31" tires

[rylee144]

I've done some reading and searching and I'd like to make sure my findings are correct. My 88 is 2wd and sits low in the front. I understand that the front is lower for a couple different reasons but I like the level look. If I wanted to fit 31" tires under it I would need a WJ lower control arm so i would not rub. From what I have seen that would be the only upgrade I would need to not rub. I think I would add a 2" coil spacer for the leveling. I see that it makes a difference on the wheel too. If i use stock wheels or after market. I don't have stock wheels and am looking for a set now. 

 

So am i kind of on the right track? I want to have my ducks in a row when i stumble on a deal for a set of wheels and tires on craigslist.

 

[Pete M]

for a 2wd:  poly spacers + WJ arms + factory Jeep rims + 31s =  awesomesauce       

 

(except for gearing.  expect your truck to feel slow.)

[rylee144]

What if I cannot find or don't want factory rims? What additional things will I need? Is it possible to find an aftermarket wheel with the same back spacing as the factory one? 

[Eagle]

1 hour ago, rylee144 said:

What if I cannot find or don't want factory rims? What additional things will I need? Is it possible to find an aftermarket wheel with the same back spacing as the factory one? 

 

As far as I know, there are NO aftermarket rims with the 5-1/4" backspacing needed to run 31" tires with no trimming of flares and/or sheet metal. But -- Jeep used the 5-on-4/12" bolt circle wheels with the 5-1/4" backspacing for so many years and in so many styles that you should be able to find something in that configuration you can live with. Any aftermarket rims will have less backspacing. That means you won't need the WJ lower control arms ... but you will have to trim to avoid interference when you turn.

 

I'm confused by your comments regarding coil spacers. You shouldn't need anything to run 31s on Jeep rims. A 2-inch spacer will lift the front more than enough to remove the rake. I would suggest a 1-inch (or 3/4-inch, which I think is the more common size) rather than a 2-inch spacer.

[Pete M]

TJ/MJ/XJ/YJ/ZJ/(plus one of the newer little Jeeps) all share the same bolt pattern and backspacing.   so anything from old school turbines to the super sweet 15x8 Canyons/Gamblers/(can't rememeber the last one) rims that were available on some TJs.  

[Minuit]

59 minutes ago, Pete M said:

TJ/MJ/XJ/YJ/ZJ/(plus one of the newer little Jeeps) all share the same bolt pattern and backspacing.   so anything from old school turbines to the super sweet 15x8 Canyons/Gamblers/(can't rememeber the last one) rims that were available on some TJs.  

 

Ravines, the best Jeep wheels

 

[HOrnbrod]

52 minutes ago, Pete M said:

TJ/MJ/XJ/YJ/ZJ/(plus one of the newer little Jeeps) all share the same bolt pattern and backspacing.   so anything from old school turbines to the super sweet 15x8 Canyons/Gamblers/(can't rememeber the last one) rims that were available on some TJs.  

 

Ravines, the second best Jeep wheels

 

[Jeep Driver]

[rylee144]

Looks good to me. Can I fit a 10.5 tire? Also will I need to add bump stops? 

[Eagle]

Most of the factory alloy rims are 15x7 -- the TJ Canyons are 15x8. You can run 31x10.50-15s on 15x7 rims.

[HOrnbrod]

5 minutes ago, Eagle said:

Most of the factory alloy rims are 15x7 -- the TJ Canyons are 15x8. You can run 31x10.50-15s on 15x7 rims.

 

Mfg.'s recommended wheel width for 31" tires = 7" - 9"

[Marine1Texas]

^like he said

yes the 31x10.5 will fit nice on the 15x7. It is because the tire is much taller. a 30x10.5 would have much more of a curve angle in on the side walls because the lost of a inch over length. so that's why if you get smaller diameter tire like a 30 you are better at a 9.5 since less stress on side walls. I and many others have been running 31's on stock 15x7 rims.

[rylee144]

What year wj lower control arms will work for the swap?

[HOrnbrod]

Any. They are all the same throughout the WJ years.

[rylee144]

Thanks hope this is it for a bit. Will a 15x8 ravine wheel work with 31x10.5 with out the rub? They are easier to find. 

[Pete M]

yes, as long as you include 99-04 WJ lower control arms.    

[Marine1Texas]

it will rub on the control arm with those. so require the WJ arms or the 1 inch spacer on the rims. I have used the 1 inch spacer for more than 20 years never had a problem. however it does push the tire out 1 inch.

[HOrnbrod]

I use spacers on the rear wheels to equal out the F&R wheel placements in the wheel well, but wouldn't use them in the front. Especially since the WJ arms are such a handling improvement. Try the WJ arms Nori - you'll like them. 

[mattbuch96]

 
As far as I know, there are NO aftermarket rims with the 5-1/4" backspacing needed to run 31" tires with no trimming of flares and/or sheet metal. But -- Jeep used the 5-on-4/12" bolt circle wheels with the 5-1/4" backspacing for so many years and in so many styles that you should be able to find something in that configuration you can live with. Any aftermarket rims will have less backspacing. That means you won't need the WJ lower control arms ... but you will have to trim to avoid interference when you turn.
 
I'm confused by your comments regarding coil spacers. You shouldn't need anything to run 31s on Jeep rims. A 2-inch spacer will lift the front more than enough to remove the rake. I would suggest a 1-inch (or 3/4-inch, which I think is the more common size) rather than a 2-inch spacer.

It sounds like you know the idea of back spacing. My question is will my tires rub anywhere if I get 31in tires with this back spacing? They are a 15x7 rim. I have trimmed the fenders already for my Napier fender flares.


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[Pete M]

at stock height those rims with 31s will rub on stock flares.  if you've trimmed, then you should be good.   

[mattbuch96]

at stock height those rims with 31s will rub on stock flares.  if you've trimmed, then you should be good.   

Okay sounds good, I just wanted to make sure!


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[rylee144]

i found these wheels off a 98 WJ they are 15". This will fit for my project right? 31" tires with WJ LCA. Back spacing with be what I want?

 

[Pete M]

98 would be a ZJ.  if it's a 98, those would work.    

 

99 is the first year of the WJ, those will not (5-on-5 pattern)

[rylee144]

thanks again Pete. I'll be picking them up tomorrow....$80 bucks

[carnuck]

thanks again Pete. I'll be picking them up tomorrow....$80 bucks

Take a spare wheel to match and be sure. ‘98 LTD ZJ had optional 16” wheels. I had some on mine a long time ago with LT255/85r/16s which are 33/10/16.


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