
Some people report minor rubbing with 32x11.50's which I think are just a smidgen shorter than 265's...
If it is a Rubicon it will have wider flares than a sport and only wider wheels or spacers will cause the tires you mention to stick out.

 

[maximumrob]

265's will rub if you do anything other than drive down the street. Put a 1" body lift on it, run your 265's and leave 'er be. I'd likely put some Rancho 9000's on it, though.

It's what I should have done had I known better. Could have saved myself thousands.

 

[Milehi explorer]

If you are going to put any weight in it the 265's will rub off road...a lot more then you would think.

 

[proper4wd]

The key is bumpstop modification. I had no problem tearing up the front fender flares with the front swaybar disconnected on the stock 245s! I have 265s on it now and it is fine- with an extended front bumpstop. Rear is fine.

 

[CA-RJ]

Yeah, I don't think 265's would work stock. I thought my 245's were almost too big for the stock height. Right now, I'm on 285's with an Old Man Emu lift and it's just about right.

 

[TCM]

I ran 31x10.5 on the stock rims and only needed to adjust the front steering stops to prevent rub during full turn. Anything larger will rub without question. I now run 255/85R16s with an OME lift and am very happy with the setup.

 

[grahamfitter]

Thanks, all. More specific questions that expose the fact that I'm not particularly mechanically savvy...

I assume 265s won't rub on the road so I'd be able to get the vehicle home and then worry about it.

How much would bumpstop extensions reduce front axle articulation? Would it be noticed if the swaybar is still connected? I like this idea because its cheap and quick.

With a body lift (and motor mount lift) is there any noticeable difference with the shifter in the vehicle? This route sounds promising because its also reasonably straightforward. On the other hand wouldn't a 2" budget lift achieve the same thing while increasing tummy clearance?

Cheers,
Graham

 

[TCM]

Thanks, all. More specific questions that expose the fact that I'm not particularly mechanically savvy...

I assume 265s won't rub on the road so I'd be able to get the vehicle home and then worry about it.

How much would bumpstop extensions reduce front axle articulation? Would it be noticed if the swaybar is still connected? I like this idea because its cheap and quick.

With a body lift (and motor mount lift) is there any noticeable difference with the shifter in the vehicle? This route sounds promising because its also reasonably straightforward. On the other hand wouldn't a 2" budget lift achieve the same thing while increasing tummy clearance?

Cheers,
Graham

You will be fine on the road with 265s. I ran these on my LJ for several weeks of street driving and never had an issue.

Yes the bumpstop will limit front axle travel by reducing upward compression equal to the height of the additional bump stop. One inch more bumpstop will mean 1" less upward travel. This will happen regardless of the swaybar being connected or disconnected. Having the bar connected will impact drop more than it does compression.

With a body lift and a motor mount lift the position of the shifter will be almost identical. This is a really good option and the one I recommend for running up to a 32" tire. Yes a budget boost will accomplish the same thing, but I find putting tall spacers above the coils impacts the ride of the Jeep too much (creates a soft, vague feeling in the suspension) and it will also change your optimal shock length. A body lift does not have these negative consequences nor any down side really if you stick to a lift of 1.25" or less.

 

[Bishop Creek]

Here is what 31X10.50 BFG ATs look like on 15" stock rims on a non-Rubicon LJ:

Had to put a couple of washers on the steering stops. I'm going to add a small 2" lift soon.