33s on 3" lift
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 1
From: Papillion, NE
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I just ran into the opportunity to make this happen this weekend, and came running right here to ask whether it would work or not.
General consensus was that you're going to be rubbing if you don't trim.
I missed out on a pretty decent sale, but didn't think I was ready to start cutting early just to save a hundred bucks or so.
General consensus was that you're going to be rubbing if you don't trim.
I missed out on a pretty decent sale, but didn't think I was ready to start cutting early just to save a hundred bucks or so.
4.5 will clear 33s OK...My general rule of thumb is anything over a 31" tire needs to have some trimming in order to fit completely in the wheel well.
Even with 4.5" You will most likely rub the front of the flare/bumper
Even with 4.5" You will most likely rub the front of the flare/bumper
Seasoned Member

Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 452
Likes: 3
From: Duluth, MN
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
I rubbed my 33's at full turn or on any off camber situations on 4.5 before I trimmed, so yes you will need to trim.
Trimming isn't as bad as what you would think, just take your time and mark where you want your cuts with tape and it will turn out good. I personally used an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel and then used a sanding wheel to smoothen everything off and it turned out great.
Trimming isn't as bad as what you would think, just take your time and mark where you want your cuts with tape and it will turn out good. I personally used an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel and then used a sanding wheel to smoothen everything off and it turned out great.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Wabash, IN
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
I don't have a problem with cutting my fenders but I owe my dad on the Jeep and he told me i can start cutting fender and what not when i get him paid back...
Only 17 and I'm already $3,000 in debt... ITS A JEEP THING
Only 17 and I'm already $3,000 in debt... ITS A JEEP THING
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,104
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio, TX
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Wabash, IN
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
Well I'm in need of new tires and found 4 33x12.50 BFgoodrich All-terrain KOs with 85% tread on craigslist for $150. So maybe if I bought he might consider letting me cut the fenders.
Seasoned Member

Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 452
Likes: 3
From: Duluth, MN
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Just tell him you can go get fenders from a junkyard for cheap if you ever have to resort to selling the vehicle.
CF Veteran




Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 357
From: Andover, VT
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
33s on a 3" lift won't work without trimming. Talk to him about it, tell him what you're trying to do. Maybe he'd even help you with it. Just DO NOT cut past the pinch welds on the back.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 457
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have a Rough Country 3inch lift on my '91, i ran a set of goodyear mtr 33x12.50's for about a week and they rubbed so much it actually made my rig less capable. I ended up getting stuck in a dry riverbed by my house because the right front and left rear tire were shoved up in the fenders so hard i couldn't move. And i have trimmed my fenders. lol So i would not run 33's unless you have at least a 4.5 inch lift. OR you don't plan on doing much wheelin'.




