BDS 4" lift and 35" tires

[lowcountry]

I just ordered a bds 4" lift for my 83 CJ7 . While I'm waiting for it to get here I need to start looking for a wheel/tire combo.

First off, bds says that the max tire for this kit is a 33". Does anyone have any real experience with this kit and different wheels/tires? I've got 31's on there now and they look just fine with no lift...

I was wanting 35" if it was not a pita. I really don't want to cut anything. If 33's are really the best choice, then I'm ok, just want to make sure what's doable.

Ya'll talked me into 15" wheels, so that part is done. Need to choose a back space and rim width. For tires, 33x10.5/12.5 or 35x12.5.

I won't be doing any rock climbing or the like. Probably will upgrade gears/axles once I figure out what's in here now.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[jp360cj]

I'd go 33s with a 4" lift. 35s don't fit in the CJ wheel wells without cutting the tub and 33s will already rub on a 4" if you offroad. I'm SOA and 35s with trimmed fenders and still rub. If you go with 33x10.50s, then stick with a 7-8" wheel. If you go 33x12.50, then anwhere from 8-10" wheel will work. I prefer 8" wheels on 12.50 tires for airing down, but the 10" wheels will give you a wider look, if that's what you're after. around 4" (+/- 1/4" or so) backspacing is pretty standard and works well

 

[lowcountry]

I'd go 33s with a 4" lift. 35s don't fit in the CJ wheel wells without cutting the tub and 33s will already rub on a 4" if you offroad. I'm SOA and 35s with trimmed fenders and still rub. If you go with 33x10.50s, then stick with a 7-8" wheel. If you go 33x12.50, then anwhere from 8-10" wheel will work. I prefer 8" wheels on 12.50 tires for airing down, but the 10" wheels will give you a wider look, if that's what you're after. around 4" (+/- 1/4" or so) backspacing is pretty standard and works well

Thanks JP - good info.

What is "SOA"?

 

[jp360cj]

SOA = Spring over axle. Provides ~ 5.5-6" of lift with stock springs.

 

[JeeperChris]

We've had a couple good discussions about SOA lately, just look through this section for some good reading.

 

[jay59l]

35”s opens up a big can of worms. Axle strength, brakes, loss of power (gearing and additional weight) etc. If you can handle 33”s go that rout.

 

[lowcountry]

35”s opens up a big can of worms. Axle strength, brakes, loss of power (gearing and additional weight) etc. If you can handle 33”s go that rout.

Yep, I have pretty much decided on 33's for now - taking the advice from all the more experienced jeepers here. Just trying to decide now whether I want an 8, 9, or 10" wheel with my 33x12.5 tires...

 

[jay59l]

I like the looks of 8 or 9” for a 33” tire. Most common aftermarket rim will be a 15x8 then the 15x10. Plus the 8” will hold the tire a little bit better when you air down.

 

[Kane]

BDS springs are very soft so if you have alot of weight on your Jeep they will sag and be less lift. I know a few who had to install add a leafs to the back to get the Jeep back to level.

 

[cpadget]

Just for reference. Just got my Jeep home today. 35’s, RE 4.5 lift, and 1” body lif.