[Willis]

Hello everybody:

I just bought a '95 YJ with a four cylinder engine. The jeep has 31x10.5 tires and some really serious negative offset rims (-12 per tire guy..whatever that means). My concern is that the tires are really out wide and I feel that must be putting some type of strain on the differential or bearings or something (differential does have a leak per Jeep shop). But I am not getting consistant advice on the rim situation.

You guys are experts, so, should I get rid of the rims and go with something standard (no offset)? If so, will the tires rub?

Please let me know. I love this forum but am obviously not very knowlegeable about these matters.

Best regards,
Willis

 

[justin_92_92]

Hello,
I ran 31x10.5 on my AR rims but cant remember the offset. It was really close to stock though. My rubbing came from sagging and the fender flares would rub a slight bit.

 

[Dare2BSquare]

This looks very familiar..................................

 

[Willis]

That is reassuring...maybe I am not the only jeep moron out here.

 

[Dare2BSquare]

Um, I was talking about the thread. Didn't you post it in G D, too?

 

[Willis]

OK, so I am the only jeep moron out there. Yes, I posted over there as well since I was not getting much feedback here. I hope that is not a "no-no? If so, I promise that I won't do it again.

 

[spearhunter_1]

Doesn't seem like anyone's in a rush to answer your question, so I'll try. The term "negative offset" rims means that the mounting surface inside the wheel is inside the centerline of the wheel. It puts more wheel and tire toward the outside of the fenders. The opposite being "positive offset", which means the mounting surface is outside the centerline of the wheel, hence, puts more wheel and tire under the fender. Stock Jeep wheels are positive offset and with no lift on a YJ, 31x10.50's will rub. Especially with sagging, stock springs.
Your diff leak, however, is most likely NOT due to your neg. offset wheels. If the wheels WERE causing too much strain on the axle bearings and seals, it would leak out through the outboard ends of the axle tubes. Because Wranglers are so light, I don't think this is a real concern, however. I've had neg. offset rims and 31's on my Jeep for a couple years and haven't had a problem.

 

[Willis]

Thanks for the feedback. Your experience with the rims and same tires is reassuring. I have decided not to worry and just enjoy it.