Keyser_Zosig

Hello everyone I am new to this forum but have had multiple
Jeeps, Cherokees and Grand Cherokees, and currently call my 99 Hunter Green Cherokee Limited my DD. I run a 3 inch lift with 2 inch spacers on the front and have the bastard pack s-10 leaf concoction on the rear netting about 5 inches of lift. I have an adjustable trac bar installed and brand new shocks.

So, I recently mounted up my 31 in 245/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs on stock 2004 Wrangler Rubicon rims. My passenger side likes to rub the fender flare - not even at full click. I would have figured that at roughly 5 inches of lift, my 31's should clear. It seems they don't, and when the lady rides with it rubs like a ***** slow maneuvering parking lots (and shes not exactly a big girl lol).

My conundrum, go with a bigger spring or toss on some spacers? I am not taking off the fender flares, nor am I running a different rim as I think the combo looks fantastic and how Jeep should have done them from the factory. I could go with a 4.5 in spring as there is a guy selling a set cheap, but if spacers would fix the issue than I would assume go that route.

Any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Keyser_Zosig

To clarify, up front I have 2 in coil spring spacers and 3 inch rough countrys, no wheel spacers.

PocketsEmpty

You sure you're in the right forum?? LOL

Nice XJ! Wheel spacers and new lower control arms should do you good. Do you have aftermarket arms?

Keyser_Zosig

Still running the stock stamped control arms. I sort of pieced my lift together from salvage yards and craigslist and haven't run across a decent set yet.

OP_Rover

Check the classifieds there's a few guys selling LCA, if you like your rims you can go with spacers, but I know there are people who would tell you not to put spacers on your dd and go with a new set of rims with a different back spacing. Then again some people do it every day so that's your choice. I tend to side with the non spacer option but that's my .02. Your xj looks good man and welcome to the forum.

Gimpy

If you plan on off roading i suggest you do not use spacers, they can put to much strain on the lugs and cause them to fail. If you use small spacers and dont go off roading, you should be fine. I never suggest more then a 1inch spacer.

Lowrange2

Where's it rubbing on the fender? I'm assuming it rubs on the back.

Have the exact same set of tires on a 3" lift and they don't rub at all.

Maybe the extra lift you have has the axle pushed a little farther back than mine...

Schwartz131

Its most likely rubbing on the front fender flare directly behind the bumper, The lowest part of it. That's very common.

BadHabitXJ

Clean xj and I spotted an Ohio plate! Go bucks! Anyways I got a 4.5 RC on mine runnin 33's. Used to rub on the same spot as yours just a bit, I put a winch bumper on it and now there's no rubbing at all.

exjay1027

rubbing one out

sreeb

Why would this be true assuming he uses the adapter style spacers that have their own lugs?

holycaveman

I beat my spacers and my jeep to death. They work awesome. The cherokee does not have enough lug for any spacer except the ones that come with studs. We use them on one ton trucks. They are pretty bullet proof. Never a problem.

holycaveman

With spacers or anything wider you will rub more. And honestly your back end does not look anywhere close to 5in. I run 33's with 3in. But you will need to trim some and bump stop.

Also I am surprised you don't rub the stock lca's?

98cherokee531

Do you have a new track bar or relocated track bar? If one side of the axle sticks out further than the other one tire may rub more. Technically the drivers side would rub more because a to short track bar pulls the axle to the drivers side and opposite for a to long track bar.

Gimpy

I had spacers on mine, 1 inch, worked great on road, off road had major issues. Put a lot of strain on the lugs, you can fit them but think about the math, putting the weight further out on a object will cause it to be weaker with a lower breaking point.

I am sure there are ways to make it just as strong, but like i said, I dont recommend them. Now, othesr may love them, but for me, it is not worth the risk or money to do it right.