[Derelict]

I'd appreciate help about tire upgrades. I'm not getting consistent stories from local offroad places and tire dealers.

I have a stock 2007 Wrangler JK and I want to move from the standard Goodyear 4 season tire to something for the offroad. Vehicle currently has a standard 17" wheel (tire size is 255/75R17) with a 7.5" wide rim, not offset. I want to get to a 33" tire; the three options for tires I'm considering are below; can you all provide any guidance or comments?

285/75R17: ORW says I need a 1.5" lift. Can I live with the current wheel that is 7.5" and has no offset?

305/70R17: local tire dealers say I need a 2-4" lift; is this extreme? I assume I can't live with the current wheel. What lift and backspace on the new offset wheel?

305/70R16: local tire dealers say I need a 2-4" lift. This seems a bit extreme. What lift and what backspacing?

Also, any recommendations on the three choices of tires? Thanks --

 

[Beastmaster]

The tires you are looking at all run pretty close to 33" on the largest one. You can run them without any lift: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f27/largest-tire-on-stock-jk-heres-your-answer-142837.html

I bought my '07 JKU and it was already lifted (2.5" only) and had 305/65R17 tires. IMO, it looked like I it had too much lift.

I put on 35s (315/70R16) last week and still have room with only the 2.5" lift.

Granted, I need to fix my lift (sagging a bit due to a cheap job by the PO) and I won't be able to articulate allot until I trim my fenders but I sure do love my Duratracs. :thumb:

 

[12JKSP]

I think 33" is your max on a no lift jeep with minor rubbing under high off road flex.
I was going to use 285/70/17 on mine but I went with stock for fuel economy and performance - 6 sp

 

[FreezerJeep]

I run a 33x12.5 MT mtz on stock Qu" Rubicon rims. Put on a teraflex leveling kit and 1.5" wheel spacers and good to go. Just another option without doing a lift.

Bryce

 

[rics1997]

Lift is not the issue for the most part. The 305's will probably need a small lift but you can run 285's with little issue unless you disconnect and off road.'

The biggest issue is they will rub while turning. The 305 is too wide for the stock offset. I ran 285/70/17's for awhile. Didn't notice them rubbing until the shop put it on a lift to put on armor. They were barely rubbing on hard turns and was wearing the inside of my tire causing tire damage. I had to add 1.5" spacers on the stock wheels to save my tires.

There are some that say they haven't seen any rubbing with 285's but most of the time they will. It depends on the tire. But 305 will definitely rub when turning

Here is were my 285's rubbed

 

[Derelict]

That is one impressive monster! Was the Army star your idea?

 

[jkjeeper06]

I'm not sure if mileage is a concern, but if it is the 285's should net you the best out of those sizes. Also if you don't think you need mid tires you could look at the duratracs or the BFG all terrain. Both are good all terrain tires