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Tire size, backspacing?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Grumpy_one, Jun 6, 2010.

  1. Jun 6, 2010
    Grumpy_one

    Grumpy_one New Member

    Happy Valley
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    I'm going with Scout II width (about 58.5" wms) front and rear (D44 swap). I want to go with some fat tires, 35x15.5x15, what will be my best backspacing for picking out my rims?
     
    Grumpy_one, Jun 6, 2010
    #1
  2. Jun 6, 2010
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Depends on how far you want them to stick out and what width wheel you are going with.
     
    nickmil, Jun 6, 2010
    #2
  3. Jun 7, 2010
    Grumpy_one

    Grumpy_one New Member

    Happy Valley
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    At this point, I'm trying to find out what kind of problems I'll run into running 35x15.5x15 (besides sticking out). I found some TSL/SX kinda cheap (1/3 the price of new) with barely any use. Lots of tread past the wear bars. Looks like they've been sitting around a while. Came with 8 lug steelies (which I'll be getting rid of). What kind of backspacing can I get away with, with 58" wms?
     
    Grumpy_one, Jun 7, 2010
    #3
  4. Jun 9, 2010
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    Again, it depends on how much stick-out beyond the body you can live with.

    Will this rig be driving on roads? What are your local/state laws regarding tire stick out?
    For example, in PA, no tread is permitted to stick out beyond the body (or fender flare).

    It really shouldn't be hard to calculate exactly how far your tire will stick out for any given backspacing. You know your WMS, and your body width (or under-flare width). For your chosen wheel, subtract the back space from the wheel width, that will give you the wheel stick out on each side beyond the WMS. then you have to figure the mounted carcass width of the tire...
     
    lynn, Jun 9, 2010
    #4
  5. Jun 9, 2010
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Well, you've seen what the '6 looks like with Scout 2 width axles, 36"x12.50"x 15" on 8" wide wheels with 2 3/4" back spacing. Normal backspacing for that size wheel would be 3 3/4" so the tires would pull closer to the body about 1" on each side.
     
    nickmil, Jun 9, 2010
    #5
  6. Jun 9, 2010
    Grumpy_one

    Grumpy_one New Member

    Happy Valley
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    I am mostly concerned about wheels hitting the springs on a full turn. It will not be a daily driver, but will see some road use. Summer time (if we ever get one!).
     
    Grumpy_one, Jun 9, 2010
    #6
  7. Jun 9, 2010
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Well, you're going to have to outboard the springs for one which will bring the springs farther out, about the same width as a Scout 2. I'd recommend you check out Binderbulletin or one of the Scout forums and ask these questions. Someone over there probably has run that width of a tire on that width of an axle.

    Again, it depends on the backspacing and width of the wheels you use whether they will hit the springs or not. Also how much turning capability your steering system has.
     
    nickmil, Jun 9, 2010
    #7
  8. Jun 10, 2010
    Grumpy_one

    Grumpy_one New Member

    Happy Valley
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    Or can I move the perchs?
     
    Grumpy_one, Jun 10, 2010
    #8
  9. Jun 11, 2010
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Not if you want the axle centered under the vehicle. The pumpkin is in the way on the passenger side.
     
    nickmil, Jun 11, 2010
    #9
  10. Jun 12, 2010
    Grumpy_one

    Grumpy_one New Member

    Happy Valley
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    I thought we had this discussion and figured I wouldn't have to outboard my springs....maybe I've had too many discussions and can't keep them straight. I'm using a Chev front end (shortened to Scout width).

    edit: I'll give you a call or stop by today on the way home
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2010
    Grumpy_one, Jun 12, 2010
    #10
  11. Jun 13, 2010
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Yup, we had this discussion. The reason I can get away with it on the '6 is because it has a Scout Terra frame which is wider than a CJ. The CJ frame is narrower therefore the the springs have to "outboarded" to accomodate the wider axle.
    I was driving a float in the Rose Festival Parade today but I will be home pretty much all day tomorrow (Sunday).
     
    nickmil, Jun 13, 2010
    #11
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