Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Wheels for 35" tires on 4.5 inch lift

Hackyman

TJ Enthusiast
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Mar 22, 2024
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Nevada
Currently planning out my lj build and have some questions.

I am looking to run 35x11.5x17 nittos, and looking at wheel options. One of the options I'm considering is the Method NV305, with its 4.75" backspace. I understand this would like rub on the control arm with a 35x12.5 tire, but does any one know how much, or if the inch narrower tire would solve this?

Second, I have savvy short arms, and a BMB 1.25" body lift. I would like to lift as little as possible to minimize driveline issues and vibrations once the tummy tuck is installed. Does anyone have experience with the 3.5 inch springs on, along with a body lift, on 35s? Will I rub a ton? Or will I need highline fenders? Is that even worth it?

Thanks!

my hunk of junk as it sits now.

IMG-20240728-WA0007.jpg
 
I can tell you what I run, and what issues I have.
I'm running a 4" spring lift and a 1.25 body lift, With 35x12.5r15's on wheels with 3.75" backspace. I have the slightest rubbing on my sway bar at full lock, but nothing serious. I have 1 washer behind each steering stop. I also rub my rear fender flares when one wheel is fully stuffed, but it doesn't get into the metal.

I'd say with the backspace and spring height you are thinking about, you're going to have to run extra bumpstop and extra spacers behind the steering stops to not have interference. If you're set on those wheels, consider wheel spacers. Lots of people run them with no issues. Heck, I ran em for a while when I had JK wheels with no problems. And if you want 35's, you're likely going to want 4" of spring lift in addition to your body lift. Thats a pretty universally accepted minimum dor 35's. You already have adjustable control arms so dialing out the vibes won't be hard, especially on an LJ.

You can definitely make it all work, it's just going to be deciding what you are willing to compromise on and what your planned use is.
 
Mine is running a 4" spring, 1.25 body, and 4" backspacing with 35x12.5r17 tires with spacers. There is light rubbing on the control arms at full steering lock which is not a problem to solve.
 
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I have a similar setup to what you are describing. I originally set up my rig to run 33x10.50r15 tires mounted on 15x8 steel wheels with 4" of back spacing. I have 1" H&R springs and JKS ACOS adjustable spacers, which I originally set at 2", Rough Country V2 aluminum monotube shocks (not the super stiff and cheap N3 shocks) a 1" M.O.R.E. body lift and a 1" motor mount lift. This setup worked well with 33s. However, I soon decided I wanted to go to 35s.

I went with 35x12.50r15s on the same 15x8 wheels and raised my spacers to 2.5" to bring my suspension up to 3.5" of lift. My shocks are actually pretty long for 1-3" lift shocks which gives them 9.25" of travel up front and 7" in the rear. My setup has them both at very close to 50/50 up and down travel. I have 1 washer on my steering bump stops and don't rub my control arms, but do occasionally rub my sway bar when disconnected at full steering lock. I have aftermarket fenders, but not highline, so they don't really offer more clearance than stock other than the fact that there are no rubber flares to rub on, which is really a non issue anyway.

I would really prefer to have 4" springs, but in order to run them, I'd need to install an SYE/drive shaft (I really want a tummy tuck too) and get longer shocks. It's going to be awhile before that happens because life dictates that I need to be frugal with my spending for awhile. I'm actually one of the lucky ones that can get away with 3.5" of suspension lift with no SYE and no vibrations.

My rig is pretty capable as I run it today, but it could be better, which is why I'm not done yet.

Oh, one more thing, as tire size goes up, factory gearing becomes more and more annoying. Don't forget about a regear if you are still on the factory ratio.

EDIT - to add picture.

This is how mine currently sits.
IMG_6023_kindlephoto-408982354.jpg
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator