lhope40

This is my first Jeep project so take it easy.
Project is a 1999 xj
3.5" OME lift ordered
Napier flares ordered
I found on craigslist a set of 2006 wrangler ravines wrapped with 31x10.50x15.
From what I have read these wheels have 5.5" backspacing,owner doesn't know. And from what I've searched on this great forum is that a 4" backspace would be better.
I don't want the wheels rubbing my ca nor do I want them sticking out any further then necessary.
No spacers or adapters please.I have searched this out and still don't have a definitive answer. Help me with my confusion please.
SERIOUSLY this forum has been a great help to me. Thanks to all who participate.

NorCalJeep

5.5" backspacing is nothing. The smaller the number the more the tire sticks out.
I have 4" backspacing and my tires stick out a couple inches. Take a look at others backspacing.

CheapCherokee

those wheels have 5.5" backspacing and will more than likely rub the lower control arms with those 31s. whats wrong with spacers? throw some 1.25" spacers on the front and you would have the equivalent of 4.25" backspacing. 1.5" spacers will get you 4" of backspacing.

lhope40

I have looked at others backspacing and I guess i was looking for conformation on them rubbing the lower control arm. I've run spacers before and for me I didn't care for them.

ktmracer419

Those are the same backspacing as stock xj wheels. They are also 8" wide (like some stock xj wheels, but some stock xj wheels are also 7" wide).

10.5" wide tires on stock 8" wheels will stick out a half inch further on each side than the same tires on stock 7" wide wheels.

Plenty of people run both of those wheels with 31x10.5" tires and no wheel spacers. you will rub a little on the lower control arm at full lock, but to fix that just turn out the steering stops on the axle a little bit.

lhope40

Thanks, I knew the backspacing on the stock wheel. What I don't know(so much to learn) is what is the negative to adjusting the steering stop?

ktmracer419

well your turning radius won't be as tight, but it won't be as tight if you are rubbing on the control arms either lol. id rather the stops hit before the tire hits.

lhope40

Excuse my lack of knowledge in this arena. A stock 1999 xj has a turning radius of 17'9".
Are we talking increasing this a foot 3 feet?

ktmracer419

i don't know. I just brought them out til my tires didn't hit. it wasn't much.

I havent been on 31's in several years and i never measured.

lhope40

Ok thanks, think I'm going to buy em.