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Forum newbie needs advice on LT245R17 on stock 2008 WK

2K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  onlyone 
#1 ·
Apologies in advance - I'm new to the forum and might very well be asking a question that has already been beaten to death. Searching the forum found some information about this - but I didn't see anything that exactly matched my problem.....

I have a 2008 Grand Cherokee with the stock Goodyear Fortera HL P245/65R/17 tires. Rims and suspension are all stock. The tires have worked well, but I've had a few problems with punctures and they are worn (96,000 km on the vehicle).

I'd like to replace and upgrade the tires, and need some advice on fitment - have seen a few folks on the forum that have upgraded tires and there is some mention of cutting bolts, fender liner mods, etc. and I'd like to know what I'm getting into!

The tires I'm looking at are the new Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar. I tow a camper trailer, drive a bit on rough gravel roads and needed the snow rating that the "Pro Grade" (LT) series has in this tire, so I'd like to go with an LT tire, specifically the LT245/70R/17.

To make a long story short, stock of these is non-existent in Canada (backordered until next January was one quote I got), so I ordered them from TireRack and they are on the way.

Now I'm really worried they are not going to fit. The concern I have is the bolt that sticks out of the bottom of the upper ball joint - I'm sure there are many on the forum that know exactly what I'm talking about.

My questions are: Will the LT245/R70/17 fit without modifications? If not, what mods would be required? As mentioned, I've read references to "bolt cutting" - is this as simple as cutting off the bottom of the bolt that sticks out of the upper ball joint? Are there risks with this?

Advice from those who have practical experience with this problem specifically would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!
 
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#4 ·
I have 245/70r17 Duratracs. You don't need to modify or trim anything for them to fit. Mine don't rub at all, on or off road.
 
#7 ·
I had 245/70/17 Firestone Destinations on my Jeep for a LOOONNNGGG time. I, too, confirm that no mods are necessary with this tire size. I never once experienced rubbing at full lock, full articulation, anything. You should be perfect.
 
#9 ·
I know you didn't ask, but I found an old pic of the 245/70/17 desti's on the WK if this helps you see clearance.

 
#10 ·
ttusqrl said:
I know you didn't ask, but I found an old pic of the 245/70/17 desti's on the WK if this helps you see clearance. http://s20.photobucket.com/user/tylerlewis/media/Jeep/Destinations.jpg.html
Thanks, the photo is helpful. I also found a few of jjt250's photos from an earlier post that included a photo of the clearance between the tire and that infamous "bolt". I couldn't figure out how to copy the link here though.

The tires are supposed to arrive tomorrow, and will hopefully get installed next week. The advice I've received on the forum gives me some confidence that they'll go in no problem, but also that there's a chance they won't. We'll see soon enough!
 
#12 ·
RDRinCalgary said:
Thanks, the photo is helpful. I also found a few of jjt250's photos from an earlier post that included a photo of the clearance between the tire and that infamous "bolt". I couldn't figure out how to copy the link here though. The tires are supposed to arrive tomorrow, and will hopefully get installed next week. The advice I've received on the forum gives me some confidence that they'll go in no problem, but also that there's a chance they won't. We'll see soon enough!
All right, but it might have to be a "virtual" pint - don't get that far south too obtain!
 
#13 ·
Update: the new tires were installed this week and they fit well with no rubbing and no modifications. In fact, I would say they actually look better than the stock tires - fit the wheel wells out better.

So, another question I have: does anyone on the forum with experience of running LT tires on a WK have recommendations on tire pressure? The vehicle placard says 33 psi. I used to run the old P rated tires at 36 psi, on the recommendation of a tire shop. The new LTs are rated at max 80 psi. The tire tech said there isn't really a "correct" pressure, that it depends on use (primarily weight when towing, traction on snow or sand) and personal preference as to the firmness of ride. He set the initial pressures at 50 psi. I found this was ok for ride, but seemed to make the steering a little too responsive. I dropped them down to 40 psi today just to tru them, and found the steering a little more comparable to what I was used to with the Ps at 36 psi. Is this all there is too it?
 
#14 ·
I like 40-42 on LTs but that's just me.

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