35's on 3" Black Diamond Lift?

Hi folks,

I have the opportunity to pick up a brand new set of 35x12.50R15 Pro-Comps on M/T wheels for an unreal price.
1. I've done measurements on my '5 and it APPEARS they'll fit.
2. The wheels have "the most offset available from M/T", per the seller (so that'll help me as well).
3. The CJ will not be 'wheeled, it's a street ride only.

What is the rule of thumb for minimum clearance between the fenders and the tires? 1"? 1.5"? Other?

I attached two pictures of the actual wheels and tires for reference.
They're a real handsome package with street written all over them.

Thanks for any and all input.
MUCH appreciated.

 

I hear you but I've been thinking about getting away from the VERY tall and narrow look it has right now.
I have 33x9.5's on original Renegade slots.
This makes for a VERY narrow/tall profile.

The added width would give it a wider/more aggressive look and more stable feel on turns.

 

That's why I built it the way it is a year ago....I'm a sucker for old school.
Believe me.....I'd keep the Renegades. I searched long and hard to find 'em!
Just toying with a change.....that could EASILY be removed and put back to the Renegade look.
Heck, for what I'd be getting the new wheels/tires for I could EASILY re-sell them if I didn't like 'em.

Thanks for the input!!

 

- you could always trim some sheet metal and add TJ flares

- flat fender in the front

- maybe add a shackle lift to get 1-1.5"

-think about gears though.... going to a 35" tire is a big step, plus the stock axles wont like much over a 33" tire

jsut my $.02

 

hehehehehe guess you wont be a fan of cutting/4 link huh R)

 

First, nice rig, your cj5 is sweet!

If you want 35’s, then I say go for them. The best thing about jeeps – making them the way you want. to each his own. Express yourself the way you want! Here are a few of my “opinions”… maybe they will help, maybe not.

I’ve had everything from 29’s to 35’s on my CJs. I had 35’s on a CJ7. I was much younger then and the idea of needing a step ladder to get in the rig was fun. I did have some tire rub on the springs when turning to full lock – easy fix as a youngster, don’t turn the wheel that far. I’m a little more particular now.

Now… I want tire to frame/body clearance, stability, good tracking and braking, all the safety stuff. (I know, why have an ECJ5 then!) On my ECJ5, I recently took my 33x 12.5’s off and went down to a 31x10.5. I also swapped out the axles to late model (82’-86’ CJ7) wide track axles. Easy swap to make, got disc brakes too. The rig has a total of 3” lift in the springs. Net effective change = .5” lower and 2” wider total track width than the set up with the 33x12.5’s. Less wheel mass to move, theoretically will yield better mileage (dependent on gearing) and better braking.

Back on the CJ7, I didn’t notice a whole big difference in “stability" in cornering between a 31x10.50 and the 35x12.50. In fact, going down in size I think made it more stable (even though I lost some track width). The one thing that drove me nuts with the 35’s is the rig didn’t fit in my garage. I had an older garage at the time. Make sure your will fit if you intend on garaging it ever.

I can see your logic in going from the 33x9.5 to a 35x12.5. But consider this, your net effective change in height will be 1 inch taller (an inch on the top of the tire and an inch on the bottom…) and total track width will increase by 3 inches (depending on rim specs too). Does the fact that you will raise the center of gravity cancel out any track width increase? Not sure, but maybe something to consider.

An alternative would be, stick with the 33’s and if track width is what you’re after, maybe wheel spacers would help – there are several on the market – but I’ve never used them. Or find yourself a wide track axle set up. If you like the looks of the 35’s then buy them. I know I loved mine when I had them. Again to each his own.

One last observation, if you do put those 35’s on, consider upgrading your brakes (if not done already). A set of discs in the front will go a long ways to helping stop those meats.

Again – just my opinions…

I wished I lived closer to you; I might make you an offer for those 33’s and take them off your hands when you buy the 35’s.

If you get the 35’s, post a photo when they’re on the rig.

 

if it makes you feel better i stil have my original fenders. they are safe from all the rocks and trees in the PNW

 

Thanks for the thorough response!

Trust me, I did the BIG disc and 11" drum swap first thing after I lifted it.
This little rig stops HARD! I'd feel confident stopping 40" tires. R)

I definitely toyed with the spacer idea but that'd be $200+ alone. Whereas that money would put a good dent in the price of the 35-inchers.

I kinda figured the heavy offset wheels on the 35's would give approx. the same width increase as the wide-track axles.
I can't afford to buy/regear a set of wide tracks right now and my axles are plenty healthy. I'm thinking my CJ MAY have 55,000 original miles on it.

You folks have NO idea how much I appreciate all this input.
I BET the seller would let me test fit the tire/wheel package.
He's a member of the local Jeep group and seems like a real straight-shooter.

I can't WAIT to check 'em out.
They're about 40 miles away from here.

 

hey if you test fit and dont get them... still get pics. i'd like to see the 35's on your CJ :twisted:

 

So in 2 hours we should see some pics of your Jeep on 35s right?

 

from the posts in this thread... thats what i gather :twisted:

 

Will that little 4 banger even turn those tires Time for that engine swap?

Personally, I like they way it looks now.

Jim

 

I say go for it. I have never really considered track width before I don't think 35s will make it to tall an unstable. You might want to think about wheel spacers for the front though. 35s and narrow track will probly rub a lot fully turned. and you can get them for under 100 off ebay. When I get some money its going to be 34x9 skinny swampers or some Qs. Can't wait so see some pics with 35s under yours.

 

4-banger turns my 35's just fine by the way
35's would look awesome on your rig... and you'll enjoy the new look and extra lift

 

It has always surprised me that little F-head kept those "big" 33's turning but it always does!
Not very fast, mind you....but it moves along nicely! R)

As Jim said, it's time for the driveline swap.
I've got the 225/tranny/t-case on the engine hoist in the garage but I can't bring myself to take the CJ out of service long enough to do it!
I LOVE driving it and the F-Head runs like a sewing machine.

BUT upon mentioning a wheel/tire swap my better half DID say, "won't you need more power? When are you putting the bigger engine in?".
Yep fellas, she drives it quite often and LOVES it. R)

I'd have those 35's mounted right now but hooking up with the seller isn't easy with my goofy work schedule.
HOPEFULLY I'll have pics and more info by the weekend!

Thanks again!
Bill

 

I took a look at the wheels/tires in person.
Incredible. ZERO miles on 'em.
They look positively HUGE.

I'll let you all know what happens.