Tire Chain Clearance On Stock Wheels?

[Halfstock]

Alright, I've searched and found little to nothing on the subject.

OEM Gambler wheels on my '98 TJ with 31x10.50R15's 2.5" OME lift, and inside rear tire clearance is less than an inch. It has posed no problems so far, (jeep was new to me in February, lift & mods all spring and summer), but there's no way a set of chains will fit on the rear as set up.

I have two different sets of 31x10.50's mounted on stock wheels, so I really had hoped to keep them.

Are spacers a safe, or reliable proposition to gain clearance for chains? Last spacers I used were in the late 70's, and they were a nightmare with the old Craigar slotted mag wheels...not a scenario I care to revisit.

What does everybody else do in this situation? I'm looking for options.

 

[pagrey]

Spacers are safe, many people use them. Don't have enough experience with chains or cables myself to offer anything else useful.

 

[jjvw]

For the rear, the tight spot for chains is between the inner sidewall and the upper spring seat. On the front, it will be the inner sidewall and the lower control arm or the sway bar at full steering lock.

Spacers will help with both ends. Adding washers to the steering stops is another way to address the front.

 

[Steel City 06]

I recommend looking for quality spacers versus the cheap import stuff on Amazon. The cheap stuff can work okay, but can be questionable and is usually harder to set up because they are lug centric.

I recommend Spidertrax spacers, as they are hub centric both where they mount to the wheel and to the axle. This reduces the chances of mounting/centering issues when installing the spacers or the wheels.

They are also made in the US.

http://www.spidertrax.com/products/1997-06-Wrangler-TJ
I am running these on stock 16x8 wheels and 35" tires without any issues.

 

[Halfstock]

I recommend looking for quality spacers versus the cheap import stuff on Amazon. The cheap stuff can work okay, but can be questionable and is usually harder to set up because they are lug centric.

I recommend Spidertrax spacers, as they are hub centric both where they mount to the wheel and to the axle. This reduces the chances of mounting/centering issues when installing the spacers or the wheels.

They are also made in the US.

http://www.spidertrax.com/products/1997-06-Wrangler-TJ
I am running these on stock 16x8 wheels and 35" tires without any issues.

So, spacers on all 4 corners so tracking width is the same?

Any DOT issues, or Insurance liability issues should the jeep ever be involved in an accident? I'm only asking because we live in a litigating society, and the use of spacers is new to me...(aside from my slot-mag debacle in the 70's)

 

[Steel City 06]

So, spacers on all 4 corners so tracking width is the same?

Any DOT issues, or Insurance liability issues should the jeep ever be involved in an accident? I'm only asking because we live in a litigating society, and the use of spacers is new to me...(aside from my slot-mag debacle in the 70's)

It depends on the laws of your state. Personally, I'm not worried. PA state law states that "Spacers or similar devices thicker than 1/4 inch may not be installed to increase wheel track." However, many techs interpret that as applicable to the sheet/plate metal spacers that sandwich between the wheels and the hub, not the hub adapter style. The issue with the plate metal spacers is that they reduce the amount of thread engagement on the wheel studs, thus increasing the risk of stud failure. Hub adapter style spacers do not have that issue, and if properly made and installed, are no different than running a wheel with less backspacing, which is not disallowed under state law, as long as the tire tread remains covered.

 

[pagrey]

Any DOT issues, or Insurance liability issues should the jeep ever be involved in an accident? I'm only asking because we live in a litigating society, and the use of spacers is new to me...(aside from my slot-mag debacle in the 70's)

They are exactly as legal and safe as your front bumper.

 

[Halfstock]

They are exactly as legal and safe as your front bumper.

I guess that sums it up into a nice convoluted dilemma...of my own making I hate to admit!