Hey, new the Jeep world. Just bought a’01 XJ with 265/70r17 BFG ATs. They’re mounted on 17” Raceline Avenger wheels 5x5” lug pattern with adapters. It’s got a 4” lift. The tires stick out of the fenders pretty far and rub the back of the front fenders pretty bad. I would like to keep the tires, if I could find a rim that would work with out big spacers, and not rub. I’ve searched a bit, but I’m trying to figure out what offset/ back spacing is needed. If the tires are too big I would probably sell them and downsize. Thanks for any advice.

 

I have 4 inch lift on my 01 and I can fit 31's...15 inch rim. What is diameter of your wheels? Show a picture exactly from side with the wheels straight to verify the axle is centered in the well. 2ndly...nice jeep. Mines getting pretty rusted, what state are you in and if you don't mind...about how much did you pay ballpark. I'm going to have to start looking this summer and just needed a guesstimate on what I might be looking at

 

Just checked Tire Rack...those looked like AT KO2 tread and they list them as 31.6 inch....Im running Toyo Open Country AT 3's and they list those at 30.7. So your an inch more in the well. 1/2 front and 1/2 back. Im on stock alloy rims , and don't know the backspacing but have them pushed out on 1 1/2 spacers. 5X4.5.. Your problem might be the adapters, how thick are they? Dont know how thin they can go and still get the stud conversion. I will try to get some photos tomorrow on how far they stick out and where they sit in the well. When do they rub...straight drive or hard turn and both sides or just one wheel...Details man..the devil is in the details

 

Thanks for your reply. Wheels are 17”. I would like to eliminate the need for adapters which are about 1 1/4” thick, and get rims with the correct bolt pattern. They rub when turned, not all the way. Ok driving straight.

 

Need pictures with the views like mine so we can see how it sits ..where are you located...Are you doing most of the work or paying a shop to do most of it

 

If you want to keep the stock look of the jeep.... with the stock fender flares and bumper, I would sell those 17's with the tires..... as a package deal.

And buy new (or used) 15"x8" wheels (5x4.5) and new tires... and get rid of those silly spacers.

OR, Go full out, get bushwacker flares.... trim the bumper etc.....

BUT, My in my opinion.... the Jeep looks GREAT with the stock flares and bumper.... I would not hack it up.
my $0.02

These are cheap steelies... But just an example.

 

I would like to keep the stock flares, maybe trim the front bumper corners if need be. I could buy a set of stock 16” rims for sale locally, and a set of stock 15” steel rims, not to far away. I think I’m leaning towards selling my 17” rims and tires because I’m having trouble finding a steel rim with the right offset and all. From what I’m reading, I should be able to clear a 31”x10.5 tire on a stock rim, with a 4” lift. Does that sound right?
Thanks for all the responses.

 

The reason your tires are rubbing the fenders is because of the 1 1/4" spacers, plus whatever positive offset you have with your current rims. Moving the tire away from the pivot point (ball joints) causes the tire to move in a larger arc than designed. Moving the tire inboard may improve the tire clearance with the fenders but could cause rubbing on the inside with the sway bar (if you still have one). I know this because I had tire rub on the sway bar with 265/70/15 tires on stock rims. The sway bar is round and tough so no damage was caused by the rubbing, but the noise sounds really bad and I lost turning radius. I installed 235/75/15 on a 3" lift and I have no wheel rub anywhere. The tire diameter is about 30" and I have room for a larger tire if I go to a 16" rim someday.

You may be able to use a slightly positive offset rim without spacers and run your current tires or similar size. This may put your tire in an area where it doesn't rub the fenders or sway bar and you keep the stock turning radius.

 

For Dirt: If possible, 7" wide rimes do best - these XJ's have narrow wheel wells and the 5-1/4" back spacing is best to maintain unless you want to trim the fenders. NO wheel spacers. The 135/85/r16 BFG KO2's work well with a 4" lift without trimming - they are narrow and tall at 9.3" x 31.7". A 245/75 r17 (9.6 x 31.5) may work on 7" rims with correct back-spacing. Wider tires will require timing if you wish to flex your suspension

 

Thanks for all the input. So, I found a 17x8 steelie, with 4.5” backspacing. From what andjones is saying, my 265/70r17 BFGs would probably rub. I’ve read that they will work, with a 4” lift, if I adjust the steering stops. Unfortunately, mine are very corroded.
I could buy a set of OEM 16x7 rims locally, and buy the 235/85r16 tires. Tall and slim, but should clear everything. Going that route, or even buying a set of 15” steelies, seems like less of a gamble. More tire choices, and less expensive tires with the 15” rims, I’m told.
My head is spinning a bit with all this, but thanks for all the input.