Advice Needed on 31's and Coil Spring Spacers

[glwood]

You guys are killing me with those photos! I'd love to get a more aggressive set of tires for my Rubicon, and now you've got me seriously considering going back to the stock 245/75-16 size with the OME lift I currently have. Not only do you gain more room in the wheel well, which really looks good, there is a bit more performance gain, if only a bit. The way mine sits, there just doesn't seem like quite enough room for 32" tires, and I have no desire for a body lift or more suspension height.

This illustrates my point. First photo is a co-worker's TJ with a 2" spacer lift, and 31" BFG KO2 (not the best angle, but you get the idea), and the second photo is my Rubi with the OME lift & 32" tires:

Mine's ok, really, but I would prefer a little more room in the wheel well...

 

[CodaMan]

...Mine's ok, really, but I would prefer a little more room in the wheel well...

Why not just add a 1.25" body lift?

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=171473956826

 

[Chris]

Let's not forget that driver skill is what makes the biggest difference off-road.

 

[JMT]

This illustrates my point. First photo is a co-worker's TJ with a 2" spacer lift, and 31" BFG KO2 (not the best angle, but you get the idea), and the second photo is my Rubi with the OME lift & 32" tires:View attachment 12603 View attachment 12604
Mine's ok, really, but I would prefer a little more room in the wheel well...

I see what you're saying. Maybe just some wheels with less backspacing, say 3 5/8"-4". That will make your tires stick out further and it will free up some room in your wheel well (not up and down, but it will look more spacious). The BL idea would help too...

 

[CodaMan]

...will make your tires stick out further and it will free up some room in your wheel well (not up and down, but it will look more spacious). The BL idea would help too...

Another option would be 1" wheel spacers. I know that some opinions are they are not safe, but I have run them for years and know others that have also. In fact, I think one of the magazines did a whole article on them and determined that they were safe.

As longs as you use good quality spacers, install them properly and perform the routine maintenance, they are a great way to change the looks of larger tires on stock wheels.

 

[JMT]

Metalcloaks would really open up the wheel wells! I keep thinking of getting some myself.

2.5" OME, METALCLOAKS, tummy tuck, 31's or 33's would look and perform awesome

 

[Chris]

I'm one of the few guys who loves the look of the stock fender flares. I personally don't care for the Metalcloak fenders or similar. However, I have seen them look good on the right TJ!

 

[bobthetj03]

I'm one of the few guys who loves the look of the stock fender flares. I personally don't care for the Metalcloak fenders or similar. However, I have seen them look good on the right TJ!

I like the stock look as well Chris. I'll sacrifice a little uptravel to keep the factory fenders on.

 

[Chris]

I like the stock look as well Chris. I'll sacrifice a little uptravel to keep the factory fenders on.

Yep, I do the same thing. I sacrifice some up-travel, but it doesn't matter much since I'm not doing any major rock crawling. If that was the case, then I would have to ditch the stock fenders I suspect.

What about you @Jerry Bransford, are you able to get away with the stock fenders with the stuff you guys do down there?

 

[UpperMI]

I'm one of the few guys who loves the look of the stock fender flares. I personally don't care for the Metalcloak fenders or similar. However, I have seen them look good on the right TJ!

I agree 100% with this. Like yourself, I don't rock crawl so stuffing a tire isn't a concern of mine. I love the stock fenders and flares.

 

[Phil Younger]

Thanks for the advice! Where you'd grow up? Around Bedford or Mitchell, maybe? Trying to think what other places would be about 20 mins south of Btown.

On a farm 6 miles east of Bedford just 1 mile north of US 50 at a tiny 'berg named Erie. Also farmed along US 50 and my sister still lives there. Where are you able to off-road in S. IN?
I too like and kept the stock flares and fenders- I will eventually lift 2" rather than change 'em and that is all I need to do trails like Imogene, Black Bear and the like in CO. I am not into winching my way thru anywhere.
Let us know how it works out- i am curious how your wider tires will do with rubbing on the front axle.

 

[CMTJ]

I second the notion on the Zone 1.75 lift and it comes with shocks. I was stock suspension on 31's with NO rubbing any where. I wanted just a little boost and not have to get into the hassle of upgrading drive shafts and and any other parts. The ride is a great improvement still with the 31's and don't regret any of it.