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What Tires Size...??

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by MOSDIF589, Feb 9, 2020.

  1. Feb 9, 2020
    MOSDIF589

    MOSDIF589 New Member

    Atlanta, Ga.
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    Ok... Been stumped on my very first task in rebuilding my 1973 Jeep CJ-5 with 304v8... It is NOT a restoration but the plan was to keep it looking mostly stock...

    Could anyone with factory size width wheels and tires from stock to say 33” tall, post some pics of their 72-75 CJ-5’s and note what size tires you have and if you have any lift...

    I “Think” the look I want is a 33/10.50-15 on a factory steal rim but could go down to a 31/10.50-15... The issue is do I keep stock lift or 2.5”... If I realize that I need the 2.5” to get the look I want then I’m going to change the spring mounts for a softer ride... This is where I’m hung up so I can’t move forward with powder coating the frame..
     
  2. Feb 9, 2020
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    I run 33X10.50's on mine but I am lifted. I have bud with a 73 CJ and he run's 33X10.50's on his with some rubbing.. Mine are KM2's his are not that aggressive.
     
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  3. Feb 9, 2020
    MOSDIF589

    MOSDIF589 New Member

    Atlanta, Ga.
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    So I’m guessing a 2.5” lift...?
    Any pic available..?
     
  4. Feb 9, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Suggest you read old posts. This topic has been covered many times.

    Factory size is H78-15 on 6" wide wheels. 6" is too narrow for 33x10.50 tires according to BFG. I run this size on 7" wheels, which BFG lists as the minimum. Why do you think changing the spring mounts will make a softer ride?
     
  5. Feb 9, 2020
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    I had a 76 cj5 with 33x 10.50 on it and the factory suspension. It rubbed a lot. My 74 had 30x9.50 goodyear wranglers on 8 in. wheels on it for years, with the factory suspension it worked out great. If I were guessing I would say the 31x10.5 on stock factory wheels would be the max with a stock suspension, they might be ok on a grocery getter and they might rub a little if you plan on wheeling. Just my 2 cents worth.
     
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  6. Feb 9, 2020
    MOSDIF589

    MOSDIF589 New Member

    Atlanta, Ga.
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    1) I did search for pics and found few and far between but I’m probably not the most skilled searcher... So I’m still trying to get “Pictures” to compare the looks
    2) I’ve been reading tread after thread and gathering a lot of info... Basically read till I fall asleep.. Haha
    3) Thanks, I never knew the factory size.
    4) What I meant was by changing the mounts to allow the 76-86 CJ or maybe even YJ spring mounts.
     
  7. Feb 9, 2020
    MOSDIF589

    MOSDIF589 New Member

    Atlanta, Ga.
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    Yes, I’m just looking for pics.. I can’t decide if the 31” will give me the look or if I’ll need 33”...

    I’ve ran 33/10.50-15’s in the past... I love the skinny tires..
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2020
  8. Feb 9, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
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    In my opinion tire size should be proportional to gear ratio and engine horsepower.
     
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  9. Feb 9, 2020
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    X2,When I finish my rebuild I plan to install new tires. With a axle ratio of 3.73 I am thinking 30 to 31 in. tires should keep my engine RPM;s in the 2400 range at about 60 MPH. Just at the peak of torque rating. Should get the best mix of fuel economy and pulling power at that speed.
     
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  10. Feb 9, 2020
    sgogpn

    sgogpn From the top of Lions Back... 2022 Sponsor

    Glendale, AZ.
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    Here's my 75 on IMO. 32x11.50x15 BFG's on 8" wheels, stock springs. GREENIMO2.jpg

    FWIW,
    Mike
     
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  11. Feb 10, 2020
    Raven74CJ5

    Raven74CJ5 New Member

    san diego,...
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    My avatar pic has my 74 with 31x10.5 15 on an 8in rim with the stock 10pk leaf springs. I have recently switched out to a 32x11.5 15 on the same rims and same springs but have a small problem with rubbing on the inside of the drivers front tire.
     
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  12. Feb 10, 2020
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    I run a 74 with 235/85/16 on stock skinny steel willys rims and a 76 with 31 10,50 15 on factory steely wheels both run 2 inch bds springs. The 74 they are like a 32 9.50.
     
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  13. Feb 10, 2020
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
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    I have some recent pictures with 33x10.50s on a YJ spring under 3-3.5" lift in this thread: Yj Spring Conversion

    I ran the same tires with a BDS 2.5" lift and it looks like it sits (as you can imagine) 1" taller now.
     
  14. Feb 10, 2020
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    I did a 2.5" BDS lift originally. Then a year or so ago I swapped in OME Yj springs, and a RRE bracket kit. I believe I am right at 3" or so now. I also opened up the front with fenders from MCE.

    [​IMG]
     
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  15. Feb 10, 2020
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    [​IMG]
    Here it is with the 235/85/16 bds two inch settled in for years.
     
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  16. Feb 11, 2020
    MOSDIF589

    MOSDIF589 New Member

    Atlanta, Ga.
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    There is always a driving force for any modification. It may be a certain lift you want, then you fit the proper size tire, gear ratio, etc.. In this case my driving force is a certain LOOK... So once I figure out the LOOK, that will tell me the tire size, once I have the tire size then I can confirm the lift or non-lift needed for figment, gears, etc..

    What I know I’ll be running...

    1) 304 v8
    2) 3 spd
    3a) 31/10.50-15 on stock springs
    3b) 33/10.50-15 on 2.5” lift
    4) Planning 4:30 gears but that may be adjusted.
     
  17. Feb 11, 2020
    MOSDIF589

    MOSDIF589 New Member

    Atlanta, Ga.
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    I agree with the gear ratio... I was planning on 4:30 gears with 33’s but been thinking maybe just 31” tires so the 3:73 gears would be better...
     
  18. Feb 11, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    It's an early not an intermediate, but this is 31/10.5x15 tires with a 2.5" lift. I dislike the wagon wheels, but they were on the Jeep when I got it. The wheel offset is the same as stock though.

    In my opinion, the 31s look a tad small with the 2.5" lift. I think a 1" lift would be about perfect.

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Feb 11, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    The other Jeep has 32/10.50x15 on a 2.5" lift and I think it looks better. Although the flares obscure the wheel-well gap. These wheels are offset an inch further to the outside and would be sticking out without the flares.

    [​IMG]
     
  20. Feb 11, 2020
    shadetreetim

    shadetreetim Member 2022 Sponsor

    Riverside, Ca -...
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    I'm running 31/10.5R15 on stock wheels and 1" lift shackles. As seen in the top picture, at full articulation there is some rubbing on inner fenderwells. Since these pics I've installed 1" wheel spacers (mainly because of new front disc calipers rubbing rim) but it should help with tires rubbing fenderwells too.
     
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