Hi everyone,
Recently I bought some super cheap wrangler duratracs, 31x10.5 on 15x9 inch rims. Because I was sort of stupid, I didn't notice that two of the tires are pretty destroyed (most of the purchase went down online, and the guy provided no pictures of the damage). Dryrot, sidewall scrapes, uneven tread, etc. The other two are good but have a small amount of dry rot.

My plan was to run them, see if I like 31s, and If I did, I would get the two replaced, and if not, I would sell them again (they were $200 and I think I could get close to that even with the damage).

I just finished testing the flex etc. They rub slightly on the LCAs, which I knew. But, because of the 15x9 (I think), they also rub pretty bad on the fenders at bumpstop. (see pics). I have longer bumpstops to run JK shocks so that helps. The back is fixable with some small amount of trimming, and I would be able to retain stock flares, which is my goal. But, the front is pretty bad, and that was with the wheel straight, I think it would be even worse with it turned. It already popped off 2 stock flares.

Also, the front only rubs bad with the swaybars disconnected.

So, that's the situation, and I am really lost for what to do. I am running 235/75s right now but they are gonna be bald soon and I need good tires for driving down the mountain to school in the winter. I am on a high school budget. I like 31s and I know you can run them without cutting, so I think it must be the rim width that is causing me trouble. I would really appreciate if anyone has experience with a similar situation or can give me some advice. Thanks!!

 

Without trimming, you wont fit them on a 2 inch lift...ask me how i know lol

 

are you talking about 31s or 31s on 15x9? Because it looks like you could get 31s to tuck with the right width/ BS combo. I may be wrong tho

 

Im talking strictly 31s....i work at a tire shop with access ro all differrent wheels and backspacing....31s wouldnt fit without trimmingx bumpstopping excessively, and adjusting the turn stops. Didnt want to sacrafice all that...stuck with 235s and have never regretted it....you need a minimum of 3 inch lift to run 31s without issues

 

Ok. Thanks for the advice, I'll probably try to sell them then. Idk why people online are saying that they can run 31s without rubbing then? maybe with swaybars connected?

 

like i said you can, but with some mods....cant just slap them on and go.

 

Exactly right. The key here is useage. A mall crawler with its swaybars in place can cram big tires with minimal lift. A jeep thats actually, you know, used like a jeep... needs to be able to articulate it's suspension.

No amount of backspacing magic is gonna change the fact that there just isnt enough space between your jeep and your tires.

If you can round up a set of 15x8s, 30x9.5 tires will give you more tire than the 235s, without so much rubbing at your lift height.

 

I ran 30x9.50's for a longtime on stock wheels with no issues at all. I think there were 1 inch spacers under the front coils and shackles on the rear. Junk suspension I know but it worked until I could get a real lift put together.

Happy Jeepin'
TexasTaz38

 

Ok thanks. I guess I'll look for some 30s or really aggressive 235s