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Tire Size

BOWSPENCE

Basic User
City
SANTA ROSA BEACH
State
FL
WIL 32/11.50/15 TIRES FIT MY 1981 SCRAMBLER LAREDO WITH OUT A LIFT KIT AND FUNCTION WELL?

THANKS, SPENCE IN THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE:cool:

1981 SCRAMBLER LAREDO
 
Hi Spence,

No. 31" x 10.5" tires will fit, but you'll typically need longer shackles to even make this size work. For 32" x 11.5" tires, you'd probably need a 2-2.5" lift at a minimum.

Craig
 
I don't agree. I've run 31x10.5's stock and had them rub (blown front springs and too much backspacing), and I've run 33x9.5's and had them stuff right up.
If you're not going to wheel with them, the 32s will be fine. If you want to wheel, you're going to eat those fenders until you put some lift on it.
 
n9viw said:
I don't agree. I've run 31x10.5's stock and had them rub (blown front springs and too much backspacing), and I've run 33x9.5's and had them stuff right up..

He's looking to run 32" x 11.5" tires, though. Not just taller, but wider. If 31" x 10.5" tires rub using stock springs, it stands to reason that taller AND wider tires will rub more, at a minimum. It'll also depend on how much his stock (20-25 year old) springs have sagged, as well.

With his Scrambler being an '81, assuming Spence is still running narrow-track axles, I'm not sure what kind of clearance he'll have with that wide of a tire, either (especially with turning in the front).

BTW, I'm all about going with a minimal amount of lift, too. My Scrambler will be running a 2-2.5" suspension lift, 1" BL, and 34" x 9.5" tires.

Craig
 
Last edited:
a related question

I just bought a 1982 cj8 and am restoring it for use as a Sunday driver on pavement. I am currently running 33 12.50 AT tires on 10 inch aluminum wheels (3.5 to 4 inch backspacing) and have a 4 inch suspension lift. The jeep handles fine, no rubbing, etc. I like the look and size of the 33 inch tires. I also like the stance (width) offered by the 10 inch wheels. But I am not happy with the tires sitting 2.5 to 3 inches outside of my stock fender flares. My goal is to have sporty AT tires that sit close to flush with the stock flares. Is the only solution to my problem simply to replace the 10 inch wheels with 8 inch assuming the 8 inch wheels have approximately the same backspacing?

If so, if anyone is currently running 33s on 8s and you will share some pics with me I would appreciate it. I would like to have proof of the look that I want in the Jeep before I invest $700 to $800 in new 8 inch wheels.

Thanks!
 
Big Daddy,
I have 33 X 12.50 tires (Super Swamper TSLs), 8 inch wide wheels, and 3.5 backspacing. The tires still stick out 2.5 inches beyond the stock fender flares. I think spending all that money on narrow wheels would not gain you very much. You might consider narrower tires or get wider flares.
Jeff
 
Try going to a 16" x8 rim with a 285 75 16 tire and your tires will be inside the flare and be 33" tall without rubbing. 16 " wheels have a deeper backspace than 15 thus the "tucked" look. You can run a 15 x8 with 33x10.5's but they will still run outside the flare by about 1/2 to 1 inch depending on BS.
 
scrangler said:
Try going to a 16" x8 rim with a 285 75 16 tire and your tires will be inside the flare and be 33" tall without rubbing. 16 " wheels have a deeper backspace than 15 thus the "tucked" look. You can run a 15 x8 with 33x10.5's but they will still run outside the flare by about 1/2 to 1 inch depending on BS.

Keep in mind that "street" tires, (ie. 285/75/16) are not flotation type tires and in some situations are less desirable off-road (on lightweight vehicles such as Jeeps). If you drive primarily on the street and have limited/easy trail off-road use, you would be fine.

This oughta get the thread perked up a bit.

Paul
 
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