I am a newbie to Jeeps (and this forum). I just bought a 2001 Cherokee Sport and want to change out the 235/75/R15 tires and the 15" rusty steel rims that are on it now. I found some nice alloy rims that I want to buy and am wondering if I can fit these tires on it without rubbing. The new tire size is 265/75/R16 and of course the rims are 16". I do not have any lift on my Jeep.

 

Nope!
They will rub with out a lift or cutting the fenders. The largest you can go is 235/75 even a 235/75 16.

 

Could I get by with a budget 2" lift? Or should I just go ahead and do 3"? I don't ever plan to go offroad.

 

265/75r16 should be around 31.64 inches in diameter, so plan accordingly.

 

A 2" leveling kit should be enough for that. A 3" lift kit will look nicer, though