Time to start planning the next phase...

I want to keep the stock fenders but step up to 37's for wheeling. What do I need to do to get there?

What I have:
- 2014 Rubicon (D44's)
- Sleeves & Gussets
- 2.5" Lift (on its way out)
- Set of mounted 35's that I'll keep for daily use

What I want/need:
- 3.5" or 4.5" Lift (pref. MetalCloak)
- 8 Control Arms (pref. MetalCloak)
- 37's (BFG or STT)
- 17" Beadlocks (3.5 or 4.5 BS)
- Regear (4.56 or 4.88 or 5.10)
- Drive Shafts
- RCV Axles
- Maybe Ball Joints when needed

My biggest question:
I want to stay as low and narrow as possible (but still keeping un-trimmed stock fenders!). How will 37's fit with with 3.5 lift and 4.5 backspace? I'm shooting for the tires to tuck inside the fenders.

Next question:
What gear ratio? It's a daily driver, Tennessee hills, off-road often.

Anything else I'm missing?
Anything else I need to consider?

Thanks!

 

These would be a good addition to your build if you insist on factory flares. Otherwise- metalcloak flares, cut your flares a little bit (not full flats), or look at another high clearance fender like the Modern Classic Enterprises flexible flares.

2-Door JK Factory Style Hi-Clear Flares #77072341AC

Obviously the 4dr version though....

 

Here is MC 3.5" and 37" Cooper STT Pro's with stock fenders.



Fairly light jeep. Haven't measured, but probably got 4.5" from the coils.

With a 4.5" backspace on the rims, you will probably be adding washers to the steer stops. I am running spacers as well for an effective 3.0".

I have a set of trimmed stock flares also, swapped back to these for the winter. When running this uncut set, I add another bumpstop spacer front and back to keep the tires off the flares.

 

I have AEV bumpers. That's my main reason for keeping the stock fenders (plus I appreciate the coverage). May replace bumpers and go to flats someday, but that's another stage. I want to see if I can make the 37's work with a 3.5 lift.

Also have a great lead on some used beadlocks, but they are 4.5 backspace. I hear 3.5 backspace is ideal for 37's, but concerned they'll be out too far to tuck under the fenders.

 

37x12.50 STT Pro, 4.5" backspace + 1.5" spacer

 

Looks like enough room. Mine is heavier with winch, bumpers, gear. How do they fit when flexed with the spacer. Do you stop below the fender or do they tuck?

 

You are not going to tuck 37's inside the fenders.

 

I'm running 37" KO2's on 3.5" lift with stock fenders, just trimmed a small piece inside the front of the front fenders and cut pinch weld and Rubicon sliders. Flexes good, tires don't hit. 2013 JKU.

 

Best I'm going to get is to bump stop to the outer fender? Any opinion on doing this with a 3.5 or 4.5 lift?

 

Any pics of where you trimmed the fenders? I'm good on the pinch seam and rails.