Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

31" tires on a TJ: do I need a lift?

Hi all,

I bought a 2004 Wrangler Sahara about 2 years ago and the tire tread has really worn down. I'm looking to replace these with Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. The Jeep currently has mud tires on them, measuring 31X10.50R15LT. I've been reading a few forum posts and most people recommend getting some kind of lift for 31" tires. I'm pretty sure the previous owner did not do that, so I'm looking for advice on what to do.

Nice wheels. Lifts are overrated. ;)

zone lift 1 (2017_11_20 00_38_12 UTC).jpg
 
Just get stock size tires and everything works how it is supposed to. Why bother messing around with a tire that's hardly any bigger?
 
You're certain of that? I had always heard and read everything on the Rubicon's front Dana 44 outside of the pumpkin was the same as a Dana 30. I never noticed any difference at the spring perch personally.

I can't speak for others but that's how it was on my Rubi. I've never seen any other Rubicons up close in person. This is the best picture I can find that I took. Ignore the massive 2.5 inches bump stop on the upper cup. No differences on the Rubi 44 rear as far as bumpstop is concerned.

20230723_141153.jpg
 
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p.s. Keep in mind that even some 30" tires will rub at full turn, if they have a more aggressive tread pattern that sticks out a bit from the top of the sidewall. My 30" BFG KO2s rub at full turn on my stock 97 SE with OEM "Ravine" wheels.
 
Not always. Tall spacers yes, small like a 1" not so much.

Given a stock suspension’s 8” of travel with a 50/50 bias, a 1” spacer shifts you to 5” up / 3” down, or a 62.5/37.5 bias ratio. It also does nothing to keep the tires out of the fender at full compression, if that’s an issue with no lift.

Similarly, a 2” spacer results in a 75/25 travel bias.

My remark was based on the idea that to accommodate the spacers and maintain a 50/50 bias, one must add an equal size bump stop spacer and adjust the shock travel with spacers or stem extensions to keep everything in sync. (Or change the shocks accordingly.)
 
The spacers also create more problems than they solve.
hardly.this scenario isn't about rock crawling

Given a stock suspension’s 8” of travel with a 50/50 bias, a 1” spacer shifts you to 5” up / 3” down, or a 62.5/37.5 bias ratio. It also does nothing to keep the tires out of the fender at full compression, if that’s an issue with no lift.

Similarly, a 2” spacer results in a 75/25 travel bias.

My remark was based on the idea that to accommodate the spacers and maintain a 50/50 bias, one must add an equal size bump stop spacer and adjust the shock travel with spacers or stem extensions to keep everything in sync. (Or change the shocks accordingly.)

What relevance does any of that have to someone on 31s and some small spacers? Theres no way I'd buy 1" lift coils over a simple spacer.if necessary some lift shocks can be had.

Take jjvw out of your mouth.you're doing a poor job of parroting him 🤣
 
hardly.this scenario isn't about rock crawling



What relevance does any of that have to someone on 31s and some small spacers? Theres no way I'd buy 1" lift coils over a simple spacer.if necessary some lift shocks can be had.

Take jjvw out of your mouth.you're doing a poor job of parroting him 🤣

Lift coils by themselves will have the same result. I can tell you’re not big on logic.

You’re better off with 31s and stock suspension than 31s and 1” coils or springs and no other changes.
 
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Lift coils by themselves will have the same result. I can tell you’re not big on logic.

You’re better off with 31s and stock suspension than 31s and 1” coils or springs and no other changes.

You're arguing against a point no one is making.That isn't logical.Thank you for quoting my post and trying to make it into an assertion that all you need is spacers.

I know you're still butthurt about the old man emu shocks and wanted to single me out. Save the internet crusader routine for someone else.
 
Given a stock suspension’s 8” of travel with a 50/50 bias, a 1” spacer shifts you to 5” up / 3” down, or a 62.5/37.5 bias ratio. It also does nothing to keep the tires out of the fender at full compression, if that’s an issue with no lift.

Similarly, a 2” spacer results in a 75/25 travel bias.

My remark was based on the idea that to accommodate the spacers and maintain a 50/50 bias, one must add an equal size bump stop spacer and adjust the shock travel with spacers or stem extensions to keep everything in sync. (Or change the shocks accordingly.)

Ya kinda got that wrong... spacers will not add or diminish travel, they only add more overall height, just like a body lift. Spacers will not affect the travel bias of the spring...
 
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Ya kinda got that wrong... spacers will not add or diminish travel, they only add more overall height, just like a body lift. Spacers will not affect the travel bias of the spring...

Travel is fixed by the limitations of the shock, it’s extended and closed lengths. And adding a spacer changes where in that range the resting point is. But it doesn’t change where the shock stops down or up travel.

You're arguing against a point no one is making.That isn't logical.Thank you for quoting my post and trying to make it into an assertion that all you need is spacers.

I know you're still butthurt about the old man emu shocks and wanted to single me out. Save the internet crusader routine for someone else.

Damn, you figured me out. I didn’t see you recommend he install different shocks, was that in your response somewhere?
 
No one is suggesting the use of spacers without taking into consideration all the other factors. When I did a 1.25 inch spacer lift on my TJ, I also used longer travel shocks and made sure they weren't over compressing. Spring spacers are kind of a godsend if you think about it for people who just need to increase their lift by a small amount and they don't want to play around with different coil springs. Yes, the spacer doesn't flex like a coil will, but that comes in handy because you know exactly what ride height you're getting from them.
 
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You're certain of that? I had always heard and read everything on the Rubicon's front Dana 44 outside of the pumpkin was the same as a Dana 30. I never noticed any difference at the spring perch personally.

Pretty certain after drilling out my Dana 30 for bumps, then later helping my buddy drilling out out his Rubi Dana 44. But hey, consistently with Jeeps is a grab bag at best.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator