Ok, so here is my dilemma. 96 XJ. I currently have 15x8 3.75" backspace w/31x10.5 on it now. It's getting tougher to find 32x11.5 (which is what I want to go to) as well as a general lack of availability on any quality selection in tires. Was first looking to go 17x8 or 17x9, but even then, the 5x4.5 selection is limited.

So, here is what I'm thinking. 5x4.5 -> 5x5.5 (quality) wheel adapters, and then run a 17x8 or 17x9 with a higher backspace so when combined with the thickness of the wheel spacer it comes out to 4" or so.

What's everything think? Will 17x9 fit with a RE 3.5" lift? Looking to go 32's or right under 33's with 11.5 or so width tire.

 

I vote you keep your wheels and find a 32" tire that will fit them

 

Don't use spacers or adapters on a truck/SUV/4X4. They weaken the clamping force and are dangerous on a high-profile vehicle.

32X11.50R-15 are readily available from BFGoodrich, among others.

 

x2

 

Couldn't find ANY local (a buddy is actually the warehouse manager for one of the largest distributors in the midwest, and they didn't have but one in all their warehouses).

Found 4 online, so having them shipped to me. Am staying 15's and will be running 32x11.5. (Course, I was kinda looking forward to getting different wheels, LOL).

 

I am primarily a used tire dealer, but I can get new 32's all day long from 3 different, local to me, warehouses.

Unless something has drastically changed in the last 90 days or so that I don't know about.

 

This may be the case now. I had him check around the beginning of the year. He explained how the tire manufactures/factories put out tires in size batches, and if the runs don't exceed demand that there isn't an overage in stock, and thus there aren't any more of that size until the size batch is ran again. He looked through alot of their stores inventories and couldn't find anything either.

 

An old wives tail that is simply untrue.

Using a quality spacer properly installed is safe and an economically sound way to increase track width and eliminate clearance issues.