Unique Backspacing Question

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I have 35x10.5 Kenda Klever tires coming my way. I am using 17” JK wheels with them, which normally use a 1.25” hub conversion to restore stock rubicon backspacing. These tires will be run on 4” Currie springs for lift height. I originally planned to run a 1.25” converter since a 10.5” wide tire is close to stock, but given the tires are 35” - I was wondering if a 1.5” or 1.75” was a better option. I would like to have the smallest width converter possible (to stay under the rubicon flares) while not rubbing the front lower control arms at rub or the rear upper spring perch at articulated bump. Thanks for the help!

 

[psrivats]

You might want to play with your numbers on this website.

https://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

@Chris you should make a WTJF tool like this one

 

[TheBoogieman]

1.25".

 

[Chris]

I'm thinking 1.25" as well.

 

[sierradmax]

I think you'll need 2" spacers. JK wheels have 6" of backspacing. You can try 1.5" spacers to drop you to 4.5" effectively and use washers on steering stops.

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

I think you'll need 2" spacers. JK wheels have 6" of backspacing. You can try 1.5" spacers to drop you to 4.5" effectively and use washers on steering stops.

So a 1.25” spacer is a return to stock backspacing with a 10.5” tire on a Rubi. After doing some research I can go up to 1.5” and keep it under the Rubi flares. You think 2” is needed even though the tire is stock width? I’m assuming the 2” recommendation is more due to the 35” needing more room to move around.

 

[sierradmax]

My apologies, I see you're using the Kenda 10.5" pizza cutter. 4.5" of backspacing, in this case a 1.5" adapter, will suffice. Many here use 12.5" wide 35's with wheels having 4.5" of backspacing on TJ width axles. You might be able to get away with a 1.25" adapter without having to adjust steering stops.

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

My apologies, I see you're using the Kenda 10.5" pizza cutter. 4.5" of backspacing, in this case a 1.5" adapter, will suffice. Many here use 12.5" wide 35's with wheels having 4.5" of backspacing on TJ width axles. You might be able to get away with a 1.25" adapter without having to adjust steering stops.

Yeah it will be an experiment since I haven’t seen a single other rig doing the same. Thank you!

 

[sierradmax]

Yeah it will be an experiment since I haven’t seen a single other rig doing the same. Thank you!

Should be a great setup. I love my Klevers on my JK.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I put those tires on the GF's KJ. They still looked like new after 10,000 miles, but were loud from day one. She loved the road noise.

 

[sierradmax]

Yeah it will be an experiment since I haven’t seen a single other rig doing the same. Thank you!

So, here is something I came up with that is complete redneck ingenuity. But, it worked... I had a set of wide 35's (325/65/18) that I wanted to install on my JK (prior to the klevers on JL Rubicon wheels). The wheel I chose came in two different offsets but I couldn't find anywhere on the net if the higher positive offset would work, so I could keep the wheels tucked in as close as possible. I knew there were companies that sell wheel offset tools but they come at a steep price. Instead, I made my own out of some plywood, aluminum flat bar and aluminum angle.

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

So, here is something I came up with that is complete redneck ingenuity. But, it worked... I had a set of wide 35's (325/65/18) that I wanted to install on my JK (prior to the klevers on JL Rubicon wheels). The wheel I chose came in two different offsets but I couldn't find anywhere on the net if the higher positive offset would work, so I could keep the wheels tucked in as close as possible. I knew there were companies that sell wheel offset tools but they come at a steep price. Instead, I made my own out of some plywood, aluminum flat bar and aluminum angle.

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That’s an awesome mock up tool! Creative.

 

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Okay so I've ran the numbers and created a comparison between the tire/wheel combo I have now and the new tire/wheel combo. In the picture below you'll see my current tires (BFG KM2 315/75 16" Moabs) on the left compared to the new tires (Kenda Klever RT 35x10.5 17" Moabs). My tires currently stick out of the flares by 2" on 3.5" backspacing, while the new tires with a 1.5" adapter will be flush with the flare and give me 4.75" backspacing. I am excited and looking forward to reporting what I find.

 

[sierradmax]

My Klevers mounted to JL Rubicon wheels came out to 33.75" x 10" wide. FYI...