8 inch wheel 4.5 back space on a TJ

[r6less]

I was wondering if I can run a 17X8 wheel with a 4.5 backspace without having any rubbing issues? please help

[Unlimited04]

what tire size?

[r6less]

sorry, 33s

[Wheelin98TJ]

For width, they'll fit with slight rubbing when tunring full lock. If it bothers you, the steering stops can be adjusted.

For the height, you'll need 2-3" of lift, or trimmed fenders, or high clearance fenders.

[r6less]

I was planning on running a 2.5 RC and a 1.25 BL.

[CB3]

I think it'd fit great, but that's based on the fact that my LJ has a 3" lift with 15 X 8 with 4.5 BS and 33s fit great and no rub at full turns.

Now it's true that I'm running 33 X 10.5 R15, but I tested the clearance at full lock and my entire fist (the wide direction) fits between the tire and LCA at full turning lock. That's with 33 X 10.5 R15, but a whole fist worth of clearance tells me that a 33 X 12.5 would fit easily too.

Think about it. My fist (across wide direction - across back of hand) is 3" wide. So there is 3" between my JKS rounded LCA and the inside edge of tire at a full turn with 33 X 10.5 tires. A 33 X 12.5 tire would stick in only 1" more. So a 33 X 12.5 would have 2" clearance on my LJ with my 15 X 8, 4.5 BS wheels.

So I think it'd clear your LCA at full turns easily, even if you have stock LCA, though with stock LCA the clearance might be only 1", but that's plenty. The thing it might rub would be the stock front swaybar, but if so, don't worry. You will eliminate that when you put on adjustable length swaybar links to get the swaybar back to it's proper angle after lifting. This make more tire to swaybar clearance. Also, eventually you might want an aftermarket swaybar. Most aftermarket swaybars I've seen are flat and therefore increase tire clearance.

Bottom line, I think it'd easily fit, unless your Wrangler is somehow very different than mine. I like 4.5 BS the best because on an 8" wide wheel, that's zero offset. I think that improves scrub radius (compared to less BS), put less strain on wheel and wheel bearings, and you get less steering wheel jerk when one front wheel hits a bump or pothole or puddle at speed.

I think it'd fit for you just great if your 33s are 12.5 or narrower. I can't guarantee for sure if 12.5 wide 33s would clear the stock swaybar before adjusting links, but it should clear after adjusting links. Most aftermarket swaybars would have plenty of clearance.

I think your tire and wheel width combo is fine. However, why a 17" diameter wheel? I think a 15" diameter is best, or at least a 16". I wouldn't recommend a 17" wheel because the ride is rougher and traction is less. However, I do think the wheel width and BS you mentioned will clear fine, at least after adjusting swaybar links.

[CB3]

I don't think he'd even need to adjust his steer stops, or at least not much. Mostly he'd just have to adjust his swaybar links length. IMO. That's for 33 X 12.5. Though it's possible he might have to adjust steer stops a little.

If he has 33 X 10.5 or 33 X 11.5 then he should have more than enough clearance, even without adjusting steerstops or swaybar links. IMO. Though he should still adjust the swaybar links length to get better ride quality and articulation.