31x10.50 vs 32x11.50 tires

k1n3k

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Sep 10, 2022
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Utah
The tires on my rig are toast and I need new ones. Its pretty mild, just a 2.5" lift and wider plastic flares. No gearing. I have not had any rubbing issues, but I also don't have sway bar disconnects and want to add some as well. Will there be any rubbing with the 32s or would it just be better to drop back to 31's and go back to factory width flares once the sway bar is disconnected? I use this as a DD and weekend warrior for fireroads and desert trails. I can get it pretty twisted up through washes and such.
 
The tires on my rig are toast and I need new ones. Its pretty mild, just a 2.5" lift and wider plastic flares. No gearing. I have not had any rubbing issues, but I also don't have sway bar disconnects and want to add some as well. Will there be any rubbing with the 32s or would it just be better to drop back to 31's and go back to factory width flares once the sway bar is disconnected? I use this as a DD and weekend warrior for fireroads and desert trails. I can get it pretty twisted up through washes and such.

When you lifted it 2.5” did you cycle the suspension and add bumpstop? Usually at that lift height you need 1.5-2” bumpstop. You should be able to run 32” tire at that lift height if you have the right backspace (~4”) and correct bumpstop to keep the tire out of the fender. The flare doesn’t matter.
 
When you lifted it 2.5” did you cycle the suspension and add bumpstop?
Cycled yes but not with the wheel and tire to check clearance, I actually dropped it down from a very poorly executed 3.5 inch lift that was on it when I bought it. it had both a drop pitman arm and a drop bracket on the axle for the track bar. The bump steer was horrendous. Without any reference, I couldn't tell you what bumpstops it has, stock or otherwise.
 
You'll be fine if your bump stops are set up correctly. I had that setup several Jeeps ago.
RED JEEP (2).jpg
 
If you're still running the factory wheels 32x11.5 tires will rub their inside sidewalls pretty good. That wide of a tire requires either aftermarket wheels with less backspacing or (ugh!) spacers.
 
I ran 32x11.50 on 5.25" backspaced wheels, which is just a quarter inch farther out than stock. They rubbed the front lower control arms a little bit at full lock but a washer under the steering stops took care of it. With stock wheels you might need 2 washers.
 
I ran 32x11.50s on 15x8 wheels with 4" back spacing, a 2" BB lift and a 1" BL for many years. The only rubbing I had was on the sway bar when it was disconnected and the wheel was turned to full lock while the suspension was compressed. A very common occurrence on TJs. Still does it on my TJ even though my setup is different now.

Here is my Jeep when it was on 32s.
IMG_2684.JPG
 
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Well I went ahead and ordered a set of 5 32x11.50r15s. The fun part? when I got them, the stickers were correct, but the tires were 33x12.50r15s. All 5 of them! :mad:
So it will be another 3 weeks of driving on bald tires in the snow while I wait for the current tires to be shipped back and then the money refunded. Man I love ordering parts online.....
 
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Well I went ahead and ordered a set of 5 32x11.50r15s. The fun part? when I got them, the stickers were correct, but the tires were 33x12.50r15s. All 5 of them! :mad:
So it will be another 3 weeks of driving on bald tires in the snow while I wait for the current tires to be shipped back and then the money refunded. Man I love ordering parts online.....

You know, depending on your current setup, 33s aren't completely out of the question with some other minor mods.

Is your current 2.5" lift a spring lift?

What wheels are you running?

What is your engine/ trans combo?

What axles and gearing do you have?

Adding a 1" - 1.25" body lift may give you enough clearance to run 33s if you desire bigger tires.