usmc97hd

Hello all. Been using the forum for info for a while and thought it was time to join. Lots of good info on here, although the search feature is somewhat useless! I have had several Cherokees for both DDs and trail rigs over the past 18 years. Bought my first (1992 2 door Sport 4x4) new in the fall of 1991 when i got out of the Marine Corps. Love these things. I have been without a Cherokee in the driveway for a few years until a few weeks ago. I got a deal on a 1998 4 door sport 2wd that i couldnt pass up. Picked it up from a neighbor for $700! Its a 2wd but WTH! I am planning on using it as a DD and would like to improve its looks alittle.

This brings me to my first question for the forum. Before I ask let me say "Yes I did a search". I would like to put a set of 04-06 Rubicon Moab wheels with 245/75/R16s on the Jeep. I have found several sets for sale within a few hours of me. As my Jeep is "transfer case challenged" it will NEVER see anything worse than a dirt road or grass, so flex is not an issue. Will I be able to run this wheel/tire combo without hurting my flares or fenders?

I am planning to purchase a 2" lift but really dont have time right now to install it. The Jeep has 235/75/R15's on Ecco wheels now and seems to have plenty of room to go bigger.

Thanks for any help you can give.

firstime00XJ

I THINK that 245's rub, but I'm NOT sure. Some other members can chime in, as they have had the experience. I've never seen any wheel bigger than the 235's on my XJ. Welcome to the forum, and remember, when searching, use three key words for your search topic. However, I'm sure if you put "Help Me", you would get a lot of hits...

(*~*)lost

im on moabs with 245's no rub except in flex.

(*~*)lost

only way to be sure is to measure tho or you'll rip those flares off on a small bump. just my .02

Cherockee

do a google search for "tire size calculator" and you'll find a handy tool that will help you compare tire sizes. It's good for estimating but nothing is going to be 100% accurate. Keep in mind that you'll gain 1/2" radius just in rim size alone, and then don't forget that most mud terrain tires have a deeper tread (about 19/32" compared to about 11/32 of a typical all terrain). The offset will be a bit different to, which will mostly effect the front while turning. And then to compound the problem it doesn't take much to knock off the flares on the newer model XJs.

I'd bet they'd fit, but it's possible that even with a parking lot speed bump you might run into a problem.

CAEMI

My 31's rubbed like crazy but never ripped off a flare. Chewed on them a bit but not all that bad.

djb383

Mathematically 245/75/15 is .59" taller and .39" wider than 235/75/15.

usmc97hd

Thanks for the replies. I have checked on several tire size calculators online. Im getting different answers from all of them. Anywhere from 29.5" to 32" tall! I ran 31x10.5x15's on my 92 for years with only a slight rub at full lock on factory aluminum Sport wheels. This is the first 97+ ive owned and the first 2wd. It seems that the new style flares are a bit more open and that the Jeep sits quite a bit higher than my older ones. The hieght could be due to the wieght reduction from the lack of a transfer case and related parts. I guess ill just have to wait till I pick up the new rim/tire combo and put them on and see.

djb383... Sorry for the confusion. I had a brain fart while typing last night. The tire size for the Moabs is 245/75/R16...nor 'R15.

Gee oh Dee

Stupid slow work computers.

Gee oh Dee

Not all 31's are true 31's. Depends on who makes the tire. Welcome!

usmc97hd

Lost.... I checked out your pics. That is exactly the look im after. Do you have any lift at all? Looks like they fit fine. Like I said in the OP flex wont be an issue for me.

(*~*)lost

no lift at all, zero rub but im living on borrowed time with my suspension because it is guaranteed to sag in the up coming years.

usmc97hd

Thanks Lost. That answers my question 100%. I will be bolting on the rim/tire combo as soon as I get them. When things slow down here at work in a couple months Ill install the 2" lift and call it done!