Lift or no lift? New wheels or are stock ones OK?

[CA Steve]

Hi all, I just joined the forum and this is my first attempt so bare with me. I have a 2020 JT Rubicon Launch Addition which I absolutely love. I've added a Bestop, Lights and Warn winch. Now its tire and wheel time but I need some solid advice. After talking to several local suppliers and surfing the net I'm more confused. Several questions...can I just mount 35x12.5x17 tires on the stock rims? Some people say no, that the 7.5 inch wide wheels are to narrow. Others say no problem as long as you don't air down below 15lbs. Some also say I would need wheel spacers if I don't lift it. On that subject, do I need a lift to put on the 35's? If so, what kind of lift should I get? I'm told I could do spacers that would allow the retention of the stock shocks and springs. Others say I need something like the 2" Mopar lift, still others say the stock factory Rubicon lift is fine? Help

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[BLK HOLE]

Mine...37x12.5x17, stock wheels. Stock wheels are fine.

Wheel spacers mean zip when it comes to a lift. They come into play when turning and its not needed. With 35s you don't need a lift unless you want one...so any size lift works. After that its budget and application.

 

[CA Steve]

Thanks, The spacers came up from one tech who said I might need additional track width for turning

 

[aldo98229]

Welcome to the forum.

Tire manufacturers and tire retailers recommend that tires that are 12.5 inches across be mounted on wheels that are at least 8.5 inches wide.

This being a free world, we are free to do whatever we want as long as we are happy to live with the consequences. I had 35x12.5 tires on my 2012 JKUR without issue. But I sold that Jeep when it turned 25,000 miles.

BTW, some retailers, like Discount Tire, will refuse to mount 12.5 wide tires on rims that do not meet tire manufacturer requirements.

 

[BLK HOLE]

Thanks, The spacers came up from one tech who said I might need additional track width for turning

For 35s not at all. Some 37s might touch the back of the front control arms when turning...nothing major. Can leave it or add spacers. But for 35s...nope. JTR's are built, literally, to accept 35s stock from the factory.

 

[bolingde]

Mine...37x12.5x17, stock wheels. Stock wheels are fine.

Wheel spacers mean zip when it comes to a lift. They come into play when turning and its not needed. With 35s you don't need a lift unless you want one...so any size lift works. After that its budget and application.

What about Overland's 18 inch wheels, would that make any differences on needing a lift or not?

 

[BLK HOLE]

What about Overland's 18 inch wheels, would that make any differences on needing a lift or not?

35s are 35s with out without larger wheels. So that makes no difference.

That said...Overlands do not have the the Rubicon Highline Fenders...so while you're perfectly fine adding 35s stock...for driving. Wheeling you'll feel some rub. on the bottom of the fenders at flex.

 

[aldo98229]

BTW, you can buy factory-looking wheels with the correct width and backspacing to mount 35+ tires. That way you don’t have to worry about spacers or tire fitment.
https://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_wheels/alloy_wheels?f[0]=sm_field_brand:taxonomy_term:13

You should be able to resell your factory Rubicon wheels and tires relatively easily for ~ $1,000, depending on condition.

 

[CerOf]

Use your stock Rubicon wheels. With 35” tires you’re perfectly fine.

No lift needed for Rubicon.

I’m on stock wheels, 35x12.5R17 Duratracs.
No issues what-so-ever.

The more narrow rim will hold a bead BETTER than a wider rim.

Discount Tire had ZERO issues putting these tires on the stock rims. I have zero issues running them.

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