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Wheel clearance for xj

4K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  matthewsalonis 
#1 ·
Would I be able to maneuver unobstructed in a stock height xj if I use 31x10.5 wheels?
 
#4 ·
Sure, if you never turn or flex the suspension, or you cut the crap out of your fenders. A 10.5" rim is too wide for a stocker.

What year XJ? Daily driver? Stick or auto? Do you plan on wheeling it? Better off spending your money on a quality lift, tires, and wheels that are close to stock offset/backspacing. A 2" lift on a stock wheel and a 30" tire is a good fit. For a 31" tire, on a stock wheel a minimum 3" lift is needed. You will get some tire rub on the lower control arms when making tight turns. When you go above 3" you need to start spending a lot more money on suspension and drive line components.

OME makes excellent 2" and 3" lifts for the XJ.

My recommendations would be 30" tires, 2" lift, full coils and leaf packs, and shocks (not coil spacers or add-a-leafs). Also, at a minimum, a gas tank skid plate. You'll have a nice driver and nice wheeler.

When wheeling it's more about "finesse" versus mashing the go pedal and dumping the clutch to get through or over a problem. Know your XJ's limits, even a stock one with appropriate tires will take you a lot of places.
Have fun!
 
#5 ·
Thanks for your reply. I ended up buying a 3" lift from rough country. The lift included an add-a-leaf and lifted coils. I bought the 31x10.5" tires from a private seller in excellent condition, pretty much never used. In order to navigate unobstructed I needed to purchase 2" wheel spacers and trim the fender. After that I installed nerf side rails, an extra set of speakers to the ceiling behind the driver and passenger, a rearview camera, 2-4" LEDs on the front bumper, LED running lights with new headlights, and I'm currently installing a new bumper and tire swing from smittybilt. The jeep looks really sharp. Instead of off roading it I may try to sell it.
 
#6 ·
What size wheel are using? 15x10? What's the backspacing on the rim? Running 2" spacers? That's going to put a lot of stress on the hubs and bearings. I know it's your XJ, just letting you know I think your money would be better spent elsewhere.

I run two different sets of 31x10.5 tires on stock Jeep ECCO wheels (15"x8" wide measured across the width of rim) BFG T/As for the street and Durango M/Ts when wheeling.

You don't have too trim, cut, or hack up the fenders. Besides it will be worth more if you don't.

My 2 cents.
 
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