New Wheels and Tires

[H D]

I have to get new tires soon and am buying a body lift this week. I have WP shackles. I don't think I'll have a problem with clearance issues, but does anyone see any glaring problems with the following set up?



Cragar Soft 8 wheels; 15x8, 5x4.5 bolt circle, 4 in. backspace

BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2; 33x10.5R15



Since I have to buy new tires and I know I want to go bigger, probably 33s, I thought the best way to save some money is to go down to 15" wheels. These Soft 8s are pretty standard and at $43 a piece, I can see why. I figure I'll upgrade the wheels later, as money permits.



I have been thoroughly unimpressed with the stock Wrangler tires and am a little wary of the ability of All-Terrain tires, since these are the only ones I have experience with and they are just terrible off-road. My girlfriend's brother swears by the KM2s and has converted most of his Jeep buddies to KMs by example on the trails.



Does anyone know of any issues this setup would cause or have any thoughts about a better way to do this? This site has been invaluable and I look forward to your thoughts. Thanks

 

[James Kerr]

You will have clearance problems if all you have are shackles in the rear and nothing done in the front. The tires will fit in the back with the shackles but not in the front. If your front is stock you can have 265/70/16 with a slight chance of rubbing at full lock.

 

[H D]

I am picking up a body lift this week. Also, I am thinking of replacing the stock 16" rims with 15". If I keep the stock wheels, I will probably go with 285/75R16.

 

[James Kerr]

Then your golden brother. Yeah that tire size is the widest you want to go with the stock rims. With an 8" can get a 305/70/16.

 

[H D]

Thanks. That's what I have come up with. I'm just hoping I'm not missing anything.