Print Page - Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Fingerlakes 4X4 Forum
PUBLIC FORUMS => General Discussion => Topic started by: mavr1k on February 12, 2009, 05:39:46 PM
Title: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 12, 2009, 05:39:46 PM
So I plan on purchasing the RoughCountry 2.5\" lift soon (undecided if I will buy the kit with the 1.25\" bodylift as well).
Then I plan to put some 32x11.5 tires under the Jeep...
I have 3 considerations for tires in that size at the moment:
BFG KO (AT): http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10108/s-10101/p-100000425769/mediaCode-ZX/appId-100000425769/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000425769
BFG KM (MT): http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10108/s-10101/p-100000425790/mediaCode-ZX/appId-100000425790/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000425790
I really think MTR\'s would be useful for my Jeep offroad, since the majority of the places I have gotten stuck so far where Mud/Slush/Water related (and clearance didnt help either), but I have heard MT/MTRs are horrible in snow and wet conditions.
All I have ever owned are ATs, which perform as good as a tire can on snow (IMO).
For rims... I would really like the Cragar Soft 8 black steel rims.. (look great, and are cheap) - I also like some of the american racing black alloy rims (but they cost a lot more).
I understand that I need to learn about \"backspacing\" so that the tires dont rub... (anyone adventurous enough to explain backspacing to me?) With the lift above in mind, and the tires in mind... what sort of rims should I get?
Thanks guys..im learning, but its a slow process ;-)
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 12, 2009, 05:46:28 PM
use your stock rims. no need to buy new ones. i didnt.
I had 35\" BFG mud terrains on my rubicon and it was great in the snow. Ive also had the BFG all terrains on a YJ that I had and they were also good in the snow but are AWFUL in the mud. ask Ryan_25. hes running a set of BFG all terrains. theyre great offroad, just not in any kind of mud.
try looking here www.treadwright.com
Mark, (Wingman) is running a set of 33s on his TJ from here. (you should get 33s not 32s) theyre alot less expensive and work well. i got my 31\'s from there and Im very happy with them. (you saw me get right up that hill last weekend right?)
but if you insist on getting brand new name brand tires for some reason, try here. theyre prices are good and i ordered a set of TSL\'s from here and they were easy to deal with. www.tirepackage.com
*again, i wouldnt waste money on rims or expensive tires if your still not sure what your plans are for your jeep yet
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 12, 2009, 05:54:10 PM
Thanks Jake.
Since this jeep is my DD, I don\'t want to go too big and sacrifice onroad performance and MPG (nor do I have a ton of cash to dump into it).
The axels are D30/D35, with 3.07 gears (I believe, I haven\'t actually crawled under and looked). Its a 6 speed.. I\'ve read in many places that going to 32\" is pretty much the biggest I can go with that gearing and the axels.
\"33\'s will be a dog, and will lose your last gear\" seems to be the response I read on everything, shortly followed by \"quick way to kill your D35..\"
Would I need more then 2.5\" of suspension lift (+1.25 BL maybe?) for 33s? It seems with 33\'s I would also need additional upgrades, such as longer break lines (maybe), adjustable track bars, extended bump stops, etc.
How much truth is there to all of that? I would like to get 33\'s - (The Mickey Thompson BAJAClaw radials look awesome!), and I am not too attached to buying brand new tires, just using the JCWhitney site as a reference.
.. and yes I did watch you climb up that :censor:ty hill with no problems at all on your 31\'s.. impressive :D
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: smichaelR22 on February 12, 2009, 06:33:27 PM
keep looking on craigs list, i just got an awesome score of three 33\" MTR\'s in really good shape for 100$
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 12, 2009, 06:39:39 PM
ok, wingman ran 33s with no lift. youll be fine
i had a set of baja claws on my rubi, they lasted only about 10k
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 12, 2009, 10:43:23 PM
Yeah Ill be watching craigslist for some deals... but if I buy new rims (and I want to) - what should I get to fit a tire like that?
Any idea what gearing and transmission wingman has?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on February 13, 2009, 08:18:51 AM
I\'ve got a set of black steel 5 spoke similar to \"8s\"... $150. They\'ll be too wide for 31s or 32s but perfect for 33s.
My TJ has 3.07s and the AX15 5-speed trans. Since the 33\'s, my fuel consumtion hovers around 16-18 mpg. I don\'t do much highway driving. I also don\'t use 5th gear OD unless I have a tailwind and flat road at 65 mph or above. The rest of the gearing is fine.
Optimally, an 8\" wide rim with 3.5-4\" backspacing is what you should be looking for unless you buy really wide 33s.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: MrMindless on February 13, 2009, 10:30:28 AM
I don\'t think you\'ll kill you 35 with 33s unless you really beat on it and/or have locked it. And if you\'ll kill it with 33s you\'ll kill it with 32s too - remember how close they really are in size.
also, tire size has nothing to do with brake lines. That\'s all lift height and shock length/flexibility.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 13, 2009, 11:08:27 AM
plus if you blow a tire on the trail and something happens to your spare, there will be otheres running 33s...i dont think anyone has 32\" tires right now.
mindless is right about your 35 rear. lots of people run 35s on that axel
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Crusarius on February 13, 2009, 11:19:53 AM
I used to run 35\'s on my 35c.
I broke an axle shaft once on 32\'s (my own fault) then once on 35\'s (metal fatigue)
as for the whole gearing thing, if you have the 6 spd I am thinking you have 3.73\'s. you will be fine with 33\'s probably be able to get away with 35\'s. as for losing your top gear I am probably not a good judge of that. I was running 35\'s with 4.0 5 spd manual and d35c rear with 3.07\'s. I still used 5th gear religiously. yes, I would have to downshift on certain hills. but I could hold my speed in fifth. However the more jeeps I drive, the more I notice that my 4.0 seems to have more balls than most of them on the road.
as for backspacing I run 35 X 12.5\'s on a 15x8 rim with 3.75\" backspacing. I really like the way it sits. the tires still rub on the arms a little but right now my steering is way out of wack. so I am thinking if I ever fix it they might not rub.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on February 13, 2009, 03:48:48 PM
If you are ordering tires or wheels or anything else from JC Whitney in the next few days, try promo code DEBBBX9 ($10 off $50 order or $50 off $200 order) or SEBABX9 (free shipping). Expires 2/16/2009. It\'ll knock a few bucks off...
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 14, 2009, 09:08:38 PM
While changing the oil today I tried to figure out what my gearing was.. saw all sorts of numbers on the front pumpkin, but nothing that clearly told me what my gearing was.
What should I be looking for? I have requested my factory build sheep from Jeep... hopefully that comes soon, and will tell me what gearing I have.
If I buy 33\'s from treadwright... any recommendations? http://treadwright.com/SearchResults.aspx?catID=0&Strname=&CatName=All%20Categories&treadwidth=33&profile=15&diameter=12.5&loadrange=&isgreendiamond=-1
And who can I bribe to help me install a lift? :)
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: luvmyxj on February 14, 2009, 09:34:55 PM
the only way i know of to check your gearing is pull the diff cover and its sometimes engraved right on the ring,i may be wrong though.i\'m always down to help install your lift.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Crusarius on February 15, 2009, 12:31:38 PM
if you have the factory tags on the diffs it is stamped on it.
however it is in code.
if you have 3.07\'s you will see a 3 some other randon characters then an 07 somewhere behind that.
if you post what is on the tag I am sure we can decipher it for you. the other option is the tire spin test.
jack up the jeep and turn your driveshaft. make sure the tires are both spinning the same direction and count how many turns of the driveshaft it takes for 1 revolution of the tires. this may be slightly skued if you have tires other than stock but you can get a good idea what it is.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on February 15, 2009, 05:10:14 PM
I\'m running the D/Mud-S with Green Diamond compound. My last set was the D/Mud with no spacer and no Green Diamond. I think I got about 30K out of them. I\'d have preferred the tire without the spacer this time but that was all they were offering.
The Green Diamond (or Ultra-Grip) is a worthwhile investment if you\'ll be running them in the winter. It gives you that little extra advantage on the slick stuff...
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 15, 2009, 06:29:21 PM
there should be a tag on one of the diff cover bolts in the rear to tell you the gearing...
i reccomend Ryan_25 for the lift install if you cant find help
www.bluedogjeep.com
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 15, 2009, 09:59:37 PM
Alright... well I will crawl under it again later and look at the rear pumpkin.
While I won\'t be able to purchase the tires for a few more months... would it be silly to put the lift on anyway? :thumbsup:
I imagine I will need the services of someone like Ryan, as I do not have a garage... so Ryan_25, how busy are you? :)
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 16, 2009, 07:14:37 AM
Id still put on the lift now.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 16, 2009, 09:47:23 AM
@Wingman - any pictures of those rims? And how much do you want for them?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on February 16, 2009, 10:39:25 AM
Ran for about one year, paint 95% or better, chrome caps cleaned up OK.
If you want real pics, I can dig them out.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Ryan_25 on February 16, 2009, 12:06:05 PM
I can make time whenever you get the lift and are ready to put it in.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 16, 2009, 12:11:09 PM
Well, this is all I can see on my rear pumpkin:
43225 261 4 rev k 02 27 97
Is there something else I should be looking for to see the gearing? Couldnt find any \"tags\"
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Crusarius on February 16, 2009, 12:59:46 PM
sounds like the tag is MIA. next thing to do is the rotation test. how many times does the driveshaft spin for 1 revolution of the tires. might not be exact but will give you a close enough idea. other option is to open up the diff and count teeth.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 16, 2009, 01:07:54 PM
Damn. I don\'t own any jack stands to lift up the rear to do the rotation check.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: MrMindless on February 16, 2009, 02:06:40 PM
if it\'s an open or limited slip, lift one tire and divide by two. it\'s easiest if you mark both before starting.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: smichaelR22 on February 16, 2009, 02:51:09 PM
with a newer TJ isnt there some website you could run the vin to get the gear ratios?
just a thought, i have nothing to back it up with.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 16, 2009, 02:54:56 PM
Yeah theres some \"decoding your VIN\" websites if you Google... but they dont seem to show the gearing.
I have requested the original build sheet from chrysler, but who knows how long that will take.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 16, 2009, 03:38:59 PM
Just got my original build sheet...
Dana 30/186MM Front Axle 3.73 Axle Ratio 175MM Rear Axle
:chug:
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 16, 2009, 05:09:32 PM
you should start a post in the \"project build\" forum. just remember to take lots of pictures as you build
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 16, 2009, 06:02:16 PM
@GTJake yup I think I have all the info I need to start doing my mods now... if only cash were the same way.
@Wingman 4 rims or 5? Can you bring them to the club meeting next week so I can examine before deciding to buy?
Too bad treadwright seems to be out of stock of every 33\" tire at the moment.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 16, 2009, 06:17:26 PM
wingman is kind of far away to go to the meetings, im sure he can take some pix. ive seen the rims, they look real nice! Id buy them if I could
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on February 16, 2009, 06:17:30 PM
Only 4 rims.
I won\'t be attending the meeting but I could meet you along the T-way somewhere around Exit 44 some evening, if you\'d like.
I also have a \"brand new\" D/Mud-S GD 33/12.5x15 on a Dunlop carcass that I\'d let go for $50.
You should call Treadwright and get your name on their list. It might take them a couple of weeks, but they\'ll do what they can to fill your order. They are really easy to work with.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 16, 2009, 09:45:35 PM
So if I go with the idea of 33\" tires (and it seems that treadwright only does 33x12.5 in that flavor) then I guess I have to go with the more expensive RC 2.5\" Lift that includes a 1.25\" body lift?
Jeff @ RC says the normal kit is only designed for 31\" tires... and to clear 33\'s something more would be required (http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_tj_combo_2.html) which is basically the same height of a 4\" suspension lift.
The normal 2.5\" kit: http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_tj_2.html
What do you guys think? Also, should I purchase Rear Track Bar Bracket as well ($17.95)?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 17, 2009, 08:16:36 AM
your not disconnecting your sway bars right? if not, then 33s will fit on stock ride height. the 2.5 will be a good place to start. you can always ues coil spacers if needed to get another inch or so. (theyre cheap)
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mav on February 17, 2009, 12:06:48 PM
Wont 33x12.5 tires rub if I only have a 2.5\" lift? (Even with sway bars connected) The RC website says the lift will only clear 31\" tires.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Crusarius on February 17, 2009, 12:10:45 PM
i RAN 32\'S ON 2\" COIL SPACERS WITH VERY MINIMAL TOUCHING.
I also went to longer shocks and used those to limit my uptravel preventing me from eating my fenders.
2.5 you should be able to run 33\'s with minimal rubbing. I really wouldn;t worry about the rubbing since it is only going to be when you are turning and hitting bumps (worst case) or when you are flexing.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Crusarius on February 17, 2009, 12:12:38 PM
also has alot to do with tire offset. nobody ever says where it will rub. if it rubs the control arms, thats normal live with it. if it rubs the fenderwell then depending on how hard it rubs it needs to be take care of.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mav on February 17, 2009, 12:28:00 PM
Well, the 2.5\" kit has been ordered.. will be here either friday or monday.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 17, 2009, 12:58:13 PM
Ryan - any free time this weekend or during next week that we could do this?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 20, 2009, 03:02:49 PM
@Wingman if you could snap a few pictures of the rims, that would be great. Pretty interested in buying them.
Will I need to get a new tire carrier if I go to 33x12.5? From what I read the stock tire carrier wont last too long holding such a heavy tire.. and at the very least the rubber stoppers on the tire carrier need to be extended?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 20, 2009, 03:06:25 PM
ok, whatever youve been reading is crap. sorry. I had an 03 rubi that i had a 35x12.5x15 on the stock tire carrier and it was fine. shaved a hockey puck to make the one rubber stopper bigger tho. never had a problem with it. youll be fine
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 20, 2009, 03:09:06 PM
This is why I ask you guys ;-) JeepForum.com is great, but there is so much conflicting information.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 20, 2009, 03:14:11 PM
im pretty confident that anything your thinking about doing, at least one of us has done before. dont be shy about asking...i never am
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on February 20, 2009, 04:48:08 PM
I had my 33 on the stock tailgate carrier but it does take its toll on the hinges and latch. It\'ll be fine for quite a while.
You will need to space the snubbers because of the different backspacing of the wheels.
You also have to consider the 3rd brake light. There should be enough slack in the wire to space it up with longer nut/bolt/shim combo. I used 3-4 oversized nuts per bolt for spacers.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 20, 2009, 04:50:02 PM
meh, who need a 3rd brake light... :)
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on February 20, 2009, 06:36:52 PM
I disco\'d mine when I upgraded my bumper/tire carrier.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 20, 2009, 07:54:01 PM
My kit just shipped :D
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 20, 2009, 09:10:30 PM
cool
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 25, 2009, 12:22:30 PM
woohoo, lift kit is here! (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3309634160_20a3b38009.jpg)
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 25, 2009, 02:07:40 PM
is it installed yet?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on February 25, 2009, 02:20:57 PM
haha no it is not, as I am at work. Have to email Ryan and see when he is available next week.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on February 26, 2009, 10:24:31 AM
what kinda of kit is it again? full coils and ad-a-leaf?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Ryan_25 on February 26, 2009, 12:57:37 PM
Let me know when you want to do it. Im busy this weekend. Next week sometime could work.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on March 04, 2009, 06:53:20 PM
Nick,
I PM\'d you about a possible meet this weekend...
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on March 13, 2009, 11:24:33 AM
So 33x12.5R15 wont be too big for a 2.5\" suspension lift? What sort of backspacing would I need for the wheels to prevent tires like that from rubbing?
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on March 13, 2009, 11:49:38 AM
just buy wingmans wheels. theyll look sweet on your jeep
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: mavr1k on March 13, 2009, 11:51:44 AM
I plan on it, assuming 33x12.5R15 tires will fit on them :P
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: Wingman on March 13, 2009, 11:56:40 AM
Again, I run 33s on 4\" backspacing with 2.5\" lift. On the street, I don\'t get any rubbing at all. In the dirt, it only rubs on the most flexy parts where the tires will get into the fenders a little bit (sway bar disco\'d). Because you do not have extended flares yet, this is where you\'ll see and hear it the most when twisted up. If you leave your sway bar connected, I think it\'ll be really pressed to rub at all in the dirt.
Test your rig out to ascertain your own limits.
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on March 13, 2009, 12:03:43 PM
ita be fine!
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: MrMindless on March 13, 2009, 12:15:25 PM
if you don\'t rub you\'re too tall :)
Title: Re: Need some help picking out rims for 32\" tires
Post by: GTJake on March 13, 2009, 02:29:55 PM
![\"15X10](\"http://s132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/wingman0/?action=view¤t=100_0811.jpg\")