TJ 15x8 4.0" backspace with 31x12.5" tire?

Hocky · 03-05-2009, 01:20 PM

I have a set of 31x12.5" TSL Bogger tires and I am looking to order a second set of wheels for them. My TJ has about 3.5" of lift on it. Can I get away with a 15x8" 4.0" backspace wheel with this tire combo? Cragar soft 8's are super cheap and available in this size.

Yes, I searched, and I failed. Any input would be appreciated.

jeep95xj · 03-05-2009, 01:33 PM

id go 15x10 with a 3.75 back spacing. Boggers are over sized and wider than they actually state they are. They are also a super heavy tire. before you use them make sure your bearings and joints are all in great shape. Also dont even bother trying to balance them. You cant

Hocky · 03-05-2009, 01:40 PM

No argument, but I want to be a cheap ***. Can what I posted in the OP work? haha

Hocky · 03-05-2009, 02:00 PM

Looks like I can get a set around the same price with a 3.75" backspace... would that be preferable?

edit: After digging through some more searches, it looks like this is the route that I want to go.

**CB3** · 03-05-2009, 05:40 PM

Well, I won't swear to it, but I'm pretty sure that you could safely go with 15 X 8 with 4" BS for that 31 X 12.5 tire.

I'm using a 15 X 8 with 4.5 BS with a 33 X 10.5 tire and it fits great. My tire is 2" taller, but 2" narrower. So really that should be the same clearance issues and fit for a 33 X 10.5 as for a 31 X 12.5 with regard to rubbing swaybar or LCA during turning. I have full lock to lock turning without rubbing (though I do have round JKS LCAs) and I did NOT have to adjust steer stops to get it. Turns on a dime.

I think that a 15 X 8 wheel with 4.5 BS with your 31 X 12.5 tire would give you the same great fit that I get with my 15 X 8 wheel with 4.5 BS with my 33 X 10.5 tire. So a 15 X 8 with 4 BS should give you extra clearance, IMO. Also, 4" BS would give less bumpsteer and puddle pull than 3.75" would. i.e. - I think that 4" would actually be preferable over 3.75", IMO. 4.5" BS would be even better yet, if you have round LCAs, a bit of lift, and your front swaybar links adjusted properly for the lift.

P.S. - I have 3" lift, round LCAs, and my swaybar adjusted with adjustable links, all of which increases my tire clearance enough to allow me to do great with 15 X 8 with 4.5 BS and 33 X 10.5 R15 tires with full turning radius. If you had those advantages going for you, I think you could use 4.5 BS and love it. If you have some of those going for you, I think you could use 4" BS. If you have none of those, then you might need 3.75" BS.