Wheels with 31x10.5" on a TJ

[TJVach]

Hey folks, I am just about ready to by a OME Heavy Load Lift for my TJ. I need some opinions and advice. I am planning on putting 31" tires on and I know ya'll have probably heard this a lot but I'm going to give it a shot. I just wanted to know if you all suggest 3.75" or 4.5" backspacing. I know that the 3.75" will stick out quite a bit but if I move up to 33x10.5"s then I might need that extra 3/4". I know that the 4.5" will tuck the wheel/tire under the truck more, but I don't want to have a problem with my turning radius we all know that it's spectacular and I don't want to lose any of that. I have seen a couple places that have 4" backspacing but they won't mount and balance for free and I don't feel like paying an arm and a leg and maybe my firstborn to have them mounted and balanced. So any opinion would be awesome. So much for the quick question huh. Thank again

 

[cshontz]

Definately no less than 4.5". If it was mine, however, I'd just keep the stock wheels to keep 'em from sticking out. A 10.50" wide tire would introduce very little control arm rub, if any at all. A simple washer or two added to the steering stops would remedy any rubbing, and the increase to your turning radius probably wouldn't be very noticable.

 

[TJVach]

Yeah I was thinking about doing that, but I have someone that wants to buy my rims from me. I don't know why because the clear coat is coming off and they are scratched and beat pretty bad, but I'm not going to fight him. Plus I like the look of the black steelies on a Wrangler. They are also cheaper if I have to replace them.

 

[Scott Brady]

I would recommend the 4.5-Stock BS range. The suspension and axle is designed for that leverage (bearings, etc.), and it will allow the tires to tuck up in the wheelwell properly.

31" is a great size for the TJ. I am building a TJ for AZ trail work with my brother-in-law and that is the size we settled on too. Perfect size.

 

[TJVach]

Awesome! Well then it's settled. My thoughts are basically if I ever want to go bigger I am going to have to do a lot more first ie. axles, gears, sye, and then some. So 4 $30 rims won't hurt me that much. Thanks for your help!

 

[Bob_Sheaves]

I would recommend the 4.5-Stock BS range. The suspension and axle is designed for that leverage (bearings, etc.), and it will allow the tires to tuck up in the wheelwell properly.

31" is a great size for the TJ. I am building a TJ for AZ trail work with my brother-in-law and that is the size we settled on too. Perfect size.

Excellent answer!

Sidebar info:

1. When we originally worked with Dana on the semifloating hub design at JTE, problems immediately showed up with changing the wheel offset. The current stock wheel offset is marginal, at best , for long life (100,000 mile min durability) with the largest stock tires, due to the fact that the rotational centerline of the tire is not equally spaced between the inner and outer wheel bearing in the sealed bearing pack. Once you start adding larger wheels and tires (17"+ wheels and 33"+ tires) the wheel bearings will start failing very quickly (from the OEM standpoint). On ANY Jeep used (even moderately) offroad that has the D44 (Rubicon) or D30 (MJ,XJ,TJ, YJ) semi-floating design, I would recommend replacement of the knuckles, hubs, bearings, and brakes with a full floating design (either aftermarket like Warn, or older CJ parts) to keep from stranding yourself out in the middle of BFE. This is NOT an inexpensive proposition however.....you are looking at anywhere from $1500.00USD to $2500.00USD per axle for new parts.

2. To really grasp the issue, search on the history of the Dodge M880 (predecessor to the GM diesel CUCV's ) military trucks. The single reason Chrysler lost the replacement bid for the CUCV was all the front axle wheel end bearing failures that occurred in the M880 series of trucks.

Best regards,

Bob Sheaves
CEO
catNET Incorporated
http://www.catnetsolutions.com