Hi,
im planning on lifting my 97 xj 4wd country.
i want a 4.5 inch lift with 33s.
i was wondering if anyone could help me with the specific rim and tires sizes so i can order them. also if you have a similar setup a list of what you installed would be helpful, thanks.

 

15 and 16 inch are the most common sizes as far as rims go. I run 33x12.5x15 on 15x8 wheels with 4 inch backspacing. At 4.5 inches I have adjustable upper and lower control arms, adjustable trackbar, full leaf packs and shackles, extended lines, shocks, Springs etc. I had fine clearance for 33s now that my fenders are cut I can fit 35s. 16s or 17s for rims are nice because it gives you the right clearance for the wj knuckle swap for bigger calipers and brakes. I know that's not what you're asking but it's something to keep in mind if you're interested down the road.

 

^^ That's it right there... I like 15" rims/tires, it seems to be a bit cheaper too. although, in saying that, I wanted to do the WJ knuckle swap now and I think I may have some issues with clearance.....

 

thanks do you have an SYE? and how much did your lift in total cost?

 

i want these rims in the 18x9 can i put the 33s with the 12.5 width on these?


http://www.fueloffroad.com/wheel.cfm?id=2568

 

Yeah, but you wont be able to air down much at all without popping a bead, yet alone it getting easily damaged. I advise against anything larger than a 16" for a 33 inch tall tire. If this is going to be used for anything other than driving down a dirt road or mud hole. Or is this just a mall crawler build? If not stay away for that large of wheel.

 

If he wants those wheels
I don't think he is going to be offroading anyway.

 

I would recommend 16" rims with a good bit of backspacing. There are way more tires available for 16" rims and like others have mentioned, you can fit disks under them etc.

If you are just building it up for looks then by all means throw some big rims on there. 18s aren't all that bad but you should look at the difference in tire price. Like already mentioned, airing down can become an issue for you (unless you get large beadlocks) and with less rubber between a rock/your rim, you have a great chance of damaging said rims.

Nothing wrong with building it for looks but if you do plan on wheeling it, there are more factors you should take into account.

 

I run a 4 1/2" lift with 33x12:50x15's tire. I researched this for some time before deciding on a 15" rim main reasons choice of tires offered and the cost factor involved going with 16" and up wheels.

My wheels are the Cragar Soft Eights with 3 3/4" of BS but you can go up to 4" max if you wish.

I did install an SYE when I went from 3" to 4 1/2"'s along with shims on the differential and HD Adj. U/LCA's also for the front with a Dbl. Shear Track Bar. You will find out exactly what is required as soon as you lift it but most of these needed to be done on mine.

 

I run an sye with a front drive shaft. My kit was around 2200 not including sye and drivesshaft

 

Check my build thread out. I have a 4.5'' lift with 33x12.50x15. Tires are 15x8 with 3.75 backspacing. Remember to order center caps as most steel wheels don't come with them. Could not turn all the way with 33's until i trimmed.

 

A possible alternative to the WJ knuckle swap is just to upgrade your stock components. I put PowerStop drilled and slotted rotors and high quality pads on mine, had a full brake system flush done, and the difference was pretty substantial. Felt like a different vehicle. The parts were about $150, and after 16 years, the flush needed to be done whether I upgraded the brake parts or not. Once my lift goes on, the 16 year old factory rubber lines will be replaced with extended stainless braided lines, which should help with brake peddle feel even more.

 

If when doing a brake job and doing the pads and shoes have a look at "Hawk" pads they are making then now for the XJ's but I have them for racing apps for many years both Dirt Track and Drag Racing.