Looking to go to 35" tires once my re-gearing is complete, which will be in the next couple of weeks. 98 XJ with 6.5" RC long arm. I know everyone has an opinion, but what kind of backspacing/offset have people had good luck with on a 15" wheel? Currently I am running 33x10.5x15 BFG Mud Terrains, but looking at 35x12.5x15 Patagonia Milestars. Just need to settle on which wheel to go with. Planning to just do cheap 15x8 steelies (Pro Comp possibly?), just wondering what backspacing I should go with that gives me the best clearance. Yes, I will be cutting my fenders also, so that isn't an issue, more concerned with inner clearances. Most of what I have seen only offer specs of 3.75 and 4.5 backspacing for those wheels, but no offset specs. Any help from someone running similar setups would be appreciated.

 

I have 15x8 35x12.50 and 4" backspacing. I'd probably go with 3.75" wheels if I was to do it again. I have a little scrubbing when tucked up in, but all on rounded sheet metal no sharp edges so I'm not concerned. Bumpstops are the most important part when it comes to clearance.

 

Thank you, that was helpful. That was where I was leaning, but nice to get perspective from someone that has already done it.

 

'01 XJ-Sport i6 Auto 4wd

I plan on doing mild to moderate crawling and mudding....nothing impressive, just a little fun. So I don't need or want anything elaborate or complicated.
Goal: I think I wanna run 33"x10.5" Patagonia

Questions:
A) What is the best way to accomplish that goal ?
B) Would I be better off going with 32 or even 31"
C) A very good friend is lifting his '19 JLUR...making his OEM Rubi springs and shocks available. Would any of that be useful in accomplishing my goal (see goal, above)?

Thank you for tolerating the same question that has been asked many different ways. I did use search and I did read pages of this thread. I just eventually glazed over and figured I'd just try to ask it in as concise a manner as possible.

 

Can't say for sure that JLUR shocks and springs would work on an XJ, so I won't comment on that.

I can say if you're just horsing around and puddle jumping here and there, I would stick to 32" tires and no larger. Axles start getting a little funny after that.
Not that it helps you much, but there's a guy down the street from me who sells a set of four 265 70 17 Milestar Patagonia MT tires for $569. I may look into those after my BFG MTs wear out.

 

MUCH appreciated insight. Thank you.

 

Hey I’m planning on lifting my 98 cherokee 3 inches. Now i know if you lift it too high you need a long arm kit. And some people I’ve talked to say to do it. But do you need a 3 inch long arm kit or can i just get a regular 3 inch lift?

 

3 inch all you need is a regular kit , I do suggest a 1 to 1 1/4 inch transfer case drop (you can make that out of spacers and longer bolts or buy one for $20 or less on e-Bay ) Check liftkitsforless.com
here are two kits for your model
Full kit w/leafs
https://liftkits4less.com/zone-offro...r-leaf-springs
kit with add a leaf
https://liftkits4less.com/zone-offro...nsion-lift-kit

 

thank you! This is what i needed!

 

Putting a small lift together on paper and I'm looking for a better shackle. Going with the OME 2.5" lift (3rd spring removed). When purchased, the XJ came with Crown springs and Quadratec HD shocks. The rear is lifted 19" from center of wheel to bottom of stock fender flare. The shackle angle is 90 degrees. The ride is extremely stiff even after a year of DD'ing.


I'm looking for a greaseable shackle that wont net any additional lift over the 2.5" the new OME springs are going to produce. I'm thinking a boomerang shackle might be needed? I've heard OME springs are designed to work correctly with a stock shackle but I haven't seen any evidence of this and don't want to risk having to pull everything apart again.

Thank you.

 

Have a 96 xj with front and rear lockers skid plates winch 4.5 lift I’ve hit really narly stuff with 31’s I wheel a lot can weld cut/fab just don’t want to now I’m getting prepared for the rubicon this summer have spare axel shafts front and rear and drivelines new and used tie rod ends and tie rod ball joints pretty much every thing that can get hit in the front 😂 I’ve never hit this trail before. So anyways just curious how much will 33’s rub and limit flex without cutting will probably cut later or switch back to 31’s so don’t care about tires only reason I’m asking is cus people recommend the smallest tire to be 33. Sorry about my wording I have never written on any kind of forum ever and have altot on my mind😂

 

Trimmed the plastic flares themselves and the first little lip off the metal fender (just up to where the bracket was). One flare is missing because it blew off on the highway and the other I hit a cone with and knocked it off. But just trimming the plastic flares and proper bumpstops it fit and flexed well, but I went to 35s shortly after.

 

thank you sir was just curious how much it would eliminate flex and if so how much I should cut cus everybody says something different. Picture says a thousand words though thank you

 

Broke the shackle bolt off while trying to take the old leaf springs off, and now it's stuck in the frame. Anyone have any good ideas on how to get it out? I really don't want to have to drop the gas tank again and drill through the other side...

 

Nevermind on this, there's an overwhelming amount of material on this forum and on youtube about fixes. I had no idea this was so common.