Tire and/or Wheel upgrade
02-12-2008 | 10:59 AM
#1
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Northern, Louisiana
Tire and/or Wheel upgrade
Next Modification
So far I have installed my rocker protection and my lift (TF 2.5 BB). Now, I am ready to look at tires (33s) and possibly wheels. I have a Silver Unlimited X with the 17" x 7.5" Aluminum Wheels and I really like the way these wheels compliment the Silver Jeep. However, their backspacing is a problem in a stock form. Here are a couple of options I have thought of:
1.
I can keep the wheels I have and get spacers for them to run a larger tire. I would need to purchase some wheel spacers then 5 tires. I am considering the BFG KM2s 285/70 17.
2.
I could purchase some aftermarket wheels that should allow me to run a wider 33’ tire (up to 12.5). Then I have a place where I can pick up 4 33x12.50 Cooper STTs for about $700 that have 600 miles on them. However, if I wanted to run a spare I would need to purchase 1 more and buy 5 wheels. I also do not know how they stack up to the KM2s.
My reservations:
I have some reservations about running wheel spacers but everything I read tells me that they are indeed safe. I also have some about how loud the KM2s will be and what kind of tread life I should expect.
On the other side, will I have clearance issues with tires 12.5 wide with my lift? If I decide not to run a matching spare, what potential problems may arise?
I am just looking for some friendly suggestions/advice.
Thanks for reading
So far I have installed my rocker protection and my lift (TF 2.5 BB). Now, I am ready to look at tires (33s) and possibly wheels. I have a Silver Unlimited X with the 17" x 7.5" Aluminum Wheels and I really like the way these wheels compliment the Silver Jeep. However, their backspacing is a problem in a stock form. Here are a couple of options I have thought of:
1.
I can keep the wheels I have and get spacers for them to run a larger tire. I would need to purchase some wheel spacers then 5 tires. I am considering the BFG KM2s 285/70 17.
2.
I could purchase some aftermarket wheels that should allow me to run a wider 33’ tire (up to 12.5). Then I have a place where I can pick up 4 33x12.50 Cooper STTs for about $700 that have 600 miles on them. However, if I wanted to run a spare I would need to purchase 1 more and buy 5 wheels. I also do not know how they stack up to the KM2s.
My reservations:
I have some reservations about running wheel spacers but everything I read tells me that they are indeed safe. I also have some about how loud the KM2s will be and what kind of tread life I should expect.
On the other side, will I have clearance issues with tires 12.5 wide with my lift? If I decide not to run a matching spare, what potential problems may arise?
I am just looking for some friendly suggestions/advice.
Thanks for reading
02-12-2008 | 11:48 PM
#3
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
I have run wheel spacers and so long as you install them correctly and check on them from time to time just like anything else, you will not have any problems with them.
Regarding KM2's, just like any mudder, they will be a bit louder but I think you will find that BFG's are some of the quietest mudders you can buy. Also, so long as you rotate them on a regular basis (3000 miles), they will stay quite and wear like iron. Assuming they are made out of the same rubber compound as the KM's, they should last about 60,000 miles.
As far as clearance goes, if you run wheel spacers, you will not have any issues.
Regarding KM2's, just like any mudder, they will be a bit louder but I think you will find that BFG's are some of the quietest mudders you can buy. Also, so long as you rotate them on a regular basis (3000 miles), they will stay quite and wear like iron. Assuming they are made out of the same rubber compound as the KM's, they should last about 60,000 miles.
As far as clearance goes, if you run wheel spacers, you will not have any issues.