I have a 4.5" lifted XJ. At the moment, I have small tires that appear to be stock with wrangler-like rims. I am hoping on getting 31" or 32" tires without changing the rims. I'm tight on money so I'm hoping that I can get a set of 5 tires (4 on car 1 spare) somewhere around $1000. I also do not want to do any fender trimming. Since this is also my daily driver, I am looking for all-terrain tires that have good street behavior and the ability to go on some moderate trails. The type of off-roading I do is sandy dunes and dirt/mud trails. I'm not looking for a super-grip rock crawling tire or a mud tire. I have been looking at BFG tires but I don't know what to get that will fit. Any recommendations?

 

BFG All Terrains are great. When I bought my Cherokee it had 30 inch BFGs and no lift. With 4.5 inches of lift you should be able to fit up to 33s with some fender trimming and bump stops. BFG ATs are very good for snow, light trails and every day.
I'll have a set of 6 mounted and balanced 33 x 10.5 x 15 BFG MT KM2s with 95% tread for sale in about a week. I know these are not what your looking for but they would be available for under your budget. I'm moving up to 35s.

 

Look at wrangler duratracs, EXCELLENT tire that will get all around good everything (street, mud, snow, ice, rain) AND they're cheap as fuuuuuuu
You can clear 33's at 4.5 inches

 

Try to keep questions in similar threads. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/al...go-here-10579/

 

32s will fit perfectly with a 4.5 lift..

 

I'm interested in your tires! Shoot me a PM. Thanks.

 

32s will fit in most cases, but you'll still have bump stop considerations. 33s will probably require trimming as well as bump stops alterations. Keep in mind that you'll be pushing the stock 3.55 gearing (assuming you have an auto) about as much as you'd ever want to go with 31's, and 32 or 33 will rob you of some serious acceleration and uphill grade climbing ability. If you plan on changing gears, or if they have already been done (not likely with your small tires) then you're good. Otherwise, plan on another $1000 for new gears sets, install kits, and labor.

I'm about to go from a 2" lift to a 4.5" lift, and I'll be putting 31's on there.
1) This will allow me to do what I need to do without any rubbing concerns. I'll just need to add some bump stop, which is cheap with hockey pucks.
2) It will also allow me to drive around without too much lugging until I get around to putting 4.10 gears in. I already have the gears and install kits (thank you Rwk Haus), but I'll have to drive around on the 31s for a month or two before I can get that done.
3) I think 31s look good with a 4.5 " lift. I like a little wheel well space.
4) Any time I buy tires, there's a pretty good jump in price once you get past 31s.

As far as tire choice....
I've had 4 Jeeps (CJ, YJ, TJ, and now my XJ) and I've run a few different tires. BFGs are great, and they are one of the best all-around choices for street and AT trail use. That being said, I'm going to recommend Firestone Destination ATs. I'm on my second set. They are about as good as BFGs off road, but they are waaaay better on road in terms of wet pavement and ice. When I ran BFGs, I always had a bit of hydroplaning and floating that definitely puckers your butthole at times. I found that the Destinations are much better on wet roads and channeling water out form under the contact patch. They wear about as long as BFGs, are actually quieter on road, track nice and straight, and have a mildly aggressive look thanks to the tread block rolling onto the sidewalls. I know they were the highest rated AT tire on www.tirerack.com for a long time. I really don't have anything bad to say about the Destinations. They are also cheaper than the BFGs. With my lift install coming up, I just got a quote here in Dallas for 5 of the Destinations in 31x10.5-15. Tires, mounted, lifetime balance, new valve stems, and recycling charge came to $797.40. With tax (based on Dallas rates) I'm looking at $863.19 out-the-door for FIVE tires.

Here's some pics of them in the 235/75-15 size I have now, which is about a 29". Again, I have a 2" lift.







Here's another pic of another white XJ (not mine) with a 4.5 lift and 31 Duratracs.

 

Depends on the brand of the lift. A true 4.5 inch kit will allow for 33's with plenty of room to spare. I just wouldn't bother with 32's because the size is less common than a 33

 

At 4.5 - 5" lift, I still stuff and rub 31"s.
6" up-travel, 4" down. With 33's I would have to trim and adjust the travel and bumpstops.

 

Weird. I've got a bds kit, maybe it's higher than advertised, I mean, I'm surprised by how much room I have with 33s.
I rub too but not enough to prevent me from getting over obstacles

 

On my 96 the wheel wells are smaller than on 97+ models. And the mud flaps don't help.

 

Duratracs, 33x10.5's will fit perfectly, just bumpstop

 

33x12.5xr15 cooper discoverer STT. fantasic tire

 

I have 4.5 on 33x12.5x15 duratracs. Best all around tire I've ever owned(for street & trails) not that i've owned too many, but still, great tire if you DD your Jeep.

 

How much do you rub?