Running 37-inch Tires?

[ShottsUZJ100]

Current set-up: 1993, 850/863 springs with 20mm trim packers all around, L-shocks, rear stops lowered 2-inches, caster correction kit (etc), 35-inch tires, and no added bumpers or accessories. With this setup I've confirmed I am 4-inches above stock (because I have no added weight). I have no steering or alignment issues. Just got an allignment and all is OK. This is a designated trail rig and RARELY is driven on the street (except to and from nearby trails). In fact, I plan on removing my sway bars ASAP.

My question: What would I need to do in order to trail run 37's? I'm not into investing for control arms, etc., etc. Would a swap to J-springs and maybe 10mm packers all around make it work? I know I'd need to realign. I know things might be a bit to the non-ideal side this way, though keep in mind this rig is only used on 3.5 and up trails.

THANKS! John

 

[mabrodis]

I think it depends on how much you want to rub. Kumar has J springs, plus 1" spacers in the front and that IMO is the absolute minimum to run 37's. He has done some very good cutting behind his front tires (cut the metal folded it away, then cut under it, then folded it back), looks pretty slick. In the rear I know he cut the plastic flare and metal lip a bit (I still have pieces of it all over my garage that's how I know), but not a terribly lot. His rear tires will rub if you tweak them hard, but the setup works surprisingly well. Interesting in the rear he isn't rubbing up on the inside, with his 1" wheel spacers the part rubbing is more of the metal lip on the fender, but it's not a really bad rub where it'd chunk the tires or anything. Them 37's are BIG however, and heavy!

Brad (bradass80 on here) has 37" MTRs, with probably a 10" lift, his vehicle is HUGE, tires are nowhere near the body, so you could go that approach.. Shawn Jackson also has 37's on his, and his vehicle is UP, atleast a 6" lift + 3" body lift, etc...

Good Luck...

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Hmmmmm. Well, with the 100 being my money pit I really don't want to soak $$$z in the 80. So body lifts, and custom lifts not gonna happen. Now Kumar's way might work for me? I can handle the cutting and stuff. I'd just have to find the wheel spacers. Do you know if Kumar's truck drives OK with no vibration or steering troubles?

 

[lowtideride]

Ale is also running 37s on his 80.

 

[Safado]

I've got 37's and about a 7 inch total lift. Bump stops are adjusted and they don't rub. IMO stick with 35s. They're cheaper and a lot easier to find in remote wheeling locations.

 

[ginericLC]

I've been considering 37s too. However, I'm beginning to think about it less seriously. 37s add even more increase in rotating mass. Rotating mass or a mass that isn't rotating like it is supposed to be is what breaks stuff. I'm not looking at 36s which aren't much smaller, but an easier fit. Also, I think it is important that as you extend up 35" and higher that you also widen your stance. You don't want a tippy 80.

 

[Junk]

Shotts, how about reading some of the other countless posts on this topic? This has been covered a lot of times.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Did a search but didn't see much. I was going to look again. Don't think it'll really gain me much in making the change. J

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Thanks all. But I'm out of this idea (again). Like my buddies said before and like I read today. Unless you spend a boatload of dough, there are too many compromises in running 37's. (Less flex, top heavy, etc.) I was just dreaming. J

 

[bjowett]

A narrow 36" is the way to go... drop the bumps 2", extend the shock mounts to gain the travel back in droop.... have fun! IMO, much of the "required" parts to run a 35"+ is fluff.

 

[actionjackson]

Less flex? Brad and I stll have awesome flex with 37's. If you stay low like Kumar you won't be too top heavy either. His truck looks great! Brad and I are planning on getting 40's next year and going wider to compensate. It's good to see more 80 dudes on 37's. Let's show them jeepers up

Shawn Jackson
http://www.actionjackson.com/cruiser
94 FJ80 Beefed up

 

[Bradass80]

I also run 1.5" wheel spacers and in the next year or so i plan to turn my 8" wide wheels into bead locks for another 1" wider stance, i will be doing alot of traveling this winter now that the lakes are frozen, and it handles really well on long drives, Brad.

 

[G-Cat]

Well, I'd get rid of the 20mm trim packers, sell the tires and get some 285 BFGs, have or adopt 3 little kids, and drive around the country on interstate highways stopping every 30-45 minutes for potty breaks. I mean, that's what I did/do, and I have no issues with vibration, rubbing, flex etc.!!

 

[mabrodis]

John, I don't know if there is alot of $$$ involved in going to 37's, since you can't buy alot of the parts you need IMO. Just some fab work and cutting. Kumar's does ride really nice, smooth, quiet, it's amazing how it rides with those tires. I definetly think you'd want to slow down a bit when driving in any setup with 37's, that is alot of rotating mass. Still, the 37's definetly look good in the wheelwell, infact after seeing Kumar's, my wheel wells look empty..

 

[reffug]

Less flex? Brad and I stll have awesome flex with 37's. If you stay low like Kumar you won't be too top heavy either. His truck looks great! Brad and I are planning on getting 40's next year and going wider to compensate. It's good to see more 80 dudes on 37's. Let's show them jeepers up
Shawn Jackson
http://www.actionjackson.com/cruiser
94 FJ80 Beefed up

I gotta say that is some impressive FLEX.......

 

[Waggoner5]

Well, I'd get rid of the 20mm trim packers, sell the tires and get some 285 BFGs, have or adopt 3 little kids, and drive around the country on interstate highways stopping every 30-45 minutes for potty breaks. I mean, that's what I did/do, and I have no issues with vibration, rubbing, flex etc.!!

That special training OP that you went through made more of an impact on you than you think.......Where's Garth?