jeepincaned56

285/75/17 Nitto Terra Grappler
17 XD w 4.5 bs

Either 1.75 rk budget based leveling or the 2.5 entry


Would like some opinions and pics.

This is new to me and I am learning on the fly...

Bkeeper

I would say save your money on the rims. Unless you like the looks of tires sticking out past the fender flares? With 285s you will only get very minor and harmless rubbing on your lower control arms at FULL wheel lock with a 2.5" lift. Now if you were going to run 315s+ then yes get the rims.

Put the savings on the rims toward a more complete lift, under body armor, bumpers or any other of a thousand options.

My gallery has pictures of my 4dr SPORT with 2.5" lift and 285s on stock 17s if you want to see how 285s look with factory backspacing.

jeepincaned56

I have the stock 16s though

flatattack

You can pick up a set of 5 17" OEM's for $125.00 if you want save money.

Bkeeper

If memory serves the 16s and the 17s have the same backspace and width. The only difference will be a larger area of sidewall rubber on the 16s. 285/75/16 should not be any larger than in 17. They both will be in the 32.8/33" height range and have a width of 11.5"~. I think in 16 you will even have more options than in 17 if you look outside of Nitto brand.

Now if you have the stamped steel rims, yes I would go for rims but like flatattack posted above you can pick up a "takeoff" set of factory 17s pretty cheap. There are a good number of folks on this sight with them for sale.

jeepincaned56

Appreciate it. You think some spacers to widen it out would help as far as looks and traction?

Bkeeper

If you are asking me, I think tires that stick out more than a half inch look sloppy on anything under a 4" lift and less than 315s. But I am from the old school when CJ7s with 31-33s never had tires sticking out from their sides. It's the look I grew up with and to this day still like.

Spacer have their place, but IMO are not needed with your build specs unless you like the looks of tires sticking out past the fender flairs. I have never seen them ad any real advantage on the trail over a vehicle with similar lift and tires size. Road handling will not be noticeably better with them either given a 2.5" lift and 285s. Road performance is going to be more your lift/shock/tire combo than the addition of spacers.

My 2 cents.

jeepincaned56

Just want them to be flush. I can get them for 25 a piece....my shop suggests it

jeepincaned56

Probably chopping flares

Bkeeper

Shops will suggest many things not really needed. Remember they are FOR PROFIT business. The shop that did my current JKU build tried to sell me the kitchen sink, but this was not my first build nor my second or third (great guys though and I will use them again). I went in knowing what works and does not work where I could short cut and where I could not to meet my needs.


Other will give you their options but to start a first build I always say to use the KISS rule. Put your money toward a proven suspension system (not just a lift kit) that can be upgraded as needed, quality shocks, and extended SS brake lines ( seen brake lines ripped out more than once). With the tire size you want to run spacers can wait and you can install them in under an hour if you deem you really need them.

Lastly remember just because someone owns/works at a shop does not mean they have YOUR vision in mind. For that matter nor does anyone online.