BJ74 Tire Rubbing

[Glenn-BJ74]

I have searched the board and found inconclusive information on the following question. I have also tried to contact a BJ70/71 owner, who has this tire/wheel combination.

Would a 33" tire (e.g. 33 X12.5/15 TuXus) mounted on a 15 X 8 wheel with 3.75" back spacing (e.g. Pro Comp Rockcrawler rim) rub when turning or when the axles are flexed on an stock (unlifted) BJ74.

Opinions please - before laying out the $$ and getting problems latter.

Thanks in advance

 

[roscoFJ73]

I dont think you will have much room but Ive never run that size tyre
You may want to ask this owner.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=81647

 

[crushers]

talk to Micheal (tlcruiserman) he is running 35s on his unit

 

[Behemoth60]

Would a 33" tire (e.g. 33 X12.5/15 TuXus) mounted on a 15 X 8 wheel with 3.75" back spacing (e.g. Pro Comp Rockcrawler rim) rub when turning or when the axles are flexed on an stock (unlifted) BJ74.

Opinions please - before laying out the $$ and getting problems latter.

I ran 33"s on my BJ74 before I put real tires on it. Wheeled it fairly hard on 33's too. There's a small amount of rubbing, specifically the front tires on the bottom rear corners of the front wheel wells. I'ld do it again if I thought 33" tires were adequate for any kind of wheeling. You can ven fit 35's on a 70 with only 2.5" lift and likewise minimal rubbing. And 38's fit with similar minimal rubbing with a S/O on flat springs.

Peter Straub

 

[lowenbrau]

There is a theme in the replies here. Most guys feel that some rubbing is acceptable when they say a tire size 'fits' I agree. If you want to avoid rubbing altogether, you might have trouble with anything larger that 31-10.5x15s

I'm currently repairing the fenders on a BJ74 that 'fit' 35s. As time (and the fenders) wore on the tires fit better and better.

 

[crushers]

LOL!!
so that is what that sound was...
dropping the bump stops will help with eliminating the rubbing.

 

[lowenbrau]

Yep, get some nice soft 8" bump stops and you could likely run 35's on a stock suspension.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

I can live with a little bit of tire rubbing, so the 33's should "fit" the unlifted BJ74.

Next issue. Apart from the advantages of improved offroad clearance what are cons of 35's over 33's, regarding Mileage, Axle Durability, Streetability as as DD, etc. Would I get poorer city mileage and maybe better highway mileage? In most cases, I need to drive a considerable distance before going off-road.

I hear from owners with the Old Man Emu lift kit, these springs provide a superior ride and better off-road performance (I would guess better axle articulation?).

 

[crushers]

the 35s will drink fuel.
also in my judgement (and not all will agree) 35s is about as big as you want to go on a stock axle setup for reliability.
the 33 skinny is probably the best for both on road and off road. the 35 fats look cool though...
cheers

 

[Tapage]

the 35s will drink fuel.
also in my judgement (and not all will agree) 35s is about as big as you want to go on a stock axle setup for reliability.
the 33 skinny is probably the best for both on road and off road. the 35 fats look cool though...
cheers

I'm with Wayne .. so to run 35" ( so cool ) chanche to 4.56 R&P or 4.88 if you don't wheel much in highway ..

 

[Behemoth60]

the 35s will drink fuel.
also in my judgement (and not all will agree) 35s is about as big as you want to go on a stock axle setup for reliability.

I've reliably broken parts on stock axle set-up with 33's. If reliability is your concern, then stock tires on stock axles are pretty reliable. But boring.

As for gearing... Peter's quick reference guid for gear/tire choice.

For a naturally asphyxiated diesels or heavy rock/slick-rock action
up to 31's... 4.11.
33's. 4.56's
35's.. 4.88
38's.. 5.29 Full Floater rear and Get a turbo, dummy.
40+ dood... don't bother

For turbo'd diesels
up to 31's... 3.7 or 4.11.
33's. 4.11's
35's.. 4.56
38's.. 4.88 Full Float rear
40+ 5.29, and crank it up!

Disadvantages of 35's? huh? I don't understand the question.

Peter Straub