wheel/tire widths

[jerseyben]

I am looking to replace my 14/35-15 Ground Hawgs on 15x10" wagon wheels with something a bit more reasonable.

Currently, even with all the lift I have, the problem I am experiencing is due to my "narrow-track" rears. I cannot get a full lock turn side to side without my tires rubbing on the springs all around.

Is the main culprit of this due to the tire height, the wheel width, or the tire width?

I was thinking of going with a 33x12.50x15 TSL Radial as a replacement tire. Now, if I do can I run them on a 15x8" wheel or should I stick with 15x10"? Remember, ultimately I am trying to lessen the amount the tires rub on my springs so I would prefer to make choices that affect this as my main priority.

 

[Old Dog]

The problem is the narrow trak axles, not the lift. the narrower tires and 8" wheels will help, but may still rub. The only real answer if you instist on running 12.5 tires is wheel spacers (please don't) or a wheel with less backspacing. Or the real fix is some widetrak axles.

 

[LASTCJ786]

The best thing to do with narrow trac axles is to run 10" rims
You can fit your 35 1250's on them.

I run wide trac axles with 33"s on 8" rims on my 86.

 

[BajaEdition]

I run 33x12.5s on 8 inch rims on my 67, rub
I run them on my 70 on 10 inch rims, no rub
difference
8 inch rims have 2.5 backspacing the 10s have a 3.75
its about the backspacing

 

[BajaEdition]

this explains back spacing, offset, caliper clearance, and on and on

https://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html

 

[Kane]

No problems here on 15x10 with 33x12.50's. I did adjust the sterring stop a little bit though but after 20 years I have no issues with rub.

 

[jerseyben]

Thanks for the helpful suggestions.

I have decided to go with the recommended 15x10" wheel and 33x12.50" combo that people seem to be using with good results.

Several of you have recommended upgrading to a Wide Track setup.

I tried researching it and came up with a chart here:
Jeep Axle: Dana 44

It is still unclear to me... How can I go from a Narrow Track to Wide Track setup with a simple bolt in process without having to move spring perches, cut, or weld? Which years/models should I be looking for?

 

[BajaEdition]

the search for the holy grail

 

[Kane]

81 and up CJ7 's are the loaner vehicle you need for the wide tracks and they are a direct bolt in.

 

[Old Dog]

81 and up CJ7 's are the loaner vehicle you need for the wide tracks and they are a direct bolt in.

The Dana 30 front and AMC20 will be easy and cheap to find, if you want a 44 rear they were only made in the 86 model and only in the last half of the year, thats gona be a hard find and cost some bucks.

 

[jerseyben]

How crazy/weird/stupid would it be to run a Wide Track front Dana 30 with my Narrow Track Rear Dana 44 ?

 

[CJKrawler]

You are looking at a width difference of 4". Personally, I think that would be a huge difference and make it look bad.

 

[Old Dog]

You are looking at a width difference of 4". Personally, I think that would be a huge difference and make it look bad.

X2.

 

[jerseyben]

Ok, scratch that idea. Thanks for the info.

 

[Old Dog]

You could look for a scout 44 rear, pretty close to the same width. Or I hate to say it but, you could run some good quality wheel spacers on the rear, thats not as bad as on the front.